When I first heard of this game, I nearly creamed my pants. The only thing preventing me from requiring a new pair of underwear was the fact that I didn't own a machine that could run this game. I had a REALLY old laptop, but that was it. Once I got this computer I'm currently on, among the first games I bought for it was this one. I want to start off by saying that I absolutely loved The Witcher Saga. It's the reason I even purchased this game. Now, onto the game itself. The game gave me mixed feelings. I was at first disappointed by the combat, assuming it would be more technical, and would have more free range (as in you have to actual aim your weapon). I was a little upset about it, but then I got a hang of the combat system, and it wasn't so bad. The sword wasn't all that fun, but not bad. You often at times have to use alchemy to defeat your opponents, weak enemies aside (drowners). You learn about the monsters you will have to face through books, and the accounts of others who have faced them. It really gives you a sense of how a witcher prepares for a fight. He must learn about his enemy to survive and complete the contract. This felt synchronized with what the author of the books was trying to address in the books. Preparation is the most important part of a witcher's work. The spell, and sword system left me disappointed. The separate styles and such was a fantastic touch, but it just wasn't what I had expected. I could simply click away with most monsters and win. The attacking while the sword icon is flaming was interesting, but you get into the groove of things, and it is no longer challenging. Click, click, click. The sounds were just top notch. The music was really enjoyable. It really helps to immerse the player in this world. The voice acting was good, though some of the voices weren't all that appealing, and they did reuse the same voice actors quite often. However, it didn't disappoint in this respect. The story delivered the Witcher experience I craved. Though not as good as reading a book, it was nonetheless good. Despite the fact that this game delivered in most respects, I couldn't enjoy the combat. It was very dull to me, and I was never excited. It could even be a little frustrating at times. I can get a great story from a book, I can get great voice acting from an animated show, but when I play a game I want good game play. That comes above all else in a game. So long as the story isn't complete a complete work of a dullard, I will enjoy it. The game play isn't "bad". That much is readily apparent by how well this game has been received by the gaming community, and I hope it encourages others to read the novels that I love so dearly. However, it just wasn't meant for me. This is my fault. I would have benefited greatly from watching some game play on Youtube or something. Get it if you demand excellent story and music from a game. However, if you want a hack 'n slash like Fable, or a more technical and free ranged sword play like TES, then maybe you ought to look else where. To all that get it, I hope you read the books. They are wonderful.
When I saw XIII on sale, I had to get it. I knew that David Duchovny lent his voice for the main character, and that it's visuals were unlike most games. I got it on sale for $2.99. However, I was still left with the feeling like my money could have gone towards Blood, or even one of the Unreal Tournament games which were all on sale at the time I got this. Why? Plenty of reasons. First off, the game play isn't all that great. I felt like I was playing an unfinished James Bond game. The selection of weapons was pretty limited. The only time I got excited about using some guns was when I got the Hunting Shotgun, and the Mini Uzi. Of course, the Hunting Shotgun turned out to be just like the regular shotgun you get earlier in the game, just a different skin and less ammo capacity. The level design is pretty standard. I wouldn't say they are good, and I won't say they are bad. Some parts are nice, but that kind of quality isn't consistent throughout the game. Really conventional level design. I bet you could think of 5 types of levels that this game pushes out. I remember thinking to myself, "How many times have I seen a level JUST like this in older shooters?." Not enough times, apparently. Don't think you'll be wow'd. The voice acting isn't too bad. In fact, I would say it was good. However, it seems like Mr. Duchovny wasn't in it enough. He spits out one line every once in awhile throughout the game, and only actually speaks in more than one sentence after you're at the half way point, which is still very little. Adam West was nice, but the Mongoose guy, bleh. It's hit and miss, but mostly on the good side. The story is standard as can be. Conspiracy, danger, intrigue, yada yada. Just like the level design, it's only so-so. Now, on to the things that stand out in this game. The music in this game is pretty beast. Do you like retro sounding music? It's pretty retro. It all sounds like the music you would find in a spy movie from the 70s, or even a car chase movie from the 70s. I really enjoyed the whole rustic feel of it. This has been said so many times that I felt like saving it for last because you've probably already read this in other reviews. The graphics are pretty sweet. As a cartoon and comic book fan, the graphics really tickle me in that special way. When you toss grenades, a "Boom" visual will pop up. You can see the "tap, tap, tap" effect has people walk on the other side of the wall. It's all pretty nifty. However, it doesn't redeem the game. All in all, I'd say it was worth the $2.99. I didn't finish it because of this annoying stealth level on a submarine, but it had it's moments. The visuals are nice, the music is nice. If they added a bigger arsenal, and better game play, it would easily be a 4. However, it isn't. The game play is bad, the story is so so. The game play is the largest fault of this game. So, if you're the type of person to play a game because they can appreciate pretty visuals, get it. However, stray away if you are looking for clever design, and thrilling game play. You might find yourself falling asleep on your keyboard.
One of the main things about adventure games some developers seem to forget is atmosphere. The feeling you are going to discover great and fun things within a game, but can't figure out what. This game provides such a feeling. When you first start out, the game just throws you into it. Pretty basic beginning: Amnesia, check. Lost relative, check. A myriad of mythical items said to possess the power to grant someone godlike abilities, check. I've seen stuff like this before in a game, but that's not a bad thing. See, the developer lays it all out for you when he says it's a throwback to when he was a child. It contains a lot of the old style of game play you can find in old school platformer/adventure games. It also lacks a tutorial. "Here, kid, here's a fucking map, go do something." Then you're on your own. It won't ease you into it. As you roam the landscape after receiving your first map, you see lots of things that puzzle you. Weird glowing blobs suspended in the air. Little gray fans buzzing about in the air as well. Gives it a little mystery. At first I just assumed it was there as part of the environment, but it all comes to light later in the game. That's what I enjoyed about this game. You're solely responsible for figuring it all out. The game isn't going to constantly remind you which button to press for whatever function. It won't give you an ass load of tips on how to beat the game. And it had some pretty old, yet hard, boss fight game play. The landscape of the game is simple, but still nice to look at. The land was torn apart by a demon into a bunch of little islands. You see some comets dipping in and out of the sky (or at least what I assume are comets), you see oddly shaped lands in the background, and the level design is decent. Which brings me to the beginning of the bad. The level design can be pretty fun, but can also be tedious. See, you can't access all the areas right away. You have to go out and collect gear that makes it all possible for you to go to all the areas. This means you end up going back to some dungeons several times, though it isn't often required. It's just for the booty. That isn't the worst part of the level designs. It isn't so widespread that you will be seeing it everywhere, but it is still prevalent. I think that the developer could have used a little more time to try out his levels before slapping it with the "finished" label. The placement of platforms can often at times make it difficult to jump. Not difficult as in, multiple enemies and little surface area that makes it hard to avoid being hit which will result in your untimely death. But design flaw difficult. However, as I have mentioned before, it isn't everywhere. I was still able to make it past the stuff, even if it did take a few tries. The music is pretty basic. It's not overwhelming, doesn't give you the sense you are on an epic adventure. However, it can be quite soothing. When you get to your first real dungeon, and first real boss fight, you'll probably see what I mean. I was chilling the whole way through that level. One thing I like in this game is that the resources aren't easily acquired. You'll eventually be finding yourself budgeting yourself so that you can still afford a hat whilst still getting that gear piece need to progress through the game. Gives you a sense of the gravity of it all because that cash was well earned by kicking ass. Overall, a pretty fun game. Nothing too fancy in the sound, or story/ writing department, but there is real value in the game play and atmosphere. Kind of feels like the kind game that could have flourished on the older consoles, spawning a long lived and fruitful series. I really had fun with this one.
