Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
March 3rd 2004
Introduction:My first thoughts when I put my hands on Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is oh no! Not another remake of a classic. Pitfall was a major hit "back in the day" and I didn't want to be disappointed, and I wasn't. Pitfall Harry is back and it feels great to explore the jungle once again with the original adventurer.
The Game:The original Pitfall was a game of few actions. All you basically did was jump over boulders, swing on vines and escape crocks by swimming across the screen. Thankfully developer Edge of Reality stayed true to the original and you will be swinging your heart out. To keep our attention although takes more then it used to, so Pitfall Harry has more tricks up his sleeve. The new Harry can humoursly curl into a ball to roll around gaining an advantage in speed and size, he can also now defend himself with some crazy hyper fighting moves which are upgradeable. Harry also has the aid of items he finds along the way along and I can't forget the ever popular double jump. Harry has just what he needs to succeed in the jungle and they never overdue his character.
Over Pitfall: The Lost Expedition comes off very light-hearted and never gets to serious with itself. The main basis behind the game places you in the jungles of South America where you must solve puzzles and overcome obstacles when your plane conveniently crashes with an archeologist on board. Harry is motivated though by the opposite sex (like most males) and hopes to save the girl. Not even man eating crocodiles, demon jaguars or wild jungle men can keep this adventurer away. All in a days work.
The level design is made up of many small areas populated inside four main areas. You will have to backtrack allot in Pitfall, but since you usually have a new item and objectives it doesn't get old. All this wouldn't matter if it wasn't for the flawless controls in the game. Pitfall is one of those games where the control just eases in your hands and you can play for hours without getting too overwhelmed or frustrated. This has to be the most fluid game I have played in a while. In fact when I done typing this up, I'm headed right back for some more action. It has be expereinced, but you will melt into the controller.
Graphics & Sound:The graphical touch in Pitfall goes for an off cell-shaded look which really resembles last years adventure game Grabbed by the Ghoulies by Rare. The character design is pretty similar along with textures and art. If you haven't had a chance to take part in Rares ghoulish adventure the graphics look like a cross breed of cartoon and computer graphics. Polished yet inked, so to say. The levels are packed full of detail and what makes the graphics stand out are the little things, like the rustling of grass, the random physics of animal tails and Harry's backpack flapping on his back.
The audio in Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a triumph. This game sounds great cranked up in surround sound. By playing the game for only a few minutes you will notice how well everything gels together. This is mainly accomplished by the great audio accompanying all the other aspects of the game. My dog was pretty interested in the verbal monkey antics. ;) A+
Innovation:If you want to talk innovation the first Pitfall game that was released originally in 1982 was the first platform game ever! Spawning a whole slew of side-scrolling jumpers Pitfall has now evolved to Pitfall: The Lost Expedition. The Lost Expedition doesn't break new ground in innovation and it really doesn't have to, what it does is blend all the great elements from any plat forming title and put them together in a fluid entertaining package.
Mojo:Harry isn't all that bad, once you get past the Brendan Frasier aspects. A guy going after the babe! Putting the charm on mild, as Harry would say. Harry can hold his own and is always looking on the bright side of things even though he faces overwhelming odds. Harry along with all the enjoyable characters in the game exudes the mojo. Oh I forgot to mention Pitfall 1 & 2 included! Nice!
Lowdown:Pitfall: The Lost Expedition should be on every gamers list that enjoys a good plat forming based adventure. Pitfall has all the right touches and you will not be disappointed in the original platform guru, Pitfall Harry.
Gameplay: 9, Graphics/Sound: 8.5, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 9. Final: 8.5
GOTY AWARDS: BEST PLATFORM GAME OF 2004 |
FEATURES:
- New Kudos reward system: Earn Kudos by performing power slides, spinning out in 360s that corner on two wheels, and (for the first time) drafting while staying on the race line and keeping car damage to a minimum. Kudos is a way to measure your driving skills, flair, and daring, as well as the accomplishments you achieve throughout the game. The more Kudos you earn, the better you're ranking will be and the more vehicles, skins, and tracks you can unlock.
- Online play: Project Gotham Racing 2 will support Xbox Live. Join friends and others around the world for the ultimate street race, or download ghosts (recorded cars to watch, learn from, and compete against).
- Multiplayer System Link: Allows players to race head-to-head in the same room.
Racing around the globe: Maintaining its international theme, Project Gotham Racing 2 takes place in photo-realistic recreations of famous cities including Chicago, Edinburgh, Florence, and Moscow.
- Sweet rides: Take the wheel of some of the most exclusive high-performance vehicles, all fully licensed with realistic damage modeling. Project Gotham Racing 2 offers an exciting driving experience in vehicles such as the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche GT2, BMW Z4, Pontiac GTO, Mini Cooper S, and many more.
- Music that drives you: Listen to the hottest DJs in the world turn out authentic music from real radio stations, as you drive through each city in the game. You can also create personal play lists with the exclusive CD player in Project Gotham Racing 2.
- Highly detailed game environments: Project Gotham Racing 2 captures the essence of every city, with fully researched, photo-realistic environments (including highly detailed storefronts and buildings), allowing gamers to experience the superior graphics technology of Xbox.nd fights feel ripped straight out of theaters. Plus, tons of weapons, body armor and vehicles are at the gamers’ disposal.
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