WET (Xbox 360)

As you can easily see what the game is about by reading the summary other entries, I'll go ahead and just review the game based on the traditional game review criteria.

Gameplay - 4/5

I've removed a point here simply because some of the controls are a bit clumsy, and at certain stages of gameplay, you're just forced to sit there and ask, "What the heck just happened here?" In reference to the former, for example: you press the A button to jump, as per the typical control scheme for such a game. However, Rubi will automatically jump/roll/maneuver over most obstacles. Jumping is really only used for getting yourself airborne to slow things down a bit whilst gunning down the throngs of enemies being thrown your way. While you'd think this wouldn't be an issue, it took me a bit to get used to not actually having to jump to get up to that ledge. And if you press "A" to jump to get on top of a crate, you end up performing the jump animation without actually getting anywhere, as your jump command, and the game's automatic jump response clash. Solution to this, of course, is simple mental conditioning (i.e., "Don't press the 'A' button, dummy.").

And in reference to the latter part: at some points in the game, Rubi will die from the smallest offenders. For example, you can do these crazy rolls and dives and what have you, but if you fall ten feet from a rafter to the floor below, you'll die. Logically, it just doesn't make any sense. Though I suppose applying logic to a game like this is folly in and of itself. Still, just one of my personal frustrations.

The developers have done really well with how bullet time is handled, though, I think. Unlike most games that utilize this particular gimmick that has you going and recharging some sort of bullet time gauge, WET allows you to slow down the action whenever your feet are off the ground, and a round is leaving the chamber. And throughout a lot of the game, you need it.

On another note, I'm glad that the boss fights--what few there are--are done, for the most part, by just pressing buttons in responses to prompts shown on screen. I can't really think of how you, as a player, could appropriately dispatch characters that've been established as being a bit larger than life within the boundaries of the game. For example, Tarantula is a pretty mysterious femme fatale, so to be able to kill her by just hacking at her with your sword would be a bit anti-climactic, I think.

Graphics - 5/5

Graphically, I think the game is just beautiful. Playing it on my 42" HDTV--even though it's not a top-o'-the-line 120hz, or even 1080p--is just gorgeous. There was definitely a lot of time spent in the details here. Textures are well done, and when you kick into rage mode, it's just entirely too much fun.

Audio - 5/5

Only one real complaint here, and it's when Rubi goes and grunts as she lifts herself up to the next higher ledge. Just seems like Eliza put a bit too much effort into it, and it comes off sounding either awkward, hilarious, or a combination of the two. That aside, the voice acting is quite top notch, and done by some of the more notable voice actors out there: Ian McDowell, James Sie, and Alan Cumming, to name a few. But it's the music that really adds to the atmosphere of the game, and the game's musical score meshes perfectly with the tracks contributed by the various musical groups that chipped in to the project.

Replayability - 4/5

Honestly, there's only so much that you can do in a game like this. It's completely linear, and there's no way that you can do things any differently. Yes, you can go through and vow to do nothing but gun down your enemies, or slash them, or do wall-running shots, or this, that, or the other, but inevitably, all you have is the game's core objectives. And unless you're really big into your Gamerscore, or you really want to see more concept work, once you defeat the game on normal difficulty (which is about six or seven hours, just grinding away at Story Mode), there's really no reason to come back and play more. Not to say that you won't, because again, the game IS fun. Just not very rewarding for what effort you pour into it.

Overall - 4/5

As I've said, WET is a fun game. It's very over-the-top, but still quite engaging. The story is very well done, audio is pristine, and graphics are crisp. Aside from a few mechanical issues, gameplay is a breeze. I'd recommend that you at least play the demo, as it gives you an excellent taste of what you get in the full version.

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I am going to cut to the chase here...

If you are looking for a game with a great deal of substance... Look Elsewhere. That being said, if you know anything about this game and you are still reading, you are probably in the right place.

Wet takes the best parts of your favorite John Woo, and Tarantino films and brings them to life. In the same style made famous (or in some opinions, infamous) by Max Payne, and Stranglehold. The story leaves a lot to be desired, but that isn't the point of this type of game in my humble opinion.

The controls will take you some getting used to as they feel... outdated. This works with the motif of the game though. There is a nice coat of crusty blood and seedy 70's action to be seen on everything. Even the film grain effect is a nod to 70's action films; it can however be turned off, (and the controls can be adjusted in options).

I am halfway through the game now, and the action never stops. I haven't even started the challenge modes, or working on harder difficulties, but I see myself wanting to do this. Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, Max Payne, Stanglehold... These names will make a hardcore action gamer imagine ways to gracefully slaughter 100's of enemies in minutes, and soon enough Wet will incite the same images.

*Edit*

I have beaten the game on hard and golden bullets now, working on ultra hard. My feelings on this game have only been re-affirmed. Any true action game fan is doing their self a disservice by avoiding this game. Give it a rent at the very least, you wont regret it (once you familiarize yourself with the controls)!

*Edit*

If you have played any of those games and had a good time, you should be right at home with Wet.

Graphics 4/5 Environments and ambience are great, some models could have used work. Otherwise perfect and unifmorm thus far.

Sound 5/5 Great DD and sound effects, all with a 70's film noir tinge to them. Soundtrack is excellent.

Controls 4/5 Would give them a 5, but there is an outdated feel... like stepping back in time to play Max Payne.

Gameplay 5/5 I love the bullet-time style of the game. You are rewarded for being acrobatic and slowing things down to kill mobs of badguys. If this is not your thing, avoid like the plague.

Replay 5/5? I am playing through on normal now, but as I said I see myself playing through several times to unlock the highest difficulty and play through the challenges. Will update when I have done it all.

Final thoughts.... If you are looking for a stylish action game, even if its just to kill time before other games this season, pick Wet up or at least rent it if you can spare the cash. DO NOT just take the negative opinions at face value. It's not perfect, but what game is. Definitely a great time. (<-----DEFINITELY)

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In short, I love this game. I just finished the first playthough which was about 10 hours, but there's TONS of replay value. Time trials, additional skills and weapon upgrades to earn, challenge modes and more. Great characters, awesome style, fun attitude and this game doesn't take itself too seriously which I appreciate. There are a couple wonky control issues and a few stages which seem disproportionately hard, but you're really missing out if you don't pick this game up. I really hope they make a sequel!

RIYL: No More Heroes, Kill Bill, Tomb Raider, Mad World, 3rd person action adventure games

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