It's strange when you experience a thing after hearing it hyped for over a decade and it largely still meets expectations. This game really shines in its writing. All the characters have at least one funny moment and all the featured characters are well rounded and interesting. The story is also pretty solid and though it kinda lost me towards the end the character heavy levels made up for it.
The gameplay is where I kinda tempered my expectations and was right to do so. This is a 15 year old 3D platformer and the first one from this developer. There are definitely some aspects that don't age well like some camera positioning BUT the game had the foresight to include mantling up a ledge if you land close. However, I won't judge this game's platforming too hard because platforming is basically how you just get around and the actual gameplay is more like an adventure game. You go around talking to people and solving puzzles either with items you get or new abilities unlocked. The levels are varied too with them either showcasing a new ability you get or testing your puzzle skill. One level can just be testing how you shoot with a standard boss at the end, the next is controlling the levitation ability with a race at the end and another is navigating a strategy game by knowing who to talk to with what. The only gripe I had while playing even was the last level. It consists of an escort mission type portion and easily the most boring boss encounter of the game.
So yeah, aside from a few gripes this is a interesting and varied game full of good writing that should make you smile at some point. I'd even be willing to call it a classic at this point seeing how well it holds up. Definitely recommend trying this one out.
The gameplay is where I kinda tempered my expectations and was right to do so. This is a 15 year old 3D platformer and the first one from this developer. There are definitely some aspects that don't age well like some camera positioning BUT the game had the foresight to include mantling up a ledge if you land close. However, I won't judge this game's platforming too hard because platforming is basically how you just get around and the actual gameplay is more like an adventure game. You go around talking to people and solving puzzles either with items you get or new abilities unlocked. The levels are varied too with them either showcasing a new ability you get or testing your puzzle skill. One level can just be testing how you shoot with a standard boss at the end, the next is controlling the levitation ability with a race at the end and another is navigating a strategy game by knowing who to talk to with what. The only gripe I had while playing even was the last level. It consists of an escort mission type portion and easily the most boring boss encounter of the game.
So yeah, aside from a few gripes this is a interesting and varied game full of good writing that should make you smile at some point. I'd even be willing to call it a classic at this point seeing how well it holds up. Definitely recommend trying this one out.