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Great Game Environments As Art

June 10th 2008 16:56
Sometimes even if all the gameplay doesn’t click as well as it should, but a game can create a fantastic original world, that can be enough to make it a legendary experience. Great examples throughout time: Fable, which was a broken game in many ways, but created such a fun world to play in that it didn’t matter, you still wanted to continue the adventure. Overlord, which is still unfortunately overlooked for the most part, even though it remains a fantastic adventure in which you get to march through the land controlling your own miniature army.

The Overlord commanding some minions



And who could forget Crusaders of Might And Magic on PS One, one of the first really great 3-D, hack and slash in a full fantasy world, games.

though your main character was a tool, Crusaders was still awesome.


But one of the greatest examples of an overlooked game, with an amazingly original world that give the gameplay a whole new depth, that more people need to experience. Primal. Primal was supposed to be a huge hit, as everyone was predicting before the game released, and when the time came…it wasn’t. The game flopped pretty much, and shortly after it’s release was promptly forgotten by most gamers.


Primal is pretty, even though it's PS2


But, unfortunately that meant so many gamers missed out on a brilliant adventure experience, in an incredible world. The game’s story is awesome when you first hear the concept, a woman discovers she is half-demon and ends up in a world between life and death, where she has to fight for the fate of humanity. Along the way acquiring awesome powers, that transform her into different beings each bringing different advantages to the game.

Although I guess it’s worthy to note, the combat system really could have used more work, as sometimes it’s the faults in the game that could cause you to take damage. But still, don’t let that mar your experience in the big picture of the game. You remember Morrowind, that game had awful combat, but it was still awesome.

Gothic Landscapey


Now Primal of all things qualifies as art, the gothic-fantasy landscapes that are found throughout the game in all the different locations you venture to, will keep you mesmerized. This game pushes the PS2 to the limit, pumping out everything it’s got to fully realize Primal’s unique environment.

Not to mention the balance between the two main characters, Jennifer Tate and her little gargoyle companion Scree, can be comical, giving a great contrast to the serious undertones of the adventure. The elements combining to make a fantastic story, professionally penned to the quality of any good book, except the brilliance that this is an interactive experience.

Jennifer left, Scree right


Primal is amazing, and can still be pricey, in terms of old PS2 games, but it’s worth the ride. Even now you can’t find a great game like this very often, and the amazing world it presents will leave a lasting impression. And a lasting impression is how many people define great art isn’t it?
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2 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cibbuano

June 11th 2008 02:55
I loved the environments in Morrowind. It was a clunky game, and your character walked so slowly, but once you levelled up and had speed enchantments, I really enjoyed running around, taking in the sights.


Comment by Gamerchip

June 11th 2008 04:43
Nice to see someone looking at these games in such a way

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