Darwinia+ (XBLA) Review
Posted by Trace Aber on 03.05.2010
411's Trace Aber steps inside the world of Darwinia to get rid of an evil virus destroying the once beautiful world - but is it worth paying $15 to fight for the cause?
Title: Darwinia+
Publisher: Introversion Software
Developer: Introversion Software
Genre: Strategy and Sims
Players: 1-4
Rated: E (Everyone)
The original Darwinia was released on PCs in 2005 to much critical acclaim and earned three Independent Games Festival awards. It also received the highest rating ever given out by New Age Gaming Magazine, which gave it a 97. In 2008 an expansion, Multiwinia, was released and focused more on a multiplayer aspect using real time strategy elements. While the expansion did not receive as much critical acclaim and awards, it was still rated favorably and a worthy addition to the series. Two years later, Introversion Software tweaked the games quite a bit and put them together in one package called Darwinia+, or as the developers called it, “The Director’s Cut.”
The story of Darwinia is quite tragic, actually. For thousands of digital generations, the Darwinians have been slowly evolving and changing a beautiful and virtual world. Of course, somebody had to create the Darwinians, and that task was done by Dr. Sepulveda, who from what I can gather simply has a God complex. The Darwinians somehow managed to get into the good doc’s e-mails and one of them had a virus. Honestly, it should be a lesson to the Darwinians – don’t check other people’s mail. It’s rude. Anyways, with the infection rapidly spreading, it’s up to you to wipe out the virus and recapture the beauty that once existed in the world.
Isn’t that the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
One of the major complaints of the original PC version was the lack of tutorials. Gamers were thirsted into the battlefield with little to no knowledge of what to do. Introversion Software has fixed this problem by introducing a series of tutorials for both Darwinia and Multiwinia modes. These are quite helpful in introducing players new to the series (like myself) and can serve as a reminder for those who played the original.
Thankfully, the controls and interface have been cleaned up from the computer versions to mesh nicely on the 360. You have three separate units to build, though most of your time will be spent as the Squad unit, which thankfully are the most fun to play as anyways. These guys are your muscle as they go around blasting the virus into smithereens. Gameplay as the squad reflects that of the dual-stick shooters and allows for a bit of variety. The squads also utilize grenades, which comes in handy for those enemies who are not bothered by your default laser weapon. While destroying the virus can be quite fun, the squad moves unbelievably slow and at times this becomes a problem when there’s a large area without enemies.
You know a man means business when his gun is almost as big as him
The engineers are nonviolent units who play a very important part in the game’s other goal: repopulating the virtual world. After the squad has laid waste to the virus, the engineers come along and scoop up the remaining viral bodies and convert them into Darwinians using an incubator. These incubators will at times need to be activated, which the engineers also do.
Once you have a healthy supply of Darwinians, it’s time to take advantage of them. Most of the game’s missions involve the Darwinians accomplishing some task or arriving at a certain point, which means you must lead them to their destination (despite their constant evolution, they’re still largely defenseless and weak). You can set one of Darwinians to be an officer, which will lead the way. Later in the game you’ll be provided armour, which can transport large numbers of Darwinians to wherever you need it. The armour also acts as a canon.
Although I don’t think the armour is going to do much against this
The other half of the package includes Multiwinia, which focuses on online play in the battle for Darwinia supremacy. One to four players are supported and there are up to 50 unique maps, each varied in their difficulty. In total you’ll have six gameplay modes that provide enough replay value and challenge to please any gamer.
Domination has players fighting for control of the entire map, while King of the Hill has players occupying tactical zones on the map. Capture the Statue requires the Darwinians to lift giant statues and move them to their base, though they move extremely slow. Typically the statue will stay where you drop it if you happen to die, but it will shatter on hills. In Rocket Riot the Darwinians are attempting to refuel and successfully launch a rocket, though this is easier said than done. There are a variety of steps one must take before completing this goal. Blitzkrieg is essentially capture the flag with a cooler name, while Assault involves bomb defense. All of these modes provide a completely unique experience and should suit just about every gamer out there.
After fifteen minutes alone with the game this will make sense to you – I swear
Graphically, the games were given an updated look for the console switch though they’re still quite primitive. The primitive graphics are what makes the game beautiful though – you begin to feel as though you’re part of this virtual world and that you’re directly responsible for what happens to them. I never thought I would care about the outcome of some green stick figure sprites, but, dammit, I do.
All in all, Darwinia+ may be one of the best deals you’ll find on the LIVE Arcade. For $15 (1200MP) you’re getting a great single player campaign that tells the story of the Darwinians and a diverse and exciting multiplayer experience that has to be one of the best on LIVE.
Graphics
8.0
The graphics, although simple, help create the virtual world and I can't imagine the game being done in any other style
Gameplay
9.5
Considering you have action, RTS, and puzzle elements
Sound
8.0
The music fits in well with the virtual world - simplistic and retro
Lasting Appeal
9.0
Featuring two great games with entirely different playing styles, there's no reason to put this game down
Fun Factor
9.0
Combining stylish design, excellent storytelling, compelling gameplay and a plethora of gameplay modes - this is a must have game. Highest recommendation.
