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Too Human is a title that has
had quite a troubled and well-documented development history.
Originally a Nintendo64 exclusive, it was then moved to a
Multi-Format title and appeared as playable code for the
PlayStation. Six years later and having moved in-and-out of GameCube
exclusivity and onto an Xbox360 deal, Silicon Knight’s attempt at
creating a world-defining trilogy is nearing completion.
Easily creating an epic-scale through
the use of camera-work comparable to
God Of War, Too Human is set in a neo-apocalyptic
world defined by it’s mythology versus machinery contexts. Two
Levels – The Ice Forest and Hall Of Heroes - were playable in the
code and, for those who progressed well-enough past the point at
which the stand attendees noticed, a picturesque garden was seen to
act as a HUB. The Combat System is encouraging, with the Right
Analogue acting as basic moves and, with the addition of the below
Context-Sensitive attacks, Special Moves are executed. The L and R
Triggers allow for guns to be used, with a two-way Lock-On feature
present controlled by flicking the Right Analogue Stock in the
desired direction before pressing the required arm to fire; however,
currently the system is to cumbersome to be considered a distinct
advantage.
Many Context-Sensitive attacks appear
after either a time-delay or a non-specified amount of kills and
send the camera into a frenzy, whilst remaining looking rather
stylish. The graphics are the best example of the Xbox360’s power
seen so far, perhaps with the exception of only the forthcoming
Alone In The Dark, and the Lighting-Effects are simply amazing.
The Frame-Rate however, is simply unforgivable, with at one moment
your
 avatar
being placed on the left side of the screen, and with one movement
of the Left Analogue Stick, appearing on the totally opposite side
after a three-second pause – three seconds in which you are totally
vulnerable to enemy attack. Extensive Loading Times and poor
Collision Detection only further tarnish Silicon Knight’s gleaming
reputation built from iconic pieces such as
Eternal Darkness and
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. There’s no doubt that a
company with such a reputation to uphold will get most of the
problems ironed-out, especially under the watchful-eye of
Microsoft’s marketing department, however it’s quite obvious that
Too Human would’ve faired much better at E3 2006 had it been
left as a video preview, and not been playable by unscrupulous
journalistic types, like yours truly. |
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Each of these articles has been written
either independently of Electronic Theatre or by an external viewer. The opinions
discussed in these articles in no way reflects the opinions of Electronic Theatre.
If you wish to inquire about pricing of any titles
for these formats not listed on this site, drop me a line at kjoyce@electronictheatre.co.uk |
