Not So, "Legendary" Review

Slow-paced mayhem ensues in Gamecock's loosely achieved, first-person shooter, "Legendary." Playing as hired thief, Charles Deckard, opens Pandora's Box in Metropolitan Museum of Art, unleashing turmoil and chaos in New York City.

Once Pandora's Box is unleashed, majestic and mythological creatures emerge and wreak havoc. Initially, the cinematic introduction of these creatures indicates an upcoming battle, which does not happen. We suppose these scenes are for instilling a thrill of chaotic disorder. As for actual action, Legendary is slow paced compared to well-known first-person shooter franchises like Halo and Resistance. A main reason why we determine action as slow-paced is the required environmental interaction for stage progression. Interacting with the background becomes a barrier for smooth, steady action as these elements are not easily recognized, but subduedly flash. Furthermore, these interactions are considered puzzles by using a particular weapon to clear a path or discovering switches to unlock paths. These minor puzzles remind us of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell or Devil May Cry. Another setback to the action are the on-screen message prompts from Vivian, who assist Deckhard's journey. Accessing these messages requires pausing the game. We argue if a developer uses the environment for level progression, this slows the action in a first-person shooter and changes it's genre to action-puzzler.

Image Credit: GameGuru.In

Another flaw to the action is the button configuration. Initially, Deckard lacks the ability to jump and run until he reaches particular stages. Eventually, the ability to jump is earned but is useless. Legendary has pre-determined avenues for advancement rather a player's intuitive approach to progress. Weapon swaps are similar to Resistance: Fall of Man, the first installment. The directional pad is utilized to select your weapon instead of a one-button, two-weapon swap. Again, this method for weapon change-outs slows the action since the directional pad deters from steady action. Side note, weapon aiming feels too sensitive causing less firing accuracy.

Image Credit: GameGuru.In

Despite the flaws in Legendary's action and button configuration, the graphics are terrific. Once Pandora's Box is opened, the special effects really shine. The color, size and entrance of Legendary's majestical creatures mimics Final Fantasy's magical style which is "awe"some. Transitioning background effects such as buildings slowly crumbling and mauled pedestrians is simply eye candy. We realize we're entertained watching Legendary than actually playing. Legendary has potential to evolve as a animated television series with it's plot and over-the-top creatures.

Image Credit: GameGuru.In

The soundtrack is rocking! We love an electric kick, deviant drums driven by a gutsy guitar. The soundtrack really has a Linkin Park or Nine Inch Nails appeal, saving the lack of fast-paced action.

Overall, the game is less than average. Legendary has the main components for a first-person shooter, but lacks fast-paced action. We believe the idea as a first-person shooter is loosely achieved as gameplay has an adventure-puzzle realm with it's constant environmental interaction.