Avatar: The Game

Note that there is more than one version of this. This is a review of the one for Wii, where you can only play as the Na'vi and can only use two weapons. This is set before the events of the movie(and doesn't spoil it). After Rai'uk sees his village destroyed and he remains one of the only living members of his clan, he spends years studying the outlanders from afar, and learning their language. Now he has only one thing on his mind: Revenge. Let's get one thing straight: Licensed games almost always suck. This is by Ubisoft, though, and they are responsible for one of the two exceptions(the other being Aladdin), TMNT. This isn't quite up to that standard, but for what it is, it's pretty good. It's evidently rushed; not only is every single of the 13(length between minutes and around an hour; this will take you a day, day and a half tops to complete) levels entirely linear(with that said, several are memorable, and none are bad), you can only jump at specific points(A is for what little environment interaction there is in this, otherwise it's a roll), there are invisible barriers to keep this from having you die when you fall far down. There are few bugs and glitches; they're really all related to the use of the Motion Plus attachment. This is the first time I use it, and the only thing I've tried it on, so I don't know if the issue is with the thing itself or the interface in this. Anyway, it messes up the Pointer, and simply doesn't respond the way it's supposed to. It doesn't make this unplayable, though you can't really use the feature it's for(and you don't have to). You can take over the so-called Hellfire Wasp, and it can be used scouting(since it flies) and, apparently, sabotage. This isn't incomplete, either. And while it's short, and replayability is limited(three difficulty settings(even on the easiest this can be challenging), and it keeps a record of how many of the pick-ups you have for any given mission), it's very enjoyable. The bulk of the game-play(that really makes you feel like a skilled warrior, and a formidable foe) of this 3rd-person action VG is you running around, eliminating RDA troops(armed with grenades, assault rifle(and later on, bazookas) or sniper rifles), sneaking(along with the Zipwire, it's right out of Splinter Cell, from the same developer... in this, you hide by moving into the areas(high grass, a pond, etc.) where you'll be hard to make out; also, if you get spotted, see if you ride it out, everyone in this has lousy short-term memory) to take them out one by one(don't worry about hiding bodies, they all vanish instantly), preferably by Stealth Kills(some of them, the timing fits well and they look cool... others, not so much) and you will also engage in combat with those awesome mechs(you run away from and battle every vehicle from the three hour silver screen epic). You also get to go into and clean out human bases. In both, you're armed with a staff(with a precise and powerful strike(flick downwards), and another for hitting multiple ones(move it fast to one of the sides)... and it can sorta chain them, a little) and a bow(slow, accurate, ranged and impossible to hide when using... for some reason, B readies it and A is the trigger, kinda awkward; it is smart that you have to hold something down, and that you'll put it away immediately if you let go, more versatile and smooth that way). You can activate Way of the Hunter, enhancing your abilities, once the meter is filled(by doing well). It and your arsenal can be upgraded(the only RPG element in this), by collecting Eywa Spirits. Last and definitely not least, you get to fly(exhilarating and just plain a pure ride!) on the majestic Banshee. If you have a Balance Board(if not, I suppose you use the control stick), you can use it to direct it. Lean forward or backwards for downwards and upwards, respectively, and left/right match. You don't choose where to go, that's set(not that it's "boring", though... you'll sweep down past waterfalls and through caverns, as you fly across Pandora, and if high up, you'll pass the floating islands), you dodge obstacles and try to get powerups. Also, you can fire arrows from there, too(and if a second player joins for Co-Op, as can happen at any time with the jump-in/-out as seen in other titles, including Lego Star Wars and the X-Men Legends/Ultimate Alliance series, that one will take care of aiming and shooting), smashing mines in the air, and taking on the dropship-like aircraft from the film(one of the many things from it that they implemented). The expansive forests of the planet are well-designed and pretty, during the day and the night, as well. FX(water, etc.) are pretty decent for the console, and the same goes for lighting. The graphics are nice enough. Storytelling in this is mostly text against a still background... there are a handful of in-engine cut-scenes, and no CGI. Voice acting and characterization are fine. Boss fights can be great. The plot is overall predictable(and the message is as devoid of subtlety as that of the film... well, they are important things to keep in mind), if at times engaging. You will be prompted to do a motion with the Wii-Mote in certain situations, and it's used really well(if not to its fullest possible extent). This autosaves frequently, never forcing you to replay a lot when you perish. Z provides camera reset(turn it manually with the directional pad), and holding it down enables the invaluable Target Lock. C is for Sense(it really has a spiritual atmosphere to it), where you get "guidance" about where to head to(well, it'll turn you in that direction), and nearby enemies are highlighted. There is mild violence and disturbing content in this. I recommend this to anyone who loved the cinematic counterpart. 7/10

OK, to start off i liked it, it was interesting in the first area. it had pretty-ish graphics and movement was easy. then i started noticing problems, aiming? nope, practically all you do is blindfire your gun. what else?(note i will not post all of the problems because there are so many) doesn't matter which side you pick, because it is repeditive. so so boring, i can remember doing multiple of the exact same thing. health is low and you earn recover points, but the game hardly lets you play on the RDA side. i had to checkpoint hop the entire game! very sad.... the na'vi side was more fun, but as i was flying a banshee for the first time i thought, "why the hell is this thing always running into walls?" the controls were horrible. i hated this game. . .

I didn't quite know what to think of this game before I started playing it.On one hand a game based on "Avatar" is an interesting idea,on the other hand there was a trailer for this game as a bonus feature in the "Assassin's creed II" menu and that said trailer didn't represent the game in a very good way.The moment I saw it,I knew "Avatar" would suffer the problem a lot of movie based games do - very short development time.I mean this game looks and feels like it's in a beta phase.The vehicle mechanics are very flawed,especially the exosuit.The storyline,in my opinion,was not really that bad,but the game is very linear,offering little to explore compared to other RPG games.I think this game is supposed to be a third person shooter/RPG,but it integrates the RPG elements very poorly.In my opinion, "Avatar" would have had a lot more potential if they took more time making it.That is the main reason I'm giving it 5/10.The game does have some positive qualities to it,so if you're curious you can give it a try.

Not as bad as everyone thinks: http://zoopy.com/q/2z0w The Avatar film has grossed crazy box office figures and has been turned into an instant classic. It's a high-tech, epic blockbuster (check out On Screen's film review) with an awesome universe to play with that potentially lends itself to an awesome game.

Welcome to Pandora: The vicious but beautiful brainchild of the mighty James Cameron. The Avatar game is a prequel to the film, setting up the events of what happens in the film. The only problem is I don't suggest you play this before you watch the film as the universe is taken presumption. What are these tall blue people? Why are you turning into one of them? On the other hand, watching the movie first gives the game new appeal as you feel you're contributing in some way to the events that you enjoyed so much in the film. You also have a better understanding of the universe and an appreciation for the Na'vi that can't really be gained by simply playing the game.

As far as movie tie-ins go, this is has to be one of the best renditions I've come across. You play Able Ryder, a dude whose genetic make up is beneficial to the making of a Na'vi Avatar. The story, although a prequel to the film, is retarded similar. Without giving too much away, you basically choose which side you want to fight as: Either human or Na'vi in a tumultuous moral dilemma. Oh and you die in. Just kidding… They really could've penned something a little more original though. The games features aren't outstanding by any means, but the length of the game is impressive. Being able to select between 2 campaigns essentially, each with a solid enough length, means you get 2 games in one. You get to take part in each race and discover their secrets and unravel the colourful world of Pandora.

With Forrest Gump AI, the brilliant world of Pandora quickly takes centre stage. You begin to feel as if you know the place and there's a sense of belonging and ownership of a world that you were once a passive watcher.

The animations on the whole, are impressive. Climbing into cars and riding those horsey things looks really good, but the rolling is outstanding. The motion blur rolling is so sweet in fact, all I wanted to do is roll around Pandora! I sincerely hope Army of Two has learnt a lesson on this frontier.

By now you're probably aware that the game has a 3D function that works with 3D TV's. So, to the 0.000000001% of people in South Africa who can afford a 3D, enjoy! It looks just fine on a standard HDTV. Pricks.

Useless features aside, Avatar is not a waste of time. This game is a pretty decent third person shooter that has a decent length and a great IP to boost. Only recommended for those who loved the films and where immersed by it's imagination will dig this title. For this reason I'm giving it a forgiving 7.0 / 10. Just a little side note to James Cameron: Spend a little more time and money on your games. They might go from Good to Exceptional.

James Cameron's Avatar: The Game is a video game adaptation of the popular movie that takes us into the captivating world of Pandora. The game successfully recreates the universe, with events set two years before the film, giving players a unique opportunity to explore and interact with this fantastic environment.

For its time, the game features impressive graphics. The developers skillfully conveyed the beauty of Pandora, drawing players in with picturesque landscapes and fantastical creatures.

The controls are generally smooth, but unfortunately, one aspect that may cause some dissatisfaction is the handling of airborne vehicles. In this regard, the game can feel less intuitive and challenging for many players.

However, the game's main highlight is the option to choose a side in the conflict. Players can decide whether to join the humans or the Na'vi, experiencing the depth of the conflict shown in the film. This adds a strategic element to the gameplay, making each playthrough unique.

One of the game's greatest strengths is its visual presentation. The vibrant landscapes of Pandora come to life through detailed graphics, making exploration a treat. The lush forests, mysterious creatures, and the overall atmosphere are beautifully recreated, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world they've seen on the big screen. Small details, like glowing flora and diverse fauna, contribute to the game's charm, making the environment feel alive.

Despite the engaging visuals, the game isn't without its flaws. While the overall control scheme feels comfortable and responsive, handling aerial vehicles can be particularly frustrating. This aspect of the gameplay lacks the intuitive feel of the rest of the controls, leading to moments of confusion and difficulty, especially when quick maneuvers are required in mid-air. This flaw could be a significant deterrent for some players, but it doesn't entirely overshadow the game's positives.

The ability to choose a side in the conflict between humans and the Na'vi is a key feature that elevates the gameplay. This decision impacts not only the story but also the strategies and tools available to the player. Choosing the human side grants access to advanced technology and weapons, allowing players to engage in battles from a distance and utilize high-tech equipment to dominate the Pandora landscape. On the other hand, siding with the Na'vi opens up the possibility of using the planet's natural power, relying on agility, nature-based weapons, and strong connections with the environment. This dual-choice system encourages strategic thinking and enhances the emotional investment in the storyline.

Additionally, the option to choose between the two factions adds significant replay value. Players can experience the game from both perspectives, offering a fresh take on the narrative and gameplay mechanics with each playthrough. This increases the depth of the game, as each faction provides its own unique challenges and advantages, making Avatar: The Game more than just a one-time adventure.

Despite some technical shortcomings, like the tricky aerial controls and occasionally predictable gameplay elements, James Cameron's Avatar: The Game remains a compelling experience for fans of the movie and action-adventure games in general. It allows players to immerse themselves in the incredible world of Pandora, offering a good balance of action and strategic decision-making. For those looking to revisit the world of Avatar or discover it for the first time in a new way, this game offers a solid experience.

In conclusion, Avatar: The Game deserves attention from both fans of the movie and lovers of high-quality adventure games. It successfully captures the atmosphere of Pandora, offers engaging gameplay, and allows players to feel like part of the expansive Avatar universe.