Well with Avatar taking cinema’s by storm it was initable that a game would accompany the launch. this no doubt cause waves of sighs from cynics who just because it is associated with a film, would be a bad game. we have seen with previous releases such as Ghostbusters, and Wolverine, just how good films can be adapted to make an involving or enjoyable game.
Avatar is visually solid if a little uninspired, shadows work well to create dense vegetation and models while not being breathtaking are of good quality. It is reminiscent of Mercenaries in its visual approach colours are bold, but around the edges it looks a little tired. This was especially surprising when you consider how strong visually the film Avatar is.
One aspect seemed almost outdated was the character select options. Rather than sliders to change specific features of your character in a similar way to the Smackdown series or many of the EA sports titles; Avatar instead uses “Avatars” countless numbers of them, all shapes and sizes ages and races. The problem is not one looks vaguely like yourself leaving this level of choice almost redundant.
Another feature of the game which tries to push the expectations is the use of 3D, not just 3D models but cinema style 3D. Sadly though this was an option that could be selected and wasn’t the default graphics option. this might be understandable if a little surprising, but Avatar does not come bundled with a compliant set of 3D glasses, and despite your Television set being able to use 3D you will need the specific glasses to work with your television set.
What ensues is a clumsy test and try until you get the image setup correct, which makes the gamer feel awkward when using it, almost as if there is a better option to be toggled. 3D does work well when it is eventually set up, however the slog to accomplish this will deter many.
Gameplay is another mixed bag offering a mish mash of 3d action combined with RPG elements such as acquiring XP to develop your character. It seems that since Fallout there is a need to combine genres of gaming and RPG are definitely in vogue regardless of how well they suit the game. Avatars RPG elements feel forced, it seems strange for a marine to suddently discover he can use a specific rifle, surely this could have been done through a cut scene.
One aspect that does work incredibly well is the multiple storylines within the game, quite early within the game you are asked to choose sides either the human marines or the hulking blue avatars. This introduces a level of variety which further adds to the overall longevity of the title.
Both races of creature are different ensuring that they way in which you approach the game is subtly. While marines have a more balls out focus on weaponry, the avatars us more organic weapons such as bows and spears. Combat works well although you do seem to get shot from every direction meaning that you continually have to use your health bonus. One area that we found niggled was the aim didn’t move fast enough to take out quick moving enemies, and while it worked especially well picking off enemies at distance, when firefights got up close and personal the game struggled.
Avatar has potential, however the ideas it implements are never fully realised or worse botched. the game is just okay and is definitely a case of try before you buy. Avatar shows some signs of how good it could have possibly been; unfortunately though there are too many niggles forcing the gamer out of the immersion of the game to make it thoroughly enjoyable.
"We decided to put together a list of some of the best dinosaur games for the PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and more."
Surprised Dino Crisis 1 wasn't on here, or the early Jurassic Park movie games, they were good
I was so excited for Jurassic Park on my SNES. When I first got to play it I was expecting so much more than walking around collecting dinosaur eggs. In comparison to the Genesis version which made it look so cool and awesome, the SNES version was definitely a head scratcher.
The arcade light gun games were fun too.
We really need more dinosaur games....so many Zombie themed games but never enough Dinosaur ones
Dino Crisis 3? seriously? that game was so bad it killed the franchise! should have gone with DC 1 or 2 IMO.
Why the author choose Dino crisis 3 over 1 and 2 is beyond me. The list is called top 10 Best Dinosaur games. so why chose the worst in the series. And James Cameron's Avatar the game? Really!?
3D in video games is rather a hush hush affair, almost a pandering to those who have adopted 3D TV sets and monitors. With little fanfare for 3D enabled games, is it really just one big failure?
no not really as matter of fact im getting a 3d tv next week sony and a sony 3d blu ray hometheatre system
i believe its not a failure, more a work in progress. Eventually it will have its day.
Ubisoft EMEA MD Alain Corre has given his views on the sales and quality of Avatar: The Video Game.
The game was okay, but some parts I guess were enjoyable in a way. I'd pick it up when it drops in price to at least 20~25.00 highest I'd be willing to pay is perhaps 30.00.