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"Does this game have a frame rate problem? Yes. Is it still a great experience? Yes."

Before I begin my actual review I'd first like to say that I'm not a part of the crowd that claimed this to be "best game ever" (or any of those other trite expressions) before the game even came out. I was interested in this game, yes, but I only preordered it because I had left over store credit and nothing else of interest was in stock. Anyways, I have to say Advent Rising has surprised and impressed me.

Story - 9.5/10

Well, what can I say? The story of this game is quite intriguing and unique. Orson Scott Card, a famed science-fiction novelist, has contributed his ideas into a video game and they absolutely shine. The story is presented in a cinematic fashion that truly gives the game the epic feel that most games lack.

I won't give details into the story or the premise because you can read that on the back of the box. Instead, I would like to say that the premise and basic atmosphere of the game is very immersive and charming also. The story has a slew of elements that combine so perfectly to form a fresh, epic adventure. There is love (between family, friends, and Gideon's fiance), there is a great war that plays out right in front of your eyes involving not two, but three distinct groups, there is mystery that entices the gamer, there is character interaction (that could improve a little), there is humor that is actually note worthy, and most of all there is the atmosphere and fluidness that contributes to all of these elements being molded into one.

Character development is well done and the characters have much more personality than most characters in today's video games. The only gripe that I have with the story, which warrants the 9.5 instead of a 10, is the characters' interaction with each other. Sometimes it seems sporadic. For example, the relationship between Gideon and his fiance flourishes with emotion at the beginning and then seems to fade a bit only to be brought back to life. It is a minor gripe but it happens from time to time. I guess the character interactions lack a full consistency. However, 95% of the time everything seems on key and it surely works out great. The dialogue, on the other hand, seems very natural and believable. It certainly shows that a novelist helped out with this game.

Honestly, this is perhaps one of the best, if not the best, storylines that can be found in an Xbox game.

Gameplay - 8/10

This is the part of the game everyone seems to be whining about. In my opinion, I think people just want a flawless game. There is nothing wrong with that but it is completely unrealistic. Every game has its flaws, and as gamers, it is our job to look past those and enjoy ourselves anyway.

I will say that there is a definite frame rate problem in this game. While running around the massive, beautiful world there is some stutter and it caught me off guard. I just wasn't expecting the game to stutter like it did and I began to worry thoroughly about combat. I didn't need to worry though. During the midst of battle - when there are walls blowing to pieces and crumbling all around, fire blazing, bodies of your enemies and comrades flying through the air and fighting with each other, shouting of orders and the screaming of pain, all while you dive out of the way of an incoming grenade and blast your enemies straight to hell - the frame rate doesn't linger or disturb the fluidness of combat. It seems that the only time the frame rate jumps or even halts for a few seconds is during the cinematics. Well, it does stutter a little bit while walking around but not in combat. That can be put up with though. It truly is a shame that the cinematics stutter and sometimes stop and start up again because it can damage the immersion of the moment. It can be overlooked though, but it is a fault.

There are plenty of guns in Advent Rising - some human, some alien. However, it's kind of hard to distinguish between the guns while you're in combat. It's more of pick up a gun when you're running low on ammo and go on because it seems like they provide close to the same damage - except for grenade launchers and such. The only thing that really mattered to me was how fast the specific gun would shoot its ammo. The abilities Gideon obtains are interesting and all provide to be useful. It is the fate of some games to have a slew of abilities and only utilize one or two; this is not one of those games, which is refreshing.

The new flick targeting system was said to be difficult to get used to and a pain to learn. However, I jumped right into it and it truly felt natural. It isn't the least bit hard to adjust to and works well with the basic game formula. You simply 'flick' the right analog stick toward the enemy you wish to lock on to and then start blasting away. To switch enemies, simply 'flick' the analog stick in the direction of the new enemy. It's simple really; and to disengage just click the right analog stick down.

Gideon can hold two guns - one in each hand. Meaning you can mix and match any guns together to create your own personal style. For example, if you are in a crowded or narrow area and are afraid that the blast of a rocket launcher may hurt you, you can simply use your left trigger and fire a machine gun only. Then once you are outside and there is an enemy ship firing on you, simply pull the right trigger to fire rockets and blow it to bits. It really adds some freedom to the gameplay.

While the flick targeting system and the ability to mix and match guns you're holding is new and fresh, the basic gameplay is nothing you haven't seen before. It's mainly go certain places, killing Seekers on the way, and then explore the area - which can be done on foot or on vehicles that actually control quite well. The main focus of this game is the excellent story and the gameplay really builds up the drama because of all the stuff that is happening at one time. It's just that the core gameplay isn't that unique.

Graphics - 8.5/10

This is a very bright and colorful game. The world seems to radiate with color and style that actually makes the graphics look much better than they actually are. Overall, the graphics aren't awe-inspiring in quality but are in scope.

The massive environments are beautiful for their color and activity. You can be rolling around in a warthog type vehicle and turn the camera toward the sky to see a full battle taking place right above you, and then move your camera toward the distance to see a city and enemy ships flying all around it. The draw distance is great and there is basically no pop up at all. I love the environments.

The character models could use some work because they seem to be bland. Even Gideon, the main character, seems to fit right into the crowd of the other characters in the game with body structure. Every single character basically has the same body type which was disappointing. I've actually noticed that many of the same looking characters are in crowded areas. For example, there will be about 7 or 8 of the same girl standing all together. Even if this is just for a brief shot in the game, it still seems cheesy. This fault is disappointing but also can be overlooked because of the sheer personality the characters have.

Overall, the graphics are good, but definitely not the best the Xbox has to offer.

Audio - 10/10

Wow. The music in this game is astonishing and very epic. It is perhaps the best soundtrack for a video game that I have ever witnessed and I've witnessed quite a few. The emotion and atmosphere the music brings to the game is unmatched and is actually a joy to listen to. I don't know what else to say besides that the music is amazing.

Another amazing audio feature is the voice acting. Truly this is the best voice acting I've heard in a video game. The characters are brought to life with the energetic and natural voices that certainly have talent. This is another aspect of the game that brings it all together into a great, cinematic experience. It's simply wonderful.

The sound effects are right on and match the gameplay exactly. Guns sound vibrant and clear along with other sounds such as explosions. The sound that is devoted to each event is specific, that way all the sounds of war don't just mesh together into one loud roar. Instead, the game has life and clarity.

Overall - 9/10

In the end, this game is a great experience for any gamer in need of a well made storyline. Even though I tended to brag about the premise most of the time, the game is fun to play and a joy to just…experience, and that's exactly what gaming is all about.

Though the game is not long at all, probably around 10 – 12 hours, there is still some minor fun in going back to previous levels with the level select option. Keep in mind, however, that this game is the first in a trilogy of great storytelling, so stay on the look out for information about the sequels.

Advent Rising could be beaten in a rental and that's definitely what I suggest to those who don't have the money to spare for a purchase. For everyone else out there who is looking for a game to buy, this is it.


Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/08/05