Advent Rising

"Part one of a promising trilogy"

First of all, I'm going to start by saying that you hear a lot of people talking about this game and mentioning the graphical problems and glitches. But for me, I was able to look past these minor problems and find the game for what it is--a great, unique experience that will keep you playing till the very end of the game.

GAMEPLAY: 7/10
I thought this game's gameplay was extremely original and something I want to see more of. As in Halo 2, you are able to hold two weapons simultaneously, but this game also includes some interesting powers, much like Psi-Ops, another good game. One thing I found cool is the way Gideon reloads--by spinning the gun. The upgradeable function of the guns and powers (and even jumping and punching) is one thing that made me want to keep playing, just to see what my next upgrade was. Every time a power is used or a bullet is fired, that gun upgrades until it reaches Level 5. There are six or so powers you get to use in this game, including Lift, Negate, Shatter, and Aeon Pulse. Everything in the game has a second function, which makes for some interesting fights.

One complaint about gameplay that irked me every time I picked up the controller was the Flick Targeting. Majestic decided to use a rather unique though not unheard of targeting system where you flick the left control stick in the direction of an enemy to lock on. You can also click the button to break the lock. Sounds cool, right? WRONG! They made the mistake of putting the camera on the same control stick, which means that rotating the view may lock you onto a Lift-able piece of wall or something when you're trying to move down a hallway. Also, there is a feature you cannot turn off that makes the targeting LOCK ITSELF onto enemies! Even if they are halfway across a room and you're trying to run away. Your view suddenly snaps back to face them, and you can't run anymore. If any other enemies are nearby, you might as well stay and fight, because even if you click to break the lock, you'll just lock on again.

Also, the Flick Targeting isn't very accurate. When you're trying to lock onto an enemy, it chooses a Lift-able object instead, and vice versa.

GRAPHICS: 7/10
I'll admit that the graphics aren't perfect. They are many times where hanging clothing goes through the body of the wearer, but this is easily overlooked, as it is not uncommon in other games (Batman Begins). Also, characters will randomly change hairstyle and/or clothing after going from gameplay to cutscene, but again, this is easily overlooked. The lips were well-matched to the people talking, although the Aurelians look somewhat strange.

STORY: 10/10
Advent Rising has a story that will make me want to continue the series. I don't want to give anything away, but the basic gist is that a race called the Aurelians has come to Earth to warn humanity of a looming threat. It doesn't take long for another alien race, the Seekers, to arrive and begin their attack. Gideon, the main character, escapes the space station and embarks on a journey to end the Seeker influence. Overall, I think this is my favorite video game story.

SOUND: 10/10
No complaints here. Everything sounds as it should. Guns firing, battlecries, and the firing of alien weapons all sounds great.

REPLAYABILITY: 8/10
There is a major choice you make near the start of the game, meaning playing the game through twice is the only way to fully experience it. After completing the game, I found myself wanting to find out the other outcome.

OVERALL: 8/10
Advent Rising is not a game for people who think graphics make or break a game, but if you're looking for a unique experience that you will never forget and a story that will make you rethink the way games should be made, pick up Advent Rising for at least a rent, as you can easily finish it twice in this amount of time.

Or, just do what I did. Borrow it.

Peace.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/13/05, Updated 07/18/05