Zeno Clash Ultimate Edition for Xbox 360 Reviewed

With this one you simply have to wonder where some people get their creativity, because there's just so much of it on display herein. The entire game, a first person fighter for the most part, takes place in a fantastical land of bizarre landscapes and even stranger characters. It's like one of those artsy movies from the 1980's come to life. The people that populate this realm, the dialogue and the names are all over the top in their design, and just as you thought you've seen everything they had to send your way, more comes along.

In presentation, Zeno Clash revels in its surreal graphics and moody audio accompaniment. Even though it's not technically the flashiest title you'll play, it's simply steeped in layers of imagination and inspiration. Definitely one of the most unique games we've played in a long while.

The core mechanics involve first person fighting, with your character, Ghat, able to deliver various blows and the occasional kick. He can also pick up weapons along the dreamlike journey, including melee and ranged implements of violence. Each stage is linear, and populated with fighting set pieces that pit Ghat against opponents, sometimes many of them. Even the local fauna takes to beating on the poor fellow on occasion, resulting in an arena fighter of sorts, only set in a marvelous world resplendant in awesome design.

Play-wise Zeno's good, but not great. Some of the fighting moves , especially dodging, aren't the easiest in the universe to execute, and there's something awry with the save system, resulting in re-playing of parts you thought already behind you should you quit and come back at a later time. However, getting through a group of enemies can be very rewarding, and some of the boss fights are plain exhilarating.

But really, you should download this one to the 360 for the sheer post-science fiction vibe it projects, and for the whacky storyline, which has Ghat escaping his clan after killing the group's leader, known as father-mother. En route this guy and his lady fellow traveler encounter all manner of psychedelic tomfoolery, including a person who always walks in a straight line, because that's what that person does. Following the story is a joy unto itself with this game, and believe you me, it's not always the clearest of predicaments. But persevere and an amazing adventure beckons, even if it's not ideal for achievement lovers - Zeno Clash seems to hold those very close to its chest, and dishes them out very rarely. Guess that's part of the message they were trying to send here, this game is all about a special, unique journey, not the points.

For the design alone Zeno's a good purchase, add to that the rather rare treat of a first person fighting game and the overall sound gameplay, and it's a great buy all around.