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Primal Review - PS2

Another adventure game, yet, this one sure does have a twist. Turning into demonic forms possessing intriguing and useful characteristics and being able to switch characters. Primal has been in development for some time by SCEE Cambridge and it has impressed in previews, especially the screenshots. However, many games have impressed initially yet failed in the end. So does Primal eat it's competition like a carnivore is it just a skinny vegetarian?

Game Play

Primal takes control of not one but two characters, which isn't standard in most adventure games. The main story goes something like Jen, a college student with a strange tattoo being the chosen one to rescue her boyfriend from oblivion. Her journey takes place throughout numerous worlds. Jen is the lass who can transfer into different types of demon form, some of which are crucial in getting through certain puzzles. When in Ferai form you can jump to places that you couldn't usually. Three other forms can be also be transformed, Undine means Jen can swim, Wraith allows travelling in time and with Djinn you can switch between different attacking modes. Scree is a funny looking gargoyle and is Jen's sidekick that can walk up stonewalls and even take up possession of certain statues. Both of their characteristics mean they will get past puzzles in their own unique way. Switching between characters requires only a press of the select button and most of the time you'll find the character not in control will follow you. However, when stuck at a puzzle such as where Jen can slide against a wall to tip toe against a cliff, Scree will climb up the rock wall and back down to pass it. If you forget to switch characters after solving this puzzle and decide to switch back later, the other character will be way behind, way back at the puzzle, which is rather annoying. The combat system is unique in the fact that the main buttons used are the shoulder buttons. When turned into a Ferai monster you will notice how much more strength and aggression Jen possesses. Also, by pressing L1+L2 together a finishing move will occur which looks quite tasty. Whenever you're stuck, pressing triangle will have Jen pose a question to Scree so you won't be pulling your hair out wondering what to do.

Graphics

Primal sets a dark and eerie mode graphically. When you first play the game you'll notice how dark it is, thankfully Scree can obtain a fire lantern, which makes viewing somewhat easier. The land is enormous and the landscapes are well constructed such as building decaying and poorly lit caves giving you the gamer, an isolated, desolate feel. Nice effects such as the snow dropping down in certain places remind you of again, how isolated the setting is. Unfortunately the camera angles can be a bit wobbly. When using the right analog stick to get the desired view (handy for finding secret passages) it seems to ... (continued next page)