Damnation Updated Preview - Xbox 360
- May 14, 2009 16:53 PM PST
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Faced with frenetic action and all the freedom you could want, the vertical platformer goes 3D in Damnation.
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Life in Damnation isn't easy, especially for Hamilton Rourke. Hammy is a war vet, widower, and newly enlisted member of the Peacekeepers, a guerilla resistance group. In a steampunk inspired world you take control of the man on fire and lay waste to all directions of the world in search of revenge and an end to an unstoppable corporation.
Death From Above
Like many shooters the objective is simple: shoot first and ask questions later. You have a small posse assisting you on your journey, consisting of a well-rounded cowboy in red and a scantily clad gunslinger with a serious amount of reverse cleavage (better known as underboob). As you work your way to the top with your gang both figuratively and relatively speaking, you'll come across miners gone mad as well as zombies. To remedy the situation, you are handed run-of-the-mill weapons that are no stranger to the shooter genre such as a pistol, sniper, and shotgun. You can carry three weapons at once in addition to a set amount of grenades and mines.
The cowboy basics also include a special touch of Native American, by which I mean Spirit Vision. When Spirit Vision is activated you can see the auras of enemies and allies alike so there are no surprises around the corner that you aren't prepared for. The vision is also useful for reviving fallen comrades by simply focusing on them and pressing the right bumper to bring them back to consciousness. Dying is a lost art but Codemasters brings it back in full swing. I can't begin to tell you how many times I ate it attempting vertical and vehicular stunts. The save points aren't too forgiving, so think better-safe-than-sorry when planning your attack.
The world is vast. Running around everywhere certainly isn't an option especially for the rush you're apparently in. Vehicles are strewn throughout each level and are the highlight of gameplay. The first machine I got my hands on was a sleek two-seater motorcycle that rides up the walls like nobody's business and bridges large gaps that you couldn't possibly jump on foot. The second vehicle I got familiar with was a three-seater that is similar to the motorcycle I previously encountered but doesn't have as much juice under the hood. When cruising in whatever vehicle you may find you need not worry about slamming into structures or one of the many rocks in your way because you don't take damage from nobody or no thing.
The Only Way From Here is Up
The acrobatics are strong with this one. After all, what would a vertical shooter be without 'em? The foundation for acrobatic endeavors is the simple run and jump. If you're near a wall you can continue the chain of jumps at your own discretion. Using this newly acquired knowledge you can climb ladders, ropes, and ledges to move to the apex of structures and continue on through the environment. Keys are non-existent in Damnation, because who needs a key when you can bust through windows and dominate the rooftops.
The acrobatics aren't nearly as evolved as they could be for the type of game Damnation is. So far movement is stiff and lacks a certain sense of believability. Damnation has good intentions but not enough follow through in its present state.
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