Rochard

[Infinity's End]

Preview.

A new 2.5D platformer title from SOE. Although the IGN article states the gameplay is similar to that of Shadow Complex (aka very reminiscent of Super Metroid), the footage makes it seem as though the whole game you utilize a gravity gun and pick up boxes to solve puzzles and destroy enemies. So it being 2.5D and a platformer/sidescroller seems to be about where the similarities end. If anything, it's got more in common with Wild 9.

Check it out, it may be something to look forward to.

[yodanut]

Well, the article does mention upgrades being used to access new areas, so assuming it takes place on a single huge level, it may be a puzzle/Metroidvania hybrid. That sounds pretty cool to me. The world needs more Metroidvanias, whether 2D, 3D, or anything in between.

[yodanut]

Megabump.

So, did anybody here buy this? I played the demo and it does seem to have some of the Metroid inspired elements, though I've little doubt the puzzles will be the real draw. Any impressions from MDbers?

[Naner]

Hmm... It looks fun. And 10 bucks sounds like a fair price. Is it finally time to whip out my international credit card for PSN?

I'll check out if there's a demo. If there is and I like it, I might buy it. If not, I'll check out some more reviews.

Also: finally an interesting downloadable title that isn't just for Xbox Live.

[okey]

Just beat it. There's very little Metroid influence but it's still a pretty solid game. Totally worth $10.

-The puzzles are great and they're the bulk of the game too. I thought it was going to be nothing but block puzzles but there's stuff involving gravity, remote explosives, force fields, lasers, etc.
-The platforming sections are surprisingly fun. Not only can you change the gravity but you can swing from stuff and use the gravity gun's recoil as a boost.
-Don't expect much exploration. There are some hidden power ups and trophies but that's about it. Very little backtracking either. Usually the item you need to advance is placed right next to the first place you need to use it.
-The combat sucks. Only one boss, no enemy variety, you can't really dodge anything and there's regenerating health. Thankfully the combat parts are short and easy. (Hint: Don't bother with the blaster and just use grenades on everything.)
-The soundtrack is weird, it's all training montage music.
-Story is dumb, something about aliens and native americans. Bonus points for having an unusual protagonist though.

The game runs fine on ps3 but I was getting 60fps with AA on a mediocre computer so you may want to get it on steam instead.

[Naner]

If anyone's interested, it's selling for $5 on Steam for a few days (along with a bunch of other great indie games).

I agree with most of what okey said. The only elements of the game that feel Metroidian to me are the doors and the upgrades. Other than that, it's linear, but still really fun. The platforming and puzzle segments are fun, and the combat is meh but passable. For $5 it's definitely recommended.