 |
|
| .............CONTENT
... |
Screenshots - |
|||
|
Controlling similarly to most other titles in the genre, RLH really differentiates itself by keeping a quick pace: the puzzles are short, the combat is done with arcade style, and there are mini action sequences to break up the normal third-person adventure. One of these include a Crash Bandicoot-esque sequence in which the camera switches to a frontal view and the player has to outrun a pursuing alien and dodge debris. Keeping up this pace also acts as a detriment as situations that require more delicate controlling of the character can get a bit frustrating. Sprawled throughout the space station are vending machines of food and drink, both of which replenish life, as well as ports to recharge one's shields, and stations to do various tasks. Some objects won't be a problem, but others will require the character to be directly in front of it and that's when things can get hairy as the action just doesn't want to seem to take place at times and the result is the player running around a post as they continually press the activate button. The pace of combat also has its downfall as the auto-targeting system has a tendency to focus on the less optimal target and the camera can twitch when in a tight spot. There's also something positive to be said for the game's pace. Many titles in this genre feel like they move at a snail's pace, but RLH progresses rapidly and the combat can be quite fun. With the ability to kick enemies away in a melee-style move, it's always a blast to fire a few rounds into an enemy and kick them while they're down. It's also due to the quick progression that the game does tend to feel like a movie as actions lead to the unveiling of additional portions of the story, and when the player gets in a good groove, it's like watching a mini-movie. It's unfortunate, though, that throughout all of the development time some obvious problems weren't hammered out. There's small problems all over the game, from one portion where the player seems to be drinking out of an invisible glass, to a cutscene when a character waits about 15 seconds before he gets on his knees and screams at the sight of a dead friend. There were also the numerous times during cutscenes when characters would whip large rifles out of nowhere. The enemies, aside from looking pretty bland and not having much variety, can be a bit on the dim side at times: there were several occasions where I was on a staircase a few feet in front of them and it was as though they couldn't see me. Most of the problems come across like they could have been fixed with another month of tweaking. It isn't all bad news though. The
pace, as stated, was refreshing and the ability to modify weapons
to increase power and speed was pretty cool. The action sequences
were a good way to break up the monotony and battling alongside
an alien comrade was fun; it's a shame that, like the enemy aliens,
he can be a bit stupid as well, unless he intended to stand there
while aliens pummeled me. Despite not being visually varied, the
aliens did startle me a few times and the soundtrack did a fantastic
job of creating an Aliens-style atmosphere. It's just a shame
that with all the time put into it, a little bit more couldn't have
gone into polishing everything up. Graphics: 9/10 Control: 6.5/10 Overall: 7/10 [ top ] |
|||
|
