Clomping monstrosities patrol cobblestone streets, mechanical spiders scour abandoned hallways, and flying sentries flash-fry anyone who strays into their spotlights. In this bleak and visually striking sidescroller based on the classic H.G. Wells novel, 1953 London is overrun with alien invaders, and Tom Cruise isn’t coming to save you.
Arthur Clark needs to find his brother and fiancée, but must first traverse 11 punishing environments that demand serious dedication. War of the Worlds’ tricky brand of platform-jumping and obstacle-climbing requires a level of precision and persistence that’ll undoubtedly repel some players. Chase sequences often feel longer than they are simply because one mistimed jump or missed ledge sends your crumpled corpse back to a checkpoint, and Arthur’s harried movements don’t always feel perfectly responsive.
In many games, the constant trial-and-error and mandatory practice runs that War of the Worlds demands would grow horribly tedious, but not here. This action/adventure constantly rewards you with offbeat visual treats to goggle, tricky new obstacles to overcome, and the opportunity to take some measure of revenge with a scavenged axe. Variety is the spice of your endless string of deaths, but to avoid them, you’ll outrun explosive alien mines, bide your time in shadowy nooks, sprint across crumbling rooftops, and work out inventive ways to extinguish fires or destroy walls.
One could chide the developers for a few elements that feel like filler (at least in retrospect). For every mad dash from sentient Martian smoke or harrowing climb up a London landmark, you’ll find a pedestrian push-the-crate or futz-with-the-colored-buttons puzzle. While you’re actually playing, though, you’ll find yourself captivated by skillful art direction that mixes inky darkness with bold splashes of color. Patrick Stewart’s evocative narration draws you deeper into the world, and subtle cinematic flourishes keep you there.
Even if you ordinarily shy away from a daunting challenge, give this one a shot. As difficult as War of the Worlds is to conquer, it’s also more than satisfying enough to be worth the struggle.
Publisher: Paramount Digital Entertainment • Developer: Other Ocean Interactive • ESRB: Everyone 10+ • Multiplayer: None • Achievements: Mixed • Cost: 800 Microsoft Points ($10)
+ Challenging and varied levels, enemies, and obstacles; exciting chase sequences.
+ Slick visuals reminiscent of classic 1950s sci-fi films.
– Areas that require near-perfect movements will test your resolve; slightly finicky controls.
? Can we get The Island of Doctor Moreau next?
