Too Much Hype Too Care

Too Human

(360; $59.99; Rated T for Blood/Language/Mild Suggestive Themes/Violence; www.xbox.com/toohuman)



For all of the hype and controversy surrounding the development of this game- it’s alleged ten-year development, a lawsuit against Epic Games who developed the game engine for Too Human (and ‘Gears of War’), and the self-indulgent pontifications by developer-head Dennis Dyack regarding the importance of this game and its deep meanings- “Too Human” is just not that good.

To be honest, though, “Too Human” is not the type of game that normally revs my engine- I was never into “Diablo” or any of the other loot-finding games which were clear inspirations for “Too Human” and its treasure-finding mechanic.  Although the depths of the Role-Playing Game customization of the main character are impressive- with the ability to change all aspects of weapons, armor, spells, and skills in an effort to create a completely unique character- too much of the game is spent in menus tweaking these aspects immediately after a battle where loot is earned.  Part of the time spent in the menus is the nature of these types of games, but when new and better loot is constantly being earned around virtually every corner, the excitement to go into the menus to equip the new items every five minutes wears thin.  Why this system works for me in a game like “Fable” and not here, is because of the sense of accomplishment that I feel in earning a new or unique look.  Here, every time I get used to using something or looking a certain way, it’s time for me to change.

The problem is that the time spent outside of the menus and in the actual game isn’t all too interesting either.  Shoddy collision-detection, invisible walls, and a poor camera system, combined with too-simplistic-to-be-fun controls, little variety in enemies, and an un-skippable, 30-second death sequence makes for a game that feels very unpolished- or at least one that feels like it should have been released back in the 90’s.

At least the Norse mythology-meets-hi-tech is a unique idea, even if it seems a little clunky in execution- perhaps the two sequels that are slated to be released to complete the series will help flush things out a bit.  But by that time, I won’t be playing them to find out.