Not So "Legendary" Review

Slow-paced mayhem ensues in Gamecock's loosely achieved, first-person shooter, "Legendary." Playing as hired thief, Charles Deckard, the story begins when you open 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. The sudden onslaught of mythical beasts suggests that the player will be immediately thrown into an epic battle, which sadly does not happen. We suppose these early scenes are for instilling a thrill of chaotic disorder. As for actual action, Legendary is slow-paced compared to other better known first-person shooter franchises like Halo and Resistance. The primary reason why we found the action to be slow-paced is the required environmental interaction for progression. Interacting with the background becomes a barrier for smooth, steady action as these elements are not easily recognized, but flash to alert the player to their presence. Furthermore, these interactions could be considered puzzles because they require a particular weapon to clear a path or discover switches to unlock new areas. 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 that if a developer uses the environment for level progression, this slows the action typically found in a first-person shooter and changes it's genre to action-puzzler.

Another barrier 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 distracts from steady action. Side note, weapon aiming feels too sensitive causing less firing accuracy.

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

Audio buffs will also appreciate the presentation in this game. 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, which somewhat makes up for the lack of fast-paced action.

Overall, the game is a little bit less than average. Legendary has all of the necessary ingredients for a first-person shooter, but lacks innovation and feels a little bit slow at times. In a season crowded with other excellent FPS offerings, we are worried that this one will slip through the cracks. If you are a fan of environmental puzzles and classical mythology, however, you could do a lot worse than Legendary. We recommend a rental or a trip to the bargain bin for the curious.