Avatar - Xbox 360
I have not yet seen the film (which by all accounts looks quite good) but having just played the game it’s got to be said that good ol’ Jimmy Cameron has let his imagination run wild and created an amazing world, with a level of detail that hasn’t been seen since Peter Jackson decided to put some hairy feet on Elijah Wood and film the results.
To avoid upsetting the Cameron faithful, the plot of the game is wisely set up before the events of the film, thus avoiding any accusations (and possibly, loss of sales) to those wishing to avoid spoilers.
The game is essentially an over-the-shoulder shooter, much like Gears of War and Resident Evil 5.
Controlling the character of Ryder (who can be either male or female depending on your choice), you are assigned to help the RDA on the planet of Pandora.
Upon arrival you find yourself doing a few missions, such as defending the base from viperwolves and setting up a few defence perimeters, ensuring the safety of the camp.
Pandora is a vast and tropical world, and your mission objectives can be some distances away. Fortunately, there are various vehicles available to Ryder, including a car that can only be described as Warthog-lite.
After you have completed a few missions, Ryder is required to enter his/her avatar for the first time – a moment that should hold much wonder, but sadly feels hollow and dare, I say it, clunky. All that happens is that your character changes and then some general tells you to go and do a mission. The only thing that does happen is that the creatures and plants of Pandora are less aggressive to your presence (mildly).
Along the way, Ryder has to chose a side – the Na’vi or RDA – a decision that will naturally decide the plot and nature of the game.
Being 12 ft tall and essentially lanky versions of the Smurfs, the Na’vi run a lot faster than their human counterparts. They also nip around from place to place by using trees that can teleport you from one place to another. Go figure….
Graphically Avatar is very impressive. At first the lush world of Pandora is a little overpowering and it’s only upon second inspection that you can appreciate the level of detail that has gone into creating this game.
It’s a shame then that the production level is brought down by some rather weak voice acting, which gives the impression that it was recorded by the same enthusiastic bunch that voiced Resident Evil back in the late 90s. This is particularly noticeable when interacting with the NPCs – try to shoot them and they’ll just say “who gave you a gun?”, with about as much panache as bucket of magnolia paint.
The controls are also rather questionable. There is no option to zoom in with your weapon, and on too often an occasion the camera will waywardly position itself to your disadvantage.
Kudos should be given to the developers for making use of the 3D technology that is also present on certain screenings of the film – should you have a 3D-ready tv, this adds a whole new perspective to the game. However who these days has a 3D-ready tv?
No doubt two or three years down the line when they are readily available (and affordable), Avatar will be seen a giant leap forward for 3D technology, but until then most of us will have to enjoy it in all its 2D glory.
Despite being a graphical and technological triumph, Avatar is ultimately flawed by its controls and repetitive gameplay. It’s by no means a bad game, especially by film tie-in standards, but neither is it a great one. If you enjoyed the film and are looking to learn more about the universe, it’s worth checking out.
Verdict: 6.5 out of 10
The Good
Good graphics
3D technology is great, if a little ahead of its time
The Bad
Repetitive
Poor voice acting
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