James Cameron's Avatar: The Game Impressions
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game is a video game adaptation of the film which has the same name. Thus, it features many similar locations and characters. It's being developed by Ubisoft's Montreal studio and Gaming Union had the privilege of having the game demonstrated by Patrick Naud, the Executive Producer, during GamesCom 2009.
The game itself one hundred years in the future, on a planet called Pandora. After exhausting all of Earth's oil supplies, they must find more resources in order to survive, and Pandora is deemed to suit their needs. However, the planet is home to numerous organisms, including the Na'vi. It creates an interesting dynamic, as both species are fighting for their survival, but for completely different reasons.
Gameplay will focus on both the RDA (Human) soldiers, as well as the Na'vi and they will offer similar, but also vastly different experiences. When playing as an RDA soldier, it's much more about ranged combat. The ecosystem is unwilling to surrender to the RDA's advances and everything from huge organisms to the undergrowth is an enemy. It can feel quite intimidating and it makes the player feel quite vulnerable. There are a few things to aid the RDA's cause though, mainly in the form of vehicles. Mechs are of huge assistance, but it's also possible to use up to four special abilities. It's important to note that the Na'vi can also ride on the planet's animals, which serve as forms of vehicles.
When playing as a Na'vi, things are almost completely reversed. Much of the gameplay focuses around close-quarters combat and they are equipped with a range of melee weapons. They do have some ranged weapons, but they aren't as effective. Like the RDA troops, the Na'vi can also use up to four special abilities. They are somewhat similar, but have a different context. While the RDA can call in air-strikes to clear enemies, the Na'vi can summon warms of insects.
Graphically, the game looks impressive and the demonstration was played out in 2D, not 3D. It's based on the Far Cry 2 engine, so there are some nice things like fire prorogation and there is also a nice day/night cycle that really helps change the mood and feel of the vast jungle. It will also feature a host of big name actors who will reprise their characters in the game. This will definitely help to make the experience more authentic.
To complete the package, there will also be upgradable items. Upon killing enemies, and achieving objectives, resources will be collected. These can be used to upgrade armour, and to improve weapons. A sneak preview of an upgraded RDA soldier was shown, and he definitely looked much more formidable than when in the generic attire.
The game itself is due to ship towards the end of 2009 on all major platforms. This demonstration was of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, but the other systems will offer different experiences.
