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PRIMAL - by kristie macris |
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I have a basic philosophy when it comes to what makes a video game worth playing more than a few minutes. I should never, not even briefly, have to look at the instruction manual. Controls should be easy enough to grasp with minimal button pushing, but yet difficult enough to be engaging. Most importantly, all of the story, backstory included, should be part of the game. I don't want to have to read who the character is and why she's been transported into the demon world-I want to play it, or at the very least watch it. With all of that said, Primal is a damn good game, worth playing all the way to the end. Primal is not a quick romp through a castle busting up demons with a sword, but a massive stroll through four hauntingly fantastic worlds. What makes it so much more than other games, are the interchangeable main characters, Jen and Scree, who interact like a slayer and her watcher, constantly learning from each other and playing off each other's vastly different sense of humor. The only thing lacking from this otherwise perfect game is an exigent battle system. Even though Jen does learn new demon techniques and kill moves throughout the game, it all boils down to little more than mashing on the buttons. Aim and technique are pretty much automatic with the enemies being picked off easily one by one. This doesn't detract from the game too much as the majority of Primal is spent solving puzzles and exploring expansive lands. The puzzles are not too difficult, but at times finding the right door or hidden passage can take longer than necessary. With each puzzle carefully meshed with the environment and story, it is easy to wander around for a while just trying to figure out where to go or which door is unlocked. The stunning landscape and intricate detail makes this process enjoyable rather than annoying. Movements of tree leaves just behind a stone wall or perfectly swirling mist are just a few of the minor details that enhance the already amazing graphics making up Primal's alternate reality. Besides arousing the eyes, it also massages the ears. With the majority of the soundtrack by alt-rockers 16 Volt combined with superb voice acting, Primal's intricate story advances without ever missing a beat. ion, each world deserves to be thoroughly explored as Jen and Scree work together to save both of their worlds, as well as, her hunky boyfriend. Few game worlds are as intricately crafted as those in Primal; Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Horror fans alike will be drawn in. Carefully sketched characters, an engaging plot, beautifully crafted setting and an impressive soundtrack are all executed flawlessly creating one of the most appealing games in the last few years. |
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