Recently, Review Fix got a chance to check out a near-final build of the Thor video game, set for release this week. The game, which will attempt to capitalize on the momentum of the Thor motion picture, follows a story written by one of Marvel’s hottest writers at the moment, Matt Fraction, that is separate from the one that will be told in the film.
The game looks absolutely amazing.
The graphics are top notch, and the environments are beautifully detailed and designed. It’s hard not to be impressed by the size and grandeur of the Lord of the Rings-type setting for the game. Elemental aspects of the setting such as fire, water, ice, and rock all simply pop on the screen.
Thor himself looks snappy, as well, although the costume is not his traditional comic book garb, but rather the attire that will be featured in the film. Likewise, Thor’s enemies (many of whom are enormous, just like the levels) are all drawn impressively.
The gameplay seemed fun and responsive, if a little repetitive. Thor has a bunch of different powers at his command, but most enjoyable was the opportunity to swing his all-powerful hammer, Mjolnir, as you use it to smash frost giants and demons around. According to Liquid Entertainment’s combat designer, Andrew Rubino, there are about 50 different moves that the God of Thunder has at his disposal. The attack system is accessible, however. It isn’t difficult to execute the different attacks, and whenever Mjolnir is involved, it just feels fun swinging the ridiculously powerful hammer.
Of course, Thor also has an array of elemental powers at his disposal, such as thunder, lightning and wind. Those powers are applicable on their own, but they can also be integrated into Thor’s melee attacks. Rubino and the rest of the crew at Liquid have also developed a grappling system that can be used with any enemy, even the humongous ones.
Nintendo Wii owners will also have a chance to step into the role of the God of Thunder, albeit in a totally different game.
“Thor is a brawler,†said producer Chad Barron of Red Fly Studios. “What we’ve tried to do is place the power of Mjolnir into the Wii controller.â€
The Wii release has a comic book look to it that is reminiscent of games like X-Men Legends or Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but that’s all right, because the whole point of attraction here is the ability to swing that Wii controller around.
Most comic book video games are released to less than stellar acclaim, but Thor just might be one that bucks the trend.
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