• ID = PS0928
• STYLE = 3D Platform
• DEV. = Acclaim Studios Austin
• PUB. = Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
• R-DATE = Feb-13-2003
• ESRB = T / For Teen
• PLAYERS = 1 player
• LIST PRICE = $19.99
  

Here's the deal: On the forsaken remains of what was once the proud planet called Astara, the villagers of Rockhaven led difficult but peaceful lives until the day the Shadowraith, Dark Yabu, and his minions swept down from the sky. With terrible ferocity and ruthless efficiency they descended upon the townsfolk, enslaving them to work deep in the caves that surrounded their village. Dark Yabu murdered the grandfather of the young Vexx, who managed to slip quietly aboard the enemy's windship. There, locked deep within Yabu's sanctum, was the last pair of Astani Battlegauntlets, which leapt from their chest onto Vexx's outstretched hands, bonding to his arms and giving him special powers. Prepared to meet his destiny, Vexx embarks upon a heroic quest through volcanic islands, desert temples, frozen citadels, and giants' castles, to confront Dark Yabu high atop the Landspire, save his people, and avenge the death of his grandfather.

This action adventure features 18 levels, spanning treetop canopy villages, mysterious caves, desert temples, underwater cities, deadly volcanoes, and more. Hidden multiplayer party games are unlocked as players progress through the single-player world. Free-climbing mode allows players to climb uneven surfaces and dangle beneath overhangs, and each level's distinguishing landmark can be viewed from anywhere in the world in real time. There are day and night cycles with real-time lighting. Nighttime changes the landscape and characters: enemies become more aggressive, and the environments become more hostile. Ultraresponsive player controls react instantly to player inputs: gamers can cancel a move midway through and fire off extensive combo attacks. Hidden sundials allow players to change the time of day and gameplay, and advanced environment mapping creates beautiful reflections, glows, and highlights on characters, while clothes, hair, and trees respond dynamically to the environment.

Description 2:
Your fellow townfolk have been captured, your grandfather has been killed, and you alone must avenge these wrongdoings. Your planet, Astara, is divided into six separate regions and 18 total levels meaning your adventure will take you to the most varied terrain imaginable. From underwater cities to deadly volcanoes, you’ll wield the power of the Battle Gauntlets in order to glide through the air, shake the planet’s surface, and more. Featuring brilliant real-time environmental effects and superb character animiation, this is one game you won’t soon forget.

• 3-D action/adventure in a dark, forsaken land.
• 18 levels spanning treetop canopy villages to underwater cities.
• Advanced environment mapping, including reflections, glows, and highlights on characters.
• Highly flexible cinematic camera system.
• For one player, with some multiplayer features.

Amazon.com Review
While Acclaim obviously hopes to launch a new character into the video game pantheon with Vexx, don't expect another cuddly sprite who would be at home in a Looney Tunes cartoon. There is something decidedly twisted about Vexx. It might have something to do with his witnessing of the murder of his grandfather. After discovering hidden Astani war talons--which permanently attach to Vexx\'s arms--he is charged with avenging his grandfather's death, freeing his fellow villagers from slavery, and ridding the universe of the evil Dark Yabu.

But focusing on the game's story line misses the point of this platform game. Soon after the long and elaborately animated introduction ends, cut scenes fade into obscurity and the running, jumping, flipping, kicking, and smashing begin. Playing as Vexx, you collect Wraith hearts. The Wraiths themselves have been destroyed somehow--a story point that isn't too clear--but their force-feedback beating hearts remain. By gathering their energy, you power up the central hub that in turn opens doors to different worlds--from ice-encrusted wastelands and lush forests to hilly deserts and underwater oases. The graphics and music in each new world, as well as the many miniworlds hidden within, are often breathtaking. At times, you easily become distracted, taking a break from world-saving responsibility to hop into a pool for a swim or perch on top of some pole just to get a good look around.

The controls are fairly straightforward, although occasionally a near-impossible move sequence is needed to propel Vexx up to the next wobbling platform. The puzzles that lead to each heart can be challenging, if not downright frustrating, but there are enough available that you can always go play somewhere else. There are 81 hearts scattered throughout the game, but only 60 are required to battle Dark Yabu. The creatures in each world are easy to slaughter, only a nuisance if they attack at the wrong time or en masse. Those seeking more of a challenge can hop on the sundial in each level and twist it from day to night, which not only produces cool graphical and musical effects, but brings out a meaner breed of creepy-crawly.

The only real defect is the third-person camera, which at times simply refuses to cooperate--but this is more than made up for with the thrill of battling a sumo wrestler about 15 times your size, complete with his jiggling rolls of fat and deep-throated chortle. Nothing beats smacking him in the butt until he looms up on his tippy toes and falls over. --D.J. Morel

Pros:
Cool new character.
Breathtaking graphics and music.
Lots of interesting worlds to explore.

Cons:
Camera often impossible to control.
Some levels are just too difficult.