By Matthew Scott Hunter
‘Enslaved: Odyssey to the West’ (T)
A bight and cheerful end of the world
****
Namco Bandai Games
Xbox 360
You won’t find many post-apocalyptic thrillers quite as bright and cheerful as “Enslaved.” This game replaces the usual greys and browns with the same sorts of vibrant greens and reds that painted the backdrop of the developer’s previous offering, “Heavenly Sword.” Despite the collapse of human society in a world now ruled by robot war machines, the story is similarly upbeat, thanks to the chemistry between the two main characters: a woman named Trip and a guy called Monkey (so named for reasons that quickly become obvious). In a spectacular opening sequence, Trip orchestrates a daring escape from a slave airship. Monkey tags along only to find himself now enslaved by his fellow escapee. And that’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The game puts you in control of Monkey, whose simian acrobatics make it easy to navigate through cities where crumbling skyscrapers are being overtaken by vegetation. He also handles all the combat — “Enslaved’s” weakest attribute. Every battle consists of repeatedly and simplistically hitting robots with a big stick. As the game progresses, the battles don’t get any harder—they just get longer. Fortunately, there are enough big set-piece action sequences to break up the monotony of the standard, whack-‘n-smash fighting. And the affection you inevitably develop for the bantering odd couple will keep you invested in the story until the very end.
‘Quantum Theory’ (M)
*1/2
Tecmo
Xbox 360
At first glance, “Quantum Theory” could easily be mistaken for “Gears of War.” The burly, neck-less protagonist looks a lot like Marcus Fenix, the dilapidated cityscape looks a lot like that of “Gears,” and the cover-based shooting with an over-the-shoulder, third-person perspective should look very familiar. But looks can be deceiving. In actuality, “Quantum Theory” is a sadistic combination of repetitive, poorly designed levels, stupid, occasionally suicidal enemies and platforming sequences that almost seem intended to make you throw your controller.
‘MySims Skyheroes’ (E10+)
**1/2
Electronic Arts
Wii
The problem with all these “Sims” spin-offs (collectively known as the “MySims” series) is that Sims don’t have much in the way of personality. They’re designed to be blank slates on which you can graft whatever personality you want. So a “MySims” kart racer or a “MySims” party game simply feels like a generic kart racer/party game. This time around, it’s an aerial dogfight game, featuring bland, customizable characters and aircraft, unmemorable weapons, and the most barebones (though admittedly functional) gameplay possible in this particular genre.
‘Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light’ (E10+)
***
Square Enix
Nintendo DS
People who like their RPGs served with 16-bit flavor will love “4 Heroes of Light” — a “Final Fantasy” game that feels like it should’ve come out in the Super Nintendo era. This deliberate throwback is charming with its simple presentation and straightforward, turn-based combat, but it carries a few “classic” gameplay elements that probably should’ve remained in the past. The level-grinding you have to do in order to tackle even the earliest bosses is particularly egregious. The actual Super Nintendo “Final Fantasy” games weren’t this much of a chore. CV
