Harbinger

"Some problems, but a good base. Hope they fix the sequel."

''It's Diablo...in space!'' is a comment pasted on the back of the box, and its very appropriate, since Harbinger shares many of the good and bad qualities. Notice, it said ''Diablo,'' not ''Diablo 2.'' And Diablo had some problems. And to make matters worse, it's glaringly obvious that this game got rushed through production (there are some interesting quirks in the programing).

Gameplay: 7/10
Actually, the play has a bit more variety than the original Diablo had. Yes, its point at the bad guy and click, just like Diablo, but Harbinger needs a little more than that. All of the three classes have both ranged and melee attacks, but if you think you can just stand there and pump out bullets or run up and wail away, you'll be dead in moments. Attacking demands a fair deal of dodging and weaving, and the enemies at least make an attempt to anticipate your actions (they will lead the target, as it were). Maps aren't randomly generated, but treasure chest contents are, as well as shop items, and there are different quest paths as well. The three characters all have different styles (the human is made for defense, the Gladiator for attack, and the Culibine is all her own), but can be developed with an attribute system very similar to Diablo. (but you only get 3! attribute points with each level :P) Also, the bosses are poorly balanced, some quite difficult, some very easy. And, a final peeve: enemies don't regenerate. Which means there is no way to level up your characters short of continuing the story. In the entire game, you'll get more than 33-38 levels into your character. It also means you'll beat the game quickly.

Graphics: 8/10
Smooth, original designs (for the most part), and with a good degree of detail included. The environment is a little too dark, sometimes, but that fits the setting. There aren't any fantastic effects, but the overall consistant quality during the gameplay is good. The CG opening is quirky, but not bad. The ending CG, unfortunately, is VERY disappointing. Not in terms of quality, but in terms of brevity (obvious sign of rushed development)

Sound: 4/10
The sound effects are pretty fair; robots clank, guns boom, and various things blow up. The music is.... there. It is unremarkable in the extreme, adding nothing to the mood. Still, at least it doesn't detract, either.

Story: 5/10
Diablo really shined in the level of back story and history you learned along the way. Harbinger falls down here, too. It has great potential, hinting at a history and a world that could be facinating. BUT, it never bothers to tell you more than the barest of bones about that world. You learn some things of course, and each of the three classes follows different paths through the plot (owing to different quest paths), but it doesn't hook you the way Diablo managed.

Overall: 6/10
I'd love to see a sequal for this game, so long as they address the problems listed above. Unfortunately, this game, while good for several hours of superficial entertainment, just doesn't cut it. If you can get a copy cheap, give it a try. The playing of it is pretty fun. But certainly not worth new-game prices.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 03/20/03, Updated 03/20/03