Ubisoft has crafted itself quite a remarkable reputation as being one of the top-tier video game developers in the world. With top-selling hits such as the Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon, and Rayman series, Ubisoft's I Am Alive, is another stunning addition to the tried and true formula of post-apocalyptic virtual mayhem.
The main character(whose never named)roams the desolated wasteland of Haventon, a city devastated by a cataclysmic "Event". What caused the Event is never explained; it could be surmised that it was an unknown natural phenomenon, but the focus is more on survival as well as helping those in need who reveal what happened during the time in the form of side-quests(which I love dearly). These small little tidbits add more to the story and makes you more involved despite the short length of the game.
But it's the core mechanics of I Am Alive that really make it shine. Instead of being this invincible survivor of the apocalypse, the main character has a stamina meter that you must pay attention to at all times as climbing, running, and fighting will drain your stamina. Not only that, you also have to contend with a thick cloud of dust and desperate survivors who will kill you for your supplies. Stamina can be replenished by food items and enemies can be defeated by a limited arsenal of bullets and a machete, which is great for close-quarters combat. However, you can use non-lethal methods on weaker foes as killing larger enemies will cause them to lower their mêlée weapons and surrender. Along the way, you will obtain other tools at your disposal such as a grappling hook and pistons which allow you to rest while scaling high-rise, abandoned buildings as you search for your wife and daughter, which is the main crux of the story.
However, I Am Alive, also reveals the dark aspects of humanity when faced with a crisis with little chances of survival. Desperation, despair, the sense of isolation, sinking to the lower levels of man, and survival of the fittest by any means necessary, are all presented in this game with some shocking surprises that take you(and even me) by surprise. And the dark, gritty visuals and musical cues help enhance the mood and atmosphere of the game immensely; coupled with stellar voice acting, especially the main character and others as well. You really feel the plight of the main character and you identify with him. In other words you grow on him and the other characters as well. It's this sense of dread that really gets under your skin and the developers did a really great job.
There are some faults though. The game is short and more could've been done with the core mechanics and the game could've been a little more challenging. But If one could overlook those flaws, they'll find a game that is well made and absorbing to play and experience. I hope Ubisoft makes a sequel that will further flesh out more of the wonderful atmosphere that they have crafted in this genre. Judging by impressive sales of this download-able-only title, I wouldn't be surprised if another installment is down the road. I Am Alive is one of the best download-able titles made for whatever system you have. Play it for yourself.
The main character(whose never named)roams the desolated wasteland of Haventon, a city devastated by a cataclysmic "Event". What caused the Event is never explained; it could be surmised that it was an unknown natural phenomenon, but the focus is more on survival as well as helping those in need who reveal what happened during the time in the form of side-quests(which I love dearly). These small little tidbits add more to the story and makes you more involved despite the short length of the game.
But it's the core mechanics of I Am Alive that really make it shine. Instead of being this invincible survivor of the apocalypse, the main character has a stamina meter that you must pay attention to at all times as climbing, running, and fighting will drain your stamina. Not only that, you also have to contend with a thick cloud of dust and desperate survivors who will kill you for your supplies. Stamina can be replenished by food items and enemies can be defeated by a limited arsenal of bullets and a machete, which is great for close-quarters combat. However, you can use non-lethal methods on weaker foes as killing larger enemies will cause them to lower their mêlée weapons and surrender. Along the way, you will obtain other tools at your disposal such as a grappling hook and pistons which allow you to rest while scaling high-rise, abandoned buildings as you search for your wife and daughter, which is the main crux of the story.
However, I Am Alive, also reveals the dark aspects of humanity when faced with a crisis with little chances of survival. Desperation, despair, the sense of isolation, sinking to the lower levels of man, and survival of the fittest by any means necessary, are all presented in this game with some shocking surprises that take you(and even me) by surprise. And the dark, gritty visuals and musical cues help enhance the mood and atmosphere of the game immensely; coupled with stellar voice acting, especially the main character and others as well. You really feel the plight of the main character and you identify with him. In other words you grow on him and the other characters as well. It's this sense of dread that really gets under your skin and the developers did a really great job.
There are some faults though. The game is short and more could've been done with the core mechanics and the game could've been a little more challenging. But If one could overlook those flaws, they'll find a game that is well made and absorbing to play and experience. I hope Ubisoft makes a sequel that will further flesh out more of the wonderful atmosphere that they have crafted in this genre. Judging by impressive sales of this download-able-only title, I wouldn't be surprised if another installment is down the road. I Am Alive is one of the best download-able titles made for whatever system you have. Play it for yourself.