Zeno Clash Ultimate Edition
Score: 90% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Atlus Developer: ACE Team Software Media: Download/1 Players: 1 - 2; 2 (Online) Genre: Action/ Fighting
Graphics & Sound: I can say with all confidence Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition is one of the more unique XBLA games. For lack of a better label, Zeno Clash is a first-person brawler. The concept isn't new; nearly every FPS on the market features some sort of melee combat and some, like Mirror's Edge, have even tried to expand the concept beyond a quick thrust with a knife. Zeno Clash succeeds where most have stumbled. Zeno Clash's presentation is every bit as unique as its gameplay. Visually, it looks like a retail game, but the real magic is the setting. The game's world is different enough to look alien, but still grounded in some sense of reality. Imagine Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal as envisioned by Tim Burton and you're in the ballpark visually. It may not sound appealing or comforting, but it's a great reflection of the game's central conflict. Voicework resides in a nebulous area. It's likeable enough, but sometimes dips over into annoying. The main character/ narrator, Ghat, rarely falls into this category. His companions, on the other hand, do. The soundtrack makes up for any audio issues. I'm actually listening to a copy as I write this.
Gameplay: Even attempting an explanation of Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition's story would be like trying to explain the plot to Lost. I could fumble around, but it's something you have to experience. The main thread involves a tribesman named Ghat who is on the run from his fellow tribesmen after the murder of Father-Mother, their chieftain. Beyond that, you really just need to play - and you should. The only downside is the slow start. Things kick off with Ghat's escape with very little explanation. Motivations are eventually revealed, though through the first few levels, it feels like you've walked into the middle of a conversation. It's handled well enough, but a little more information upfront would makes things "click" better. The heart of Zeno Clash is combat. The first person fighting is a bit disorienting at first, but the game does a great job easing you into combat. Most of your time is spent trading blows with multiple enemies in enclosed levels. Ranged weapons work their way into combat, though even attempting to rely on ranged weapons is tough. Although levels tend to repeat each other, the narrative is engaging. Although Story Mode is over in a few hours (about 7-8), Zeno Clash offers two other modes, adding some replay value. Tower Challenges place you (and a friend) in a series of arena battles as you ascend a tower. Every floor offers a different challenge and will push your skills. Online is available, though finding games can be tough depending on the time of day. Split screen is around as well, though enjoyment depends on the size of your TV. Another mode, Zeno Rush, adds a timer to single-player stages. I wasn't a big fan of the mode, but then again I'm generally not a fan of timed anything.
Difficulty: Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition throws a lot on your plate, but doesn't force you to eat everything at once. Early missions introduce concepts in manageable chunks. It's a great way to get acclimated to gameplay, but also contributes to the repetitive feel. Early on, expect a few cheap hits. Group attacks are common and, unlike other videogame foes, they aren't kind enough to wait their turn. Then you realize you're playing the game wrong. Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition encourages you to use your environment as a combat tool. Standing in one place and trying to fend off enemies doesn't work. You need to bob, weave and really think about how to best use your surroundings to force one-on-one matches.
Game Mechanics: Other games have attempted to bring melee combat into an FPS, though none have done it with the same level of finesse. Basic attacks are mapped to the triggers, which you can use to dial up combos. Eventually, other buttons and stick movements lead to new moves. Nothing is particularly complicated, but the level of depth makes it seem that way. If you're able to get a solo match-up, enemies are still tough. Combat offers a lot of options and you're expected to use them. If you stick to one attack pattern, enemies will learn it and always have the right counter. Weapons eventually enter the mix, but are mostly useless. Melee weapons, like clubs and spears, are useful against big enemies but impractical in normal combat. They're too slow. Guns are a little more practical and sometimes necessary. However, the targeting reticule is small, leaving one of two options: aim well and shoot fast, or suffer a humiliating disarm followed by a pummeling while you attempt to recover. Compared to other XBLA titles, Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition is pricey. It's by no means perfect, but still incredibly satisfying and worth checking out.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: PlayStation Illustrated's Review of Mirror's Edge on PS3 Game Vortex's Review of The Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary Edition on DVD Game Vortex's Review of Lost:: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray
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