Primal

[Josh]

I picked Primal up over the weekend via the TRU sale. I had heard some decent things about the game, so I figured I would try the thing out. For those of you on the fence and with a chance to pick this up at bargain prices, here are some impressions... for anyone who has played this, I'd appreciate your opinions as well.

 

As far as overall production values, this game shines. The voice acting is surprisingly well done with some smart writing and witty dialog. Characters are also well-developed. So far there isn't a single character I hate. Animations are extremely well done, and the intro video is pretty much phenomenal - Squaresoft calibur stuff here.

 

Gameplay is a mixed bag. This game is definitely my bag, as it is heavily-based on exploration and puzzle solving. It utilizes a two-character system a-la Ico, but it's quite different. You can switch from one character to the next, often spending time figuring out how to reunite the characters by having one go ahead and create an entrance, bridge, etc.

 

While the puzzles are cool, so far (only about 2 hours in) they're not brain teasers. Most are relatively obvious. This could change.

 

The characters are different enough in terms of abilities to make things interesting as well.

 

Visually, this game kicks some serious ass. I'm playing in 16x9 480p and I haven't seen any slowdown, poor texturing, or tearing. So far. I'm really surprised by what the PS2 is putting out on this one. To be honest, this game looks better than just about any Xbox title I currently have, save maybe Chronicles of Riddick.

 

Contol takes some getting used to. There's the standard "action" button and all that for standard adventuring, but the game falls a bit short in the combat engine, I think. While I haven't been able to upgrade to the morphing or spell-casting abilities yet, the use of the shoulder buttons for battle just doesn't seem right yet. It may make sense at some point once I "get it."

 

Anyway, just thought I'd post some early impressions for this game that got very little attention.

 

In short: cool story, great presentation, killer price. Adventure fans should check it out.

[The Daisy]

I picked this one up forever ago.

 

Thanks for the short review. I'll take a look at it eventually, I'm sure.

 

Glen

[bickle]

I loved, loved this game. Probably the best voice acting in any game I've played. At first I thought it was a little heavy-handed, but it either grew on me or it lightened up a bit. Either way, it got better as the game went on & it really felt as if the characters had genuine concern for each other.

 

Kick ass graphics too. (Take note of the subtle translucency on Scree's wings)

 

I wish I could play it again for the first time.

[Romier S]

Josh,

 

So far. I'm really surprised by what the PS2 is putting out on this one. To be honest, this game looks better than just about any Xbox title I currently have

 

Dave,

 

Probably the best voice acting in any game I've played.

 

You both need to play Ghosthunter. The graphics are even more impressive (and yes its 16X9 and 480p) and the voice acting is (and I know its hard to believe) even better.

 

If you're wondering why I'm bringing this up its because both games were developed by the same studio.

[FLYING SE7EN]

I might check this out. I remember enjoying the demo, although the sad fact is that what I remember most about it was the DOA type physics given to the girl's character :oops:

 

J.

[bickle]

Originally posted by FutureVoid@Aug 25 2004, 11:54 PM

You both need to play Ghosthunter. The graphics are even more impressive (and yes its 16X9 and 480p) and the voice acting is (and I know its hard to believe) even better.

Glad to hear it - it showed up in my Gamefly mailing today! :tu: