James Cameron’s Avatar

James Cameron’s Avatar – Blue aliens, weird creatures and one heck of an adventure...

I’m possibly not the best placed to write about James Cameron’s Avatar. Unlike apparently nearly all of the world, I failed to see the biggest budgeted movie to hit the silver screen ever and still haven’t seen it now it’s come to DVD, but I do know a good platform game when I see one and I’m happy to report this game doesn’t disappoint.

As touched upon, I don’t know much about the plot, the history or much at all about the movie, but you take control of the blue hero who swings from vine to vine in a Tarzan-esque manner. Armed with a machine gun to start with, you learn the ropes exploring the levels by jumping from platform to platform, climbing and dashing around like a blue blur. When faced with anything on the screen it’s best practice to shoot first and ask questions later. Ironically this is quite anti what the movie’s about?!

Anyway, along the way you will come across sprites which are glowing creatures which float towards you and are absorbed upon contact. These sprites help boost your connection with the world and improve your powers. When you complete each stage you get to use these sprite powers to boost your abilities. Whether this is your recovery powers, health level, ability to use other weapons better (and cause more damage) to even being able to pray more.

It becomes apparent you need to improve your avatar as each possible opportunity as you swiftly come up against faster, more powerful creatures and bosses at the end of levels. Now although you can switch off the auto-aim function, I’d say keep it on unless you fancy a short game with a rather messy ending. You can also play at three different difficulty levels, but you can only play at the hardest once you have completed the normal (second hardest) level.

For anyone who’s a fan of James Cameron’s Avatar film, this game will undoubtedly hit the right spot and be quite a joy to play. I’m sure the true avid fans will no doubt find something has been missed out, but it is enjoyable and shouldn’t be taken away from the game. Unlike many games which are made in the wake of a big budget movie, this actually seems to be quite well rounded and challenging. It’s actually quite a testament to the game if it wins over a neutral or even an anti-Avatar person. So as long as you enjoy platform games such as Crash Bandicoot or Sonic the Hedgehog through to Beneath a Steel Sky you’ll find this game will certainly be a worthy addition to your collection.

Rating 80%

Positives

Pretty good graphics

Gripping storyline

Good balance of action and roaming around the platforms

Lots of levels with 3 difficulty level settings

Negatives

A good platform game that could be overlooked by those who don’t like Avatar

It does have a lot of plot going on which makes less sense to someone who’s not seen the film

Quite easy to die

It’s not clear what kills you or you can interact with or if it’s a pretty backdrop