Innovative ideas I would like to see evolve into successful sequels.
When I first played the multiplayer demo at E3, (and won), I wasn't too impressed. Wall-walking wasn't all that revolutionary, it felt like another 3D shooter gimmick. Plus I've never been a fan of alien/organic weapons. Except for the huge Turok BFG.
My favorite part of the Duke Nukem demo so many years ago was the Indian reservation. There was a fire and rocky Native American homes. So when I played the demo and he went to the spirit world, I was intrigued.
The music in the beginning caught my attention as well. As soon as the abduction began my interest was piqued. I found the game cheap so I picked it up.
I’m glad I did. You can tell that they put some thought into the design of this game and it shows in some of the more inspired segments. The death mechanic is a great idea although it is poorly implemented. (If you die you go into the spirit world to play a mini-game shooting some flying spirit manta-rays and re-spawn exactly where you died with a healthy compliment of ammo.) I COULD see this working well in the inevitable sequel. Perhaps if you die and resurrect at your last spot after some spiritually interesting cutscene? The mini-game could use some work as well. I would like to see a wall-painting inspired mini-game where your character goes into a world just like the characters painted by Native Americans in the caves. (Think Ice Age flashback scene.) In order to regain health and come back to life you "hunt" the different spirits that have taken the shape of those creatures your ancestors used to hunt. Buffalo and other such animals. The background could maintain an Okami-like design.
I see potential in this title that is only limited by the engine they chose to use. Doom 3. You have some flight scenes that were mediocre which were stunted by it's odd control. You didn't have full 360 degree (pun intended) control of your ship. You could only go as far up as your character could look then the vertical axis would lock and you would have to turn around to reorient yourself. Overall these missions felt like a neutered Descent.
As a complete experience this game is enjoyable although the organic alien weapons leave a lot to be desired. Only the rocket launcher feels like it has any power behind it and you run out of ammo much too quickly. Some of the final scenes where the hallways are built around your character were amazing. I’ve never seen anything done like that in real time.
Multiplayer is lackluster but I’m glad I played through it. The voice acting was fantastic and it actually added thoroughly to my enjoyment of the game. Everyone except your girlfriend Jen that is.
If you can find it cheap I suggest you pick it up and have fun.