E3 2008 Preview
Square Enix has demonstrated, time and again, the ability to combine imaginative
storytelling with breathtaking graphics. Infinite Undiscovery, the first game to
be released on the Xbox 360, certainly continues that trend.
In the game, a cult called the Order of Chains believes that the moon is the
source of power and has thus chained up the moon to harvest its powers. Capell,
a musician, has been lured into the war over the chained moon, on the side of
those who would set it free. Even as you adventure through the world, you will
see ethereal chains leading up to a wispy white cage surround the stellar body.
But Capell is more than a warrior drawn into the battle; he was first a musician
and because of that he can use his flute to give group buffs.
The game is essentially a single player experience but includes group dynamics.
While players primarily take on the role of Capell, there are 18 characters
total in the game that can be played within the group context. There are slots
for three parties of four and through the player interface and a connect system,
players can set up attack cycles. And the AI in this game is very good, with the
ability to set up behavioral patterns for the characters. You can hold them in
reserve, or give them permission to attack and use their powers at will. The
group dynamic also comes into play in the way you solve some of the puzzles.
There is also a stealth element, and if players can sneak up on an enemy and
unleash an attack before being spotted, they will get bonus damage.
Combat includes the ability to launch combo attacks by hitting sequential attack
buttons. For example, if you engage an enemy and hit the A, B, B, B button, you
unleash a series of combo attacks that is continuous and will do progressive
damage.
While Capell can earn other equipment during his journeys, he will maintain –
more or less – the same look throughout the game. The game also follows some of
the standards associated with RPGs in that you talk to NPCs to pick up missions.
Missions reward with experience points and, sometimes, equipment.
The sound was a bit lower because of the venue, but what was heard was
serviceable. The controls were intuitive, for the most part, but what was very
well done – no surprise here – were the graphical elements.
Slated for release in early September, Infinite Undiscovery is a terrific
journey, full of imagination and some stock RPG elements. But there is also
enough new here to give the game some freshness and the storyline will
definitely drive the game in that direction.
