E3 Azurik look
I would like to give some of my thoughts on "AZURIK". This game is either near the top of everyones lists or in everyone's "I just dont know what to think right now mode".
In my opinion it should be near the top of peoples lists.Now let me tell you I'm neutral, if this game stinks or is so-so, I'm not going to waste your time or mine.Now let me tell you why I think it's going to be one of the better ones coming this Fall.
This game is all about protecting the four sacred elements from evil.Azurik is a 3D 3rd person action adventure,It does have a similar feel to SoulReaver, however it is small, once you actually see it and run with it the comparisons are few and really unlike one another.The game is full of exploration, puzzles and out and out action.
There are four areas in the game, however these are divided into many mini areas or sections.Flat textures are a thing of the past with the new power of the XBOX,the artists can now multi-layer textures to add realsim not seen in games thus far.Lava flows and waterfalls are done very well also with this technique and add great depth to there appearance.All these added details to this game and others coming on the BOX really add to the "IMMERSION" level, and really give you a sense of being within these game worlds.
Azurik is sworn to protect the sacred elements of water, earth, fire, and air.Basically Azurik must stop an apocalyptic prophecy, and so goes off on a amazing journey.The environments are gigantic, they stretch on and on, giving the game a true epic feel.Another thing is that there are no loading screens, you just keep on exploring no pauses, all due to the XBOX hard drive.The particle effects are done in top notch form, the shading too is done in true next gen fashion, I was very much impressed with it when I saw it live.
The thing that really impressed me the most was the examples of "particle physics",to explain this I will give an example, creatures that attack all have a very high level of A.I.,they can merge with each other to pose as a much greater foe,this is where "particle physics" come in, these creatures in this game will sense defeat,they will then run off to get reinforcements,or seperate from one another and then circle you, bait you,call on other beasts to help them in there cause. No more drones in games, that's where I believe the XBOX will benefit the most, A.I. is the most important aspect and the greatest advance with the power of the XBOX, not graphics,however those too are taking great leaps.
There are a variety of attacks at you're disposal, you 'll need them, because the creatures in this game are relentless and clever.A great weapon is called the the Axion with the four elmental forces, you will have to power up this weapon at the correct time and know which is the best for every given situation.For example if you attack a fire enemy with a fire weapon it will just help the fire enemy out with more power,and that's with all the games creatures as well, you must know you're weapons nd foes in all situations.The gameplay also changes with the time of day, for example when night comes those innocent little animals you saw earlier in the day become major threats.
I liked this game at Gamestock, it did seem a little void of creatures and a bit isolated, and this too is because of the sheer immensity of the play areas. But now these mostly empty areas are teaming with action and threats to go along with the already great intuitive puzzles within this game.The creature animation is very well done, if they are tumbling or rolling or jumping, it's all very smooth. Azurik however can use a little more smoothness to his animation, this of course is a very nit-picked comment, because he is good just not excellent like the rest of the game. But of course this is coming as well. Lips syncing is also done perfectly to dialogue, eyes look in the right direction while the characters talked,another very polished thing about this game.
Well I hope I helped you in getting a better idea of this game, it really should be considered as one of the top options this Fall, just keep you're eyes peeled for more info on it.I have seen it in action and have it on my top 20 list, and with sooo many great ones coming in the next year and a half that's saying a lot.There is more polish to be added to this game so it will be even better than what we are seeing of it at the moment, not that it really needs it.As for Fall 2001 you will be hard pressed to find many games better than this one. So what do you think? You getting Asurik or still in holding pattern?
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