CE vs. SE For More Eye Candy? BASED ON SE DEMO (aka Review part two - I'm practicing on you guys now!)
When I first reviewed the CE of this game, I noted that the makings of a good CE were there – professional production, great graphics, solid story, collectibles and achievements, and, for me at least, nice wallpaper. Still, on a budget, I have waited for the SE before making my buying decision.
Well, having played both demos (which on each took 50 minutes, no lollygagging), I think I must recommend the CE. There is just “that something, something” lacking in this game. And the extras make up for it. They give it that little bit of zing.
The game is beautiful, definitely. And imaginative. And so very alive – everything is richly detailed and well lit. The same can be said for the background noises, special effects and music. All satisfyingly animate. The voiceovers are excellent.
The HOPs are very good. I really liked the HOP where there is no gravity. I know it’s been done by others, but not as well. The objects are hidden in plain sight, and are not especially distorted. The interactions are not complex but there is many in each scene. I didn’t need hint at all for them – which is an achievement in the CE game, so I get a little extra thrill there. *cheeky grin*
The puzzles also have their achievements in the CE that are not here in the SE game. Which to my mind adds incentive to persist longer, and therefore get greater satisfaction when we win. There are a lot of puzzles and mini-games and a lot of them I found quite challenging (not that that means much – I usually do). There are quite a few really neat twists on more ordinary puzzles.
For the record, there are also collectibles in the CE game. I didn’t particularly like them because they look pasted in, and I think they were.
The game has an interactive jump map and directional hint. So what little adventuring is required is easy enough.
So, why the CE? Mostly it’s about the achievements, and the added excitement they can bring to a game. And because I think this game could use a bit more spice. Throw in some gorgeous wallpapers, an extra chapter and the built in strategy guide (for those puzzles I couldn’t get on my own), and I think you have a game worth the extra $$$.
If you’re tight, though, this is still a pleasant but not earth shattering game.
I Don't Recommend This Game, I Recommend The CE!