Spartan tries so hard to deliver a great game.....but in the end classifies as just "good"
Gameplay: Spartan is a really basic hack n' slasher. You have your direct attack, and a radial attack, which both get really repetitive over the course of the game. There is a simple control scheme: attack, jump, run, and block. The aptly named "Spartan" is your basic super warrior for Sparta who has a basic move set. There are platforming elements of this game, but they are so horrible that it makes you wonder why it's even included. I mean the guy jumps like he's got two fake legs. After the first level the game gets really, really, really repetitive. Yeah you may get new weapons, one right after the other, but the move sets get so stale that you'll just want to stick to one weapon. Also each weapon plays the same, (save for their boring ass magic alternatives) same power, same defense. It's like the people over at Creative Assembly just threw the weapons in for a poor attempt at variety. Despite all these blows, Spartan does manage to put you in some bloody good times. I mean there's nothing more satisfying then challenging an entire platoon of Romans by yourself. Then there are some great battle moments, where you and an army of allies will storm right into the warm, welcoming arms of italians with broadswords.
Graphics: If this is the best that Creative Assembly can do, then they should quit while they're ahead. I mean guys I know that it's not on the next generation yet, but there is still no reason to have your characters look like updated polygons....if you don't believe me, look at their hands. Also the enemy forces you fight have all the visual flair of a steel toed boot to the face. Yeah the character models hurt....big time. However...they did get some redemption in with the enviroments. The people fighting might look like crap, but the setting where the blood is spewing is really impressive. The enviroments are modeled on a massive scale, and they do look good. For a game rated M, I expected more blood. Instead I am treated to "blood clouds." They really did skimp on blood effects. But with all these graphical mishaps, the game does manage to run exceptionally smooth.
Sound: Now...this is where it gets really confusing. The voice acting in Spartan is sh*t.....pure honest to buddha sh*t. Although, Ares does sound really cool, what with the whole "I WILL DROWN THE WORLD IN CHAOS" schtick. The music is nice. Nice orchestrated (I think) music brings the experience on home.
Overall: Spartan isn't bad....but it isn't groundbreaking. You wanna' know what it is.....It's basically Dynasty Warriors, in greek makeup. If you're a fan of mindless hack n' slashing, then pick this up, you'll love it. However, if you expect a lil' more bang for your buck, then rent....from GAMEFLY.COM WHERE YOU CAN SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR SWEATERS AND ROUGH TRICKS NAMED JIM. Ok.....I realize that dumbass X-play joke is older than the bible....sorry.