| |
System:
PSX
Genre:
Adventure
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Developer:
Universal Digital Arts
Players:
-
Release date/year:
10-05-1999
Other systems:
-
|
|
- Xena: Warrior Princess
-
1999 Universal Digital Arts - Electronic Arts - PSX
Features-
Xena:WP really does not include too many additional features for extened gameplay. The few features available are: the Training mode (where players familiarizes themselves with the controls of the game) and... well, the rest really does are not customizable, but do help to set the player in Xenas sho... er, umm... footware. This includes signature Xena attacks (with controllable Chakram), 7 worlds with 21 sub-levels, locales and characters from the TV series (Ares, Hades and more), great atmospheric ambience, and also music from the TV series as well! Powerup items can be collected to aid Xena in her quest to defeat Kalabrax such as Scroll (hints), Blue potions (automatically increases Xenas health when it reaches a vulnerable level, Resurrection Jewel (continue point), Sword Upgrades (permanantly increases the power of Xenas attacks), and Armor Upgrades. Magical Powerups can be collected as well, including (but not limited to) Frost Biter (adds freezing properties to Xenas attacks), and Golden Shield (invincibility for a short period of time). Upon completing a level, the player may return to attempt a capturing of items initially forgotten or missed (namely, the 'previously mentioned items'). A Karma Meter on the lower-right edge of the screen (in the shape of a Chakram) builds whenever Xena defeats a foe in a non-lethal manner (without using her sword or by saving hostages). When the meter is complete filled, Xena radiates with a golden glow and can inflict double the damage on enemies. Within each level lie signs which help to inform the player of where the next destination may dwell, and scrolls enlighten the player with various techniques needed to defeat bosses and provide many other helpful tips. The various techniques needed to complete various levels within this game (such as the battle with Cyclops) break the monotony a bit, however with no difficulty setting, this game becomes easy to the skilled (until the later levels) and may be labeled as a rental at best.
-
Graphics- 7.9/10
Visually, Xena resembles the first Lara Croft from Tomb Raider with crude edges... as does the environments. While the entire game has somewhat of an aged look (in accordance to todays eye candied titles), every locale is littered with its own share of interactivity which supports the overall "Xena experience" through a graphical perspective. Burning houses, sunken ships, boulders, ponds, and even wagons are represented (though somewhat bland in a few cases). Even the cut-scenes harbor unimpressive renditions of the two characters Xena and Gabrielle (however, they do lip sync; similar to Syphon Filter, as opposed to head noding)! The graphics are not really that bad... just dated with polygon break-up in many cases. In the forest areas, trees, ferns, and many other forms of lush vegetation and are sprinkled throughout along with artificial rays of light and gorgeous clouds in the background! Equally impressive are the lakes and running streams (though some of them can be trekked upon like the fertile earth, so it appears as if Xena "walks" on water. Because the visual quality is partially dated (and blocky), many an attempt was made to compensate for this shortcoming by "painting" the polygons vibrantly... and it works for most levels, however other levels have seemingly been left untouched by EA. These environmental details are but a few of the many other graphical surprises (especially on the later levels) that await fans of the television series. The characters themselves are typical polygonal renderings, however, a few of them (Cyclops- very large, skeletons- flying and grounded, the Wraiths- whose touch spells instant death for Xena, Dyzan- the dragon, the Medusa sisters- with sight which can turn Xena to stone, and the undead- in Hades which appears as relentless to name a few) really stand-out among the rest with either smart comments or size and various attacking methods! Even though they are somewhat blocky in appearance, their animation makes up for this as well as their numbers, cause Xena will be facing 3 at a time (often) with the exception of a few boss characters, however others prefer assistance when dealing with the Warrior Princess, Xena. This number may not seem as much, however their attacking techniques make them more of a challenge. Actually, the visual quality of the game itself (not the cut-scenes) are not THAT bad, just a bit antiquated in accordance to todays standard of graphical supremecy... yet they fit the game very well.
-
Sound- 9.5/10
Now here is where this cracked gem shines! The sounds of swords clashing, Xena signature war-yell, enemy broastings, Xenas taunts, and even cries of villagers provide a bearable atmosphere... for the ear that is! But why is the sword-clash sample used when attacking enlarged arachnids (maybe they are tough skinned or well-armored)? While engaging the enemy in sword-fights, one may be heard far-off yelling, "there she is, get her!" or "shes not so tough!" In one instance, I noticed an enemy who ran away after his energy was reduced to almost less than a millimeter say, "Im outta here" or something to that effect! Even the typical village-dwellers speak occasionally after being rescued to request that Xena saves an additional family member or friend. As with the TV series, humor plays a role in the game! In the Harbor level, a shark can be seen in an inverted position on the pier. When attacked, various items fall from its jaws which includes swords, kinves, anchors, pirate flags, and even a partially bitten surfboard! Another humorous scene would be that of the Hades (or underworld) level, where Xena battles the undead who appear to be quite comical when being attacked... are they all comedians? Similar to Earthworm Jims, "What the Heck" level (for Genesis and SNES), screams of the tortured and agonized can be heard in the distance. The music is based on many of the compositions of the television show such as the opening song... too bad they cannot be accessed via CD player.
-
Control- 7.9/10
All of Xenas signature actions are portrayed in the game such as her Bicycle Kick (Kung Laos move in Mortal Kombat II and is difficult to perform initially), Sword Bash (smite opponents in za noggin), and one of her most famous actions... the Chakram throw (use of the disk-shaped tossing blade)! When the Chakram is released, a Chakram cam is used for a better view of the intended target (sort of a first-person perspective) and it can be guided as well! There are more than 15 moves and many of which can be comboed with others! With two sets of moves (Basic and Advanced), precise control is key to provide a pleasant gameplay experience... however, this is where another one of the problems arise. The Basic moves are very simplistic and easy to get into since the majority of them require single button-tapping, but one of the Advanced moves in particular (the Bicycle-Kick) will try the patience of even Job, at first! The remaining Advanced moves requires simultaneous button presses (such as the 360 Spinning Attack = pressing "X + Square" continuously and simultaneously to spin constantly). It is possible to complete most of the game using only the basic moves and the Chakram throw, however, the experience (especially for fans of the TV series) is indeed an interesting one, since many of the locations from the TV show are present. Jumping from platform to platform takes some getting used to as well, however, the earlier levels (along with the training mode) helps to prepare the player for what is to come. The gameplay is reminiscent of Fighting Force (by Eidos/Core) with mindless fun and very few departures from this simplistic premise (in the earlier levels), but Xena fans will definately enjoy it for its representation of such characters from the series, depicted (pesonality-wise) as their real-life counterparts! The action will harbor plenty of fans as well, along with the impressive sound quality (and the cast of enemies to be attacked)... however, non-fans may not find much to enjoy in this title.
-
Overall- 7.9/10
In spite of its many shortcomings, I personally enjoyed this title (and have witnessed a few of Xenas episodes)! While very simplistic and truly lacking in gameplay-affecting options (along with dated graphics, semi-useless camera correction feature (since it takes longer to adjust the camera using this method - L2 or R2), and unresponsive controls at times), I find it to be a fairly-decent title to pick-up and play without manual consulting... sort of a "quick-fix" title. Though I am a bit biased, the score indicated does not reflect my personal opinon... rather, my observation of key elements note-worthy of mention. So, fans of Xena may (NOT "will"... but just "MAY") enjoy it, but non-fans and expert gameplayers (seeking the next GREAT challenge - since there are a few tough spots) must look elsewhere for such a title.
-
Bottom line-
*Fans: try it
*Non-fans: avoid it
//Soloist
|
|
