Posted March 26, 2009
I was a fool. I remember when this game came out. I picked it off the shelf, looked at it, read the back and put it back down, unmoved to purchase it. Oh how I was a fool. It was me and you, yes you, the one who didn’t think this looked as good as that gaudy FPS or uninspired RTS that contributed to this game’s disappointing commercial success (or lack thereof) and we should be ashamed.
I purchased this game years later after finding it in a bargain bucket and having heard good things about it retrospectively. I installed the game and my eyes were opened to a rich detailed world full of character the likes of which you see rarely in contemporary games. Even today the game stands up visually. The strength of the art direction lends this game a beauty that wont fade even when technology has moved beyond the game's aged texturing and water effects. The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. It will challenge you where it needs to but you are unlikely to ever be frustrated by the game and with a good variety in level design with hovercraft races and rooftop chases alongside the exploration and platforming you are unlikely to be bored either.
The story is emotionally charged and told with skill. Unlike many, many games I have played I really cared about the characters in this one and watching them interact was a joy. And yes, the pig made me cry too.
Obviously the game is not perfect, nothing is after all (it’s damn well close though). The port from console to PC is a little lazy and the controls and interface will likely annoy you to begin with. They are far from game breaking and you will likely adapt to them quick enough but a bit more time and thought from Ubisoft would have been nice. The camera (that scourge of third person adventure games) is awkward to work with sometimes but for the most part functions well.
The game was also intended to be the first part in a trilogy but thanks to the gaming communities regrettable foolishness (I have learnt my lesson at least) a sequel has been slow in coming. This means there are many unanswered questions by the end of the game which is always frustrating especially when, as I did, you get so involved and swept up in the story.
This game belongs on every discerning GOG customer’s virtual shelf. It is indeed a fine game. Let’s just hope the upcoming sequel does its forebear justice.
I purchased this game years later after finding it in a bargain bucket and having heard good things about it retrospectively. I installed the game and my eyes were opened to a rich detailed world full of character the likes of which you see rarely in contemporary games. Even today the game stands up visually. The strength of the art direction lends this game a beauty that wont fade even when technology has moved beyond the game's aged texturing and water effects. The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. It will challenge you where it needs to but you are unlikely to ever be frustrated by the game and with a good variety in level design with hovercraft races and rooftop chases alongside the exploration and platforming you are unlikely to be bored either.
The story is emotionally charged and told with skill. Unlike many, many games I have played I really cared about the characters in this one and watching them interact was a joy. And yes, the pig made me cry too.
Obviously the game is not perfect, nothing is after all (it’s damn well close though). The port from console to PC is a little lazy and the controls and interface will likely annoy you to begin with. They are far from game breaking and you will likely adapt to them quick enough but a bit more time and thought from Ubisoft would have been nice. The camera (that scourge of third person adventure games) is awkward to work with sometimes but for the most part functions well.
The game was also intended to be the first part in a trilogy but thanks to the gaming communities regrettable foolishness (I have learnt my lesson at least) a sequel has been slow in coming. This means there are many unanswered questions by the end of the game which is always frustrating especially when, as I did, you get so involved and swept up in the story.
This game belongs on every discerning GOG customer’s virtual shelf. It is indeed a fine game. Let’s just hope the upcoming sequel does its forebear justice.