SpyderNynja
12-03-2008, 06:04 PM
Alright, so I snagged my copy this afternoon and lots of people who don't yet have it must be wondering: Does it live up to the hype? (I hate that phrase SO much)
Anyway, I would say yes and no.
Lets start with the pros.
So far, the game is quite entertaining and the pacing feels just right. I've managed to get two powers so far. Healing a Fertile Ground is awesome, especially the first time you do it. The graphics (especially on my HDTV) are GORGEOUS. Sometimes I had to stop playing and just admire the scenery.
The duel combat is pretty straightforward and once you get over the fact that it's not about button mashing, it's pretty rewarding. The fights become like rhythmic ballets of well choreographed attacks. The same can be said about the platforming. There's somewhat of a flow to both of these mechanics. At first it seems as if the Prince handles like a tank, slow and off balance, but you just need to get the hang of the controls for about a half hour and then platforming is a cinch.
The "dying" factor isn't that bad. I've always been for it but when played, it really is a relief. I'm glad the devs realized choosing retry and then waiting for a load screen sucks and just went with this checkpoint method that keeps you immersed. It's a clever cover up that makes sense, being that our hero shouldn't die.
Now for the cons.
Since the platforming has been retooled, veterans of the series will definitely notice this one. The game almost plays itself at some points. Complex acrobatics have been mapped to simply pressing A or X. When stringed together in one straight path (that is, without having to use the thumbstick) all you really have to do is press the jump button, grab button or Elika button and the actions carry out themselves in a context sensitive manner. At times, it may seem too simple. I mean, when you do hit that rhythm of one successful jump after another, it's definitely satisfying, but still too easy.
Also, the dialogue. I'm all for corny dialogue, matter of fact, I love it, it amuses me. I went into the game thinking I'd love the Prince's one-liners. I'll just warn you...use the on-demand-dialogue wisely. It's great for getting info on the enemies, areas or Elikas background but otherwise, you'll have the Prince repeating a lot of stuff he's already said early on in the game. It can get a little irritating.
This last part is more of a warning then a complaint. If you go for the "Be Gentle With Her" Achievement/Trophy"(use the Save Me less than 100 times)...good luck. I've already lost count of how many times I've missed a jump, and DAMN am I glad that there isn't a game over screen. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I will rate the game when I finish it http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
Hope that gives everyone a little insight as to what they're in for. It's definitely a brilliant and entertaining game with a lot of exploration to be had (And the Altair, Prince and Farah skins are sweet!) But hardcore gamers might be put off by the new casual gameplay. But if you want something different, fresh, a step away from general action platformers, something NEW, this game is a welcome edition to your collection. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find some light seeds http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Anyway, I would say yes and no.
Lets start with the pros.
So far, the game is quite entertaining and the pacing feels just right. I've managed to get two powers so far. Healing a Fertile Ground is awesome, especially the first time you do it. The graphics (especially on my HDTV) are GORGEOUS. Sometimes I had to stop playing and just admire the scenery.
The duel combat is pretty straightforward and once you get over the fact that it's not about button mashing, it's pretty rewarding. The fights become like rhythmic ballets of well choreographed attacks. The same can be said about the platforming. There's somewhat of a flow to both of these mechanics. At first it seems as if the Prince handles like a tank, slow and off balance, but you just need to get the hang of the controls for about a half hour and then platforming is a cinch.
The "dying" factor isn't that bad. I've always been for it but when played, it really is a relief. I'm glad the devs realized choosing retry and then waiting for a load screen sucks and just went with this checkpoint method that keeps you immersed. It's a clever cover up that makes sense, being that our hero shouldn't die.
Now for the cons.
Since the platforming has been retooled, veterans of the series will definitely notice this one. The game almost plays itself at some points. Complex acrobatics have been mapped to simply pressing A or X. When stringed together in one straight path (that is, without having to use the thumbstick) all you really have to do is press the jump button, grab button or Elika button and the actions carry out themselves in a context sensitive manner. At times, it may seem too simple. I mean, when you do hit that rhythm of one successful jump after another, it's definitely satisfying, but still too easy.
Also, the dialogue. I'm all for corny dialogue, matter of fact, I love it, it amuses me. I went into the game thinking I'd love the Prince's one-liners. I'll just warn you...use the on-demand-dialogue wisely. It's great for getting info on the enemies, areas or Elikas background but otherwise, you'll have the Prince repeating a lot of stuff he's already said early on in the game. It can get a little irritating.
This last part is more of a warning then a complaint. If you go for the "Be Gentle With Her" Achievement/Trophy"(use the Save Me less than 100 times)...good luck. I've already lost count of how many times I've missed a jump, and DAMN am I glad that there isn't a game over screen. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I will rate the game when I finish it http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
Hope that gives everyone a little insight as to what they're in for. It's definitely a brilliant and entertaining game with a lot of exploration to be had (And the Altair, Prince and Farah skins are sweet!) But hardcore gamers might be put off by the new casual gameplay. But if you want something different, fresh, a step away from general action platformers, something NEW, this game is a welcome edition to your collection. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find some light seeds http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif