Lost: Via Domus - Xbox 360

true Game: Lost: Via Domus Genre: Adventure Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC (reviewed on Xbox 360) <img src="/contributed/1204736831zw8EhDdPIx.jpg"> I know I am not the only die-hard Lost fan on this site, and I’m probably not the only one who was a bit confused by the announcement of a video game based on the addictive and intense television show. Games based on TV shows or movies usually don’t live up to their source material; this is nothing new. Still, I was intrigued enough to want to give it a try, if only for the chance of finding out some new information about the mysterious island. To be fair, this game never really stood a chance with any audience. To those who are not fans of the show (let’s just refer to them as “the Others”, shall we?), the world of Lost can seem ridiculous and nonsensical. For the Others, there’s really nothing in this game to draw you in; it’s built upon already-established mythology, and the characters, locations, and inside jokes will mean nothing to you. <img src="/contributed/1204652654A8gvbXtiZS.jpg"> For actual fans of the show, was there any way this game would ever live up to the excitement of each new episode? No, of course not. After all, why would you care about a brand-new survivor of the Oceanic 815 crash who isn’t even important enough to be on the television show? You may think that I would love this game unconditionally given my devotion to the TV show, but in fact, the opposite is true. I went in holding this game to the same expectations I have for each episode of the show: nothing short of “completely awesome” is tolerated. Naturally, the game fell a little short. Honestly, this game is not all bad. It’s actually the perfect definition of a rental game. It can be finished in a few hours, with not much in the way of replay value. Sadly, not many of the show’s stars showed up to do voice work, so hearing some of your favorite characters speak in unfamiliar voices can be unpleasant. Graphically, Via Domus is only okay; the island is pretty good-looking, but the characters just look odd most of the time. Again, this comes from being so familiar with already-established faces; Others wouldn’t care so much that facial features are not quite right. However, they also wouldn’t get why Kate doesn’t want to talk about her past or why Sawyer is so rude, proving once again that this game just doesn’t fit in anywhere. <img src="/contributed/12046526350US5WYbl0f.jpg"> As far as actual gameplay goes, Lost: Via Domus is pretty much a straight-up adventure game. You’ll spend most of the time running around the island on one of seven “episodes”, while also occasionally having interactive flashbacks to try to regain your lost memories. That’s right: Elliott, the game’s protagonist, suffers from amnesia. While the amnesiac protagonist is a little overused in video games, it makes the game feel more like an episode of the show, as you unravel more about Elliott’s past through various flashbacks. As expected, Elliott interacts with many characters from the show on his island adventure. The conversation system is actually neat, with many options to choose from and different categories to sort your questions into. However, all the talking can get a little dull for those who crave action. As stated before, the characters’ responses parallel the way they would respond on the show, but may not make a lot of sense to Others. There’s also an interesting and necessary trading system, in which you can trade various items you find around the island for other things you may need, like sources of light for exploring dark areas. It’s up to you to make sure you get a good deal, though; don’t count on Sawyer to tell you if you’re overpaying for something. <img src="/contributed/1204652646MP4gsjlQw4.jpg"> Via Domus is really light on any actual action; as Elliott, you’ll mostly be solving puzzles and trying (and failing) not to get lost and frustrated while wandering around the jungle, in between conversing with other plane crash survivors and trying to figure out who you are and what’s going on. If you think that sounds a little dull, you would be correct. I wasn’t exactly expecting Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune or anything, but a little more excitement would have been appreciated. What happened to all of the tension and exhilaration that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats every Thursday night? Would it really have been so hard to translate a little more of that into video game form? Overall, there’s just not enough here for anyone to warrant a purchase of this game. If you’ve never seen Lost, don’t even bother playing this one; the inside jokes will be completely lost on you, and you’ll just have further ammunition to fuel your disdain for the show. For true fans, I would totally recommend a rental on this one. There’s something here for you, if you’ll only find it. Luckily, a weekend rental should be more than enough time for you to complete the game. However, buying the last three seasons of Lost on DVD would be a much more justifiable purchase. <img src="/contributed/1204654230kxdqwRvrFU.jpg">   <img src="/contributed/12046542396ZpcLsBPvT.jpg">   Related Articles: <a href="/gamer/sarah/news/article/new_lost_trailer_makes_me_want_more/">New Lost Trailer Makes Me Want More</a> <a href="/gamer/dominic/news/article/oceanic_airlines_is_giving_away_stuff_via_xbox_live_/">Oceanic Airlines is Giving Away Free Stuff via Xbox Live</a> <a href="/gamer/sarah/reviews/article/uncharted_drake_s_fortune_ps3/">Uncharted: Drake's Fortune - PS3</a> review

2008-03-04T13:12:47-05:00

Game: Lost: Via Domus Genre: Adventure Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC (reviewed on Xbox 360) <img src="/contributed/1204736831zw8EhDdPIx.jpg" /> I know I am not the only die-hard Lost fan on this site, and I’m probably not the only one who was a bit confused by the announcement of a video game based on the addictive and intense television show. Games based on TV shows or movies usually don’t live up to their source material; this is nothing new. Still, I was intrigued enough to want to give it a try, if only for the chance of finding out some new information about the mysterious island.

8835

2588

2008-03-05T11:50:22-05:00

2008-03-04T13:12:47-05:00

11621

6.0

lost_via_domus_xbox_360 published Something is Missing, Alright Lost: Via Domus - Xbox 360

2009-03-02T12:20:01-05:00

763