Worthy Illustrations or Lackluster Demonstrations?

Of the recent demos on Xbox Live, they have generally proven what I expected going in. Whether it be a fun game worth renting but not owning or an example of second-rate game design, I've enjoyed some recent trials.

Wanted was a really fun, snarky movie and an equally enjoyable game. Weapons of Fate pulls off a third-person shooter as well as the next with some added bits of delight. Coming from a movie that introduced curving bullets, that's the first notable addition; it's executed with visual style and simple controls. Beyond that, the game evolves the Gears cover mechanic by stepping up the speed between obstacles with deftness and great visual cues. The rest of the game stays faithful to the film's dialogue and story complete with the difficulty setting entitled "Pussy."

The Vin Diesel outings both left with a sense of superhappyfuntime. The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is more goodness with better mechanics; just an evolution of what came before. It's what I expected and wanted. Now Wheelman doesn't demand too much attention, but it is good at what it does. Jampacked with racing, car stunts, and shooting, it's a compilation of off-the-wall antics, including Vin Diesel's character flying from one moving vehicle to the next to commandeer it. Seriously. But it doesn't apologize for such laughable features, it welcomes them without shame.

This next demo was supposed to be pure indulgence, but it was the least likable of the four I tried. Guitar Hero: Metallica is exactly like all the other Guitar Hero games before them, only I had never played drums or sang before. First off, the four playable songs in the demo were more than adequate with Seek and Destroy and Sad But True by Metallica, No Excuses by Alice In Chains, and Stone Cold Crazy by Queen (I know, too many italics). And the guitar interface was fine too. The drums seemed a bit clunky with harder to see lights but passable timing and combinations. It was the singing I couldn't stand. Compared to the instantly recognizable Rock Band format, it was a mess. I didn't know how to do well or how well I was even doing.

So much for wanting to try GH:WT now, Harmonix will continue to be my preference for interface design and color choice in rhythm gaming.

-- "Get out of my way, son. You're using my oxygen."