|
|
|
BIONICLE (XBOX)
|
Publisher: EA.
Developer: Argonaut Games. Released: October 2003. Genre: 3D Platformer. Other versions: PS2; GC; PC; GBA. Posted 27th September 2023. By Shane Battams © 2023 |
|
It’s hard to describe the waves created by LEGO’s Bionicles brand in the 2000s, but let’s just say that pulled the long-standing toy company out of financial trouble. A multimedia expedition that told an intricate story rich with lore, you know a videogame adaptation would be inevitable. The road wasn’t easy though, with a PC and GameCube title The Legend of Mata Nui being canned mere weeks before its 2001 launch. Instead, LEGO would invest in Argonaut Games’ pitch, as the usually reliable developer could promise a launch across multiple platforms. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and cut content, Bionicle ends up proving a disappointment, not completely bereft of merit but suffering from a lack of depth, both in terms of gameplay and value.
For those not in the know, Bionicle follows the exploits of cyborg protectors of the smaller Matoran, who use their power for good. The game opens with Tahu and Kopaka’s battle with the Bohorok. This particular game is based partially on the Mask of Light film and other narratives from the universe, but it unfortunately suffers a bevvy of issues. Translations from the source are often incorrect, which will lead to confusion for serious fans of the material. For those new to this universe, a considerable streamlining of narrative and overwhelming use of specific terminology may leave you completely baffled as to what’s going on. It proves rather uninteresting for either.
Bionicle appears a colourful and varied experience, but its gameplay is ultimately bland and dull
Taking place across a handful of varied platformer levels, Bionicle puts you in the role of one of the colour-coded heroes of the toy line, with a majority seeing you navigate through platforming obstacles while using weapons to shoot down invading forces. Each contains two main collectibles: little crystals that often number close to 200 per level, and Matoran who must be saved from peril. There’s also a heavy emphasis on shielding yourself from attacks, which are absorbed and allow you to keep attacking. You can also recharge while holding down the attack button, but it requires you to remain static. It’s a fairly basic game, and while the controls and camera feel decent enough, the level design doesn’t stand out. Environments feel lifeless and dull to navigate, combat becomes boring really quickly and bosses that often conclude levels aren’t much tougher.
There are a few unique level stylings, some of which work better than others. Kopaka’s level sees you snowboarding down a hill while you avoid a landslide, and this is fairly competent, though things take a downturn when you’re forced to chase a fleeing enemy while locking on to them. Pohatu’s stage has you riding down a minecart-esque rail which suffers from jankiness and inconsistent hazards. Lastly, Lewa’s jungle adventure features both highs and lows. The high-gliding, tree-sliding and tricky jumps can be fun, but they also showcase how unpolished parts of Bionicle feel, with the instant-deaths sometimes feeling undeserved. With a runtime of around six hours, nothing lasts long enough to offend or impress. It’s just very middle-of-the-road, which is a shame considering the developer’s pedigree at the time.
There are a few unique level stylings, some of which work better than others. Kopaka’s level sees you snowboarding down a hill while you avoid a landslide, and this is fairly competent, though things take a downturn when you’re forced to chase a fleeing enemy while locking on to them. Pohatu’s stage has you riding down a minecart-esque rail which suffers from jankiness and inconsistent hazards. Lastly, Lewa’s jungle adventure features both highs and lows. The high-gliding, tree-sliding and tricky jumps can be fun, but they also showcase how unpolished parts of Bionicle feel, with the instant-deaths sometimes feeling undeserved. With a runtime of around six hours, nothing lasts long enough to offend or impress. It’s just very middle-of-the-road, which is a shame considering the developer’s pedigree at the time.
|
|
Bionicle doesn’t push the Xbox, as while its generally smooth performance keeps the action flowing nicely, much of the game looks unflattering or bland. Environments are generic and uninspired, enemy designs can be counted on a single hand and there’s a great lack of pizazz to the proceedings. The animations are a bright spot, adding charm to cut-scenes and gameplay, such as little dances the heroes do when you stand still. The audio is entirely forgettable: sound effects sound so weak you’d think a muffler is covering them, the voice acting sounds bored, the music is generic, early 2000s platforming fodder and the writing does little justice to the multimedia enterprise it’s based on. Clearly, some parts of the game were rushed.
|
|
Bionicle can only be seen as a disappointment, considering the scope of its source material and the developer behind it. There’s nothing completely broken or offensive here, but every mechanic feels basic and underdeveloped. The story won’t appeal to either fans or newcomers, the presentation is innocuous and the lack of content means you can blow through most of the game in your first sitting. The series has seen a resurgence in meme culture, which may see you curious to trawl through the game, but unless you’re desperate to play a platformer on your Xbox, this one is nowhere near worthy.
|
|
VERDICT
"Bionicle can only be seen as a disappointment considering the scope of its source material and the developer behind it, suffering from underdeveloped mechanics and innocuous presentation." OVERALL: 5/10 |
BETTER LEGO PLATFORMER GAME ALTERNATIVES REVIEWED
LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008, PSP)
|
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (2013, Xbox 360)
|