Dark Void (Xbox 360)

I bought this game for my grandson and had it delivered to his address and from what he told me the game was awesome.

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I could go and drill on what's all been done before about this game, or... I could let you read just about any review that's been published thus far: Nolan North lends his voice to the hero, Will, and the story is reminiscent of the Rocketeer, Independence Day, etc., and so forth.

So yes, I COULD say that, but I won't.

Even though I did.

So sue me.

NOT REALLY, THOUGH.

In any event, the game, despite its shortcomings, is still a lot of fun. I wouldn't rate it as the number one game of the year by any stretch of the imagination (I'd actually set that particular honor aside for Mass Effect, Darksiders, or Bayonetta (in that order)), nor would I rate it the worst. The controls are rock solid, and I absolutely love how the transition from ground to flight is perfect. That is, I can have non-inverted controls on the ground, and it immediately switches to the inverted controls typically associated with flight sims the second you leave the ground.

However, the problem with leaving the ground is that it can be a rather lethal affair if you're not ready for it. And sadly, even after hours of playing, you're still very seldomly ready for it. The jetpack, as is noted by one of the characters when you first find it, is dangerous. It's a prototype, and surprisingly, works rather well for a prototype. It's quite amusing to note, though, that just about everyone I've talked to about it has smashed into the cliff upon taking their first jump.

That being said, let's go ahead and wrap this up:

Gameplay: 3/5

Despite the fact that the controls are pretty solid (buttons are placed where you'd logically expect them to be), the game suffers from various hiccups and other glitches here and there. For example, I managed to get stuck in the environment at one point (only being freed by CHANCE after a minute or two of struggling), and at another was killed, but didn't know I was dead for at least a minute after (I'd thought my console had just frozen). It also took me a while to figure out exactly how the game's unique radar worked, but... that may just be my inadequacy as a game, I dunno.

Graphics: 4/5

Nothing truly special, but nothing shy of... pretty, either. The environments, specifically the large outdoor arenas where you get to take advantage of both flight and ground combat, are very well done. Going back to the first mission that you're introduced to the jetpack, I really loved how they executed that. If you haven't bought the game, do yourself a favor: check out the demo. It's this mission that they showcase in it.

Audio: 5/5

I'm a stickler for audio. That being said, the game's score is very well done, though a bit repetitive after a few missions (as the track does seem to be a bit... limited).

Replayability: 3/5

I don't see myself going back to replay the game after I've beaten it (and I have). It's a short game, roughly eight hours long, and you can purchase upgrades from tech points that are either dropped from slain enemies, or found casually laying around the various mission areas. One aspect about replay, which I particularly enjoy, is that you can go and choose a specific mission. So if there's one that you prefer above all others, you can go back and play out that portion of the story alone. Obviously, if you're into Achievements, you've got that to look forward to.

Bottom Line: 3/5

It's a neat game, definitely one of those games you play through once and then put on the shelves to... well, rest. Check out the demo, you may be surprised.

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Okay, before this review gets voted 'not helpful' hear me out first. I love playing genuinely good games for xbox 360 but I also love boosting my gamerscore. If you enjoy doing the same this game might just be for you. For those of you that played Capcom's other quirky-action-third-person-shooter, Bionic Commando, you pretty much know what to expect only this game is easier, the achievements are even easier.

4/5 for achievements. 3/5 otherwise.

Game is not bad overall, it could have been improved. I'll break it down.

Story: It's okay. But what is a good story in games these days, the game that gets a 9.9 on ign.com that everyone obsesses over for... a week until the next game? I've seen better stories in worse games as well as better games with lame stories, it's highly subjective.

Control: It does take getting used to, but I found them to be quite comfortable relatively quickly. Just be patient. Again, like Bionic Commando, but the controlls are actually easier and similar to TPS games we all know and love.

Visuals: The character renderings themselves aren't bad, but I think the visuals from the stages are really cool and creat a nice atmosphere. Once again, pretty objective.

Sound: Although there are well known voice actors, the voice acting could probably be better but maybe it was the script's fault. The music for, what it is, is not bad but does get repetitive. The sound effects are pretty cool, but any game in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround sounds cool.

Fun: Again, from an achievement standpoint, I had a lots of fun with this game. All of the achievements are painless. The game is pretty enjoyable itself and is a nice break from playing Modern Warfare 2 online with glitchers and lag switchers. It is pretty short though.

Is this game worth buying? I have no regrets buying this at full price on release date. Some, however may want to rent it first, but even then those who rent may also finish the game in its entirety while renting. Beware of unfair harsh reviews though. Obvioulsy this game has faults, but we've all played worse games. Also in this game's defense, most people bashing this game have only played the demo of which does not do this game jusice.

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