I assume the viewers of Lost, at least the gamers as well, were looking
forward to this game. I hear all about Lost and it's numerous
plot mysteries and the show being great just in general. It led me to
believe this game might be decent, but it truly fails on that front. I mean take any
game, add average graphics (which is above-average than most
developers), uninspired puzzles, take away any form of action, and add
a terrible spin off script to the show.
The story follows some guy named Elliott who is a journalist, you get
'Lost' on an island when your plane crashes somewhere or other. Anyway,
you pretty much start from scratch since you lost all of your memory,
and you pick it up as you progress along the story and learn the
"secrets" of the island.
Your basic gameplay mechanics are in the game, for the most part. You
run around the island (i.e. a long path that leads you to your
destination, it's that linear) and can examine numerous objects, take
photos, and figure out the puzzles. I.e. you play some dull circuit
rewiring puzzle to open certain doors. You also have an inventory,
which holds your camera, torches, lanterns, etc. For some reason they
felt the need to tack on some odd "trade" system in which you trade
your acquired goods (coconuts, metals, papaya, etc.) for others' goods
(torches, gun, ammo, and so on). The reason this feels tacked on is
because it isn't explored the least, you barely have to trade and why
would you.
So the game has 7 episodes, which, are the only part of the game that
really captures lost. Each time you complete an episode, which normal
people call a level, you get a recap of the story thus far. Ever
watched Lost or any cable TV show and usually the hour-long show has a
quick summary at the beginning, well it does that when you start each
episode. The game has 30 achievements, 1000 gamerscore, and can easily
be completed as you go through this 5 hour game. With the help of the
internet and knowledge of what I should take pictures of, it's pretty
simple.
You only explore the island partially in some crappy
storyline. The ending is probably the best part, but only because it
sets up, quite heavily, for a sequel game. Here's to hoping Lost fans
get a proper game.
[Originally reviewed by me on GS; May 13, 2008.]
