Game Too Human Review

The world of video games has seen its fair share of epic tales and futuristic landscapes, but few have been as ambitious as Too Human, an action role-playing game developed by Silicon Knights and published by Microsoft Game Studios. Released in 2008 for the Xbox 360, Too Human was the first installment in a planned trilogy, aiming to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay in the genre. This review delves into the intricacies of Too Human, examining its narrative, gameplay mechanics, and the impact it had on the gaming community.

Storyline and Setting

Too Human is set in a futuristic world where cybernetic enhancements have become the norm, allowing humans to merge with machines to achieve a higher level of existence. The game follows the story of Baldur, a cyborg who is part of the Aesir, a group of god-like beings tasked with protecting humanity from the onslaught of machines. The narrative is deeply rooted in Norse mythology, incorporating elements and characters in a futuristic context. The storyline is complex, with themes of identity, humanity, and the blurred lines between man and machine. While ambitious, the execution of the narrative received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its originality and depth, while others found it convoluted and hard to follow.

Gameplay Mechanics

Gameplay in Too Human is centered around action-packed combat and character customization. The combat system, while initially innovative, was criticized for its repetitive nature and lack of depth. The game features a unique control scheme, utilizing the right analog stick for melee attacks, which, although taking time to get used to, provided a fluid combat experience. Character customization is another key aspect, allowing players to upgrade and modify their characters with cybernetic enhancements, affecting both appearance and abilities. This system, although extensive, felt somewhat limited by the lack of noticeable impact on gameplay for some upgrades.

Impact and Reception

Upon its release, Too Human received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its ambition, storyline, and character customization, but criticism for its combat mechanics, camera system, and overall polish. The game’s development was also marred by controversy, including a public feud between the game’s director, Denis Dyack, and a prominent game critic, which overshadowed the game’s release and potentially affected its reception. Despite its flaws, Too Human maintained a dedicated fan base, with many appreciating its unique blend of science fiction and Norse mythology.

Legacy and Future Plans

Initially planned as the first part of a trilogy, the future of the Too Human series was left uncertain due to the mixed reception of the first game and subsequent legal issues between Silicon Knights and Epic Games over the use of the Unreal Engine. In 2012, Silicon Knights was ordered to recall and destroy all unsold copies of Too Human and its other game, X-Men: Destiny, and to pay Epic Games $4.7 million in damages. This effectively ended any possibility of sequels or continuation of the series as originally envisioned.

In conclusion, Too Human stands as an ambitious, albeit flawed, attempt at redefining the action RPG genre. Its complex narrative, extensive character customization, and unique setting make it a game worth experiencing for fans of science fiction and action games. However, its shortcomings in combat mechanics and the controversy surrounding its development have relegated it to a niche interest, rather than a mainstream success. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, games like Too Human serve as important reminders of the risks and rewards of innovation and the enduring power of original storytelling in interactive media.