Strategy Informer: Too Human Review 8.5/10

Strategy Informer writes:

"Before we even begin this review, it's important that one thing is made clear: Too Human is a very misunderstood game. It's not the game everyone thinks it is, it's not the game some have been waiting ten years for, and unfortunately its not quite the game it should be either. That being said, Too Human is one of the greatest breaths of fresh air I have encountered this year. What does that mean? Well you're going to have to read to find out..."

[ass_divine]

Too Human is awesome!

[JoySticksFTW]

With all of the other reviews out there, I'd atleast rent it first or play it at a friend's house.

But then again, Friends don't let Friends buy Too Human...

Just kidding. I like joking around with Xbox fans, but all kidding aside... rent it. I really don't want to see anyone get stuck with what many are referring as a below average game.

[hardmetal]

Seriously, can I ?

[jahcure]

before they even begin reviewing the game, you can tell they are just not fully convinced in their decisions. If i reviewed a game i won't start off by saying "oh well don't mind other people, trust me"

If you're going to give a review, give the review and quit commenting on reviews by other people. Last time i checked i don't think Too Human needed coddling.

[kinggeoff]

that the gaming public has become so rabid and unforgiving that he feels he needs to preface his review to calm down the majority of the kids out there who will go and post needless comments bashing his site for giving a high review

[Omega4]

Well this game certainly beats Haze and Lair. In some instances even Heavenly Sword (just look at IGN)

[Fishy Fingers]

What ever makes you feel better bro.

[Drekken]

If your "good game" bar is set to score over Haze and Lair then you should be satisfied with this game.

You should think about comparing to a better game - raise the bar.

[La Chance]

Very good score.

I played the demo 2 more times....still cant get into it completely. But I see why some people appreaciate it though.

I think I'll pass Too Human and get Infinite Undiscovery.I'll probably get it later 2nd hand since where I live we dont have the "rental" service you guys have in the UK or USA.

[devilhunterx]

Its even better then America's Army, Bomberman Zero, Operation Darkness, Kengo

[morganfell]

Beats them how? One review? You are not looking at the big picture - it would make you nauseous - where the majority of reviews have axed this game. Even proXbox sites are laying into this abortion. Keep holding onto this one game review by a minor site if it makes you feel better. You are just lying to yourself and fooling none of us.

We can all look at Haze and laugh but you can't look at Too Human, a game scoring lower and do the same?

[StephanieBBB]

This game beats lair but not Haze.

If Too Human had 4 player online co-op like they promised and split screen co-op then yeah it would have killed haze.

[TheMART]

@ Morganfell

Yes beat them both. Its now on about a 7, while Lair/Haze are just above the 5

http://www.gamerankings.com...

[soul899er]

Mart, we are all waiting for your review, are you almost done?

[blooodFrenzy92]

Should i get this!!!!!! It looks fun but i dontwant to waste 60 dollars if its crap

[Fishy Fingers]

Rent it if you can, or try the demo on XBL. Asking "should I buy or not" is a pointless question, we all have different opinions, only you can answer that.

[morganfell]

Look at the demo and remember what the reviews have said - the game is nothing but repetition.

[thenickel]

I'm with fishy on this one "Asking "should I buy or not" is a pointless question, we all have different opinions, only you can answer that." Agreed and bubbles

[AngryHippo]

.....if you liked the demo, you will probably like the game. If you didnt like the demo you will not like the game. I think its a definate try b4 u buy. I don't think its a 'flop' like a lot of ppl keep saying though.

[morganfell]

I disagree because I can like doing something for 45 minutes but I might not like doing that same thing repetitively for 9 hours. Especially considering it takes a little longer than the demo for many of this games issues to reveal themselves.

[Chubear]

I loved the demo of Haze and thought the game would present a solid current gen expereince (I don't need my graphics to be 'teh uber') However, the game didn' meet my expectations even though it was a decent shooter regardless.

[morganfell]

Exactly. I played the demo of Haze and thought this isn't too bad. Then I bought the game and wanted to kick my own as for throwing money away on crap.

[thenickel]

I disagree with morgan because in any game you play it's pretty much going to be the same thing over and over again. As long as there's decent gameplay a great story and good music it kind of makes it more interesting. Now I do agree that sometimes a demo can really fool you but in Too Humans case it just feel to solid to me and a must buy.

[FreeMonk]

For me, Too Human looked like a great game....but what pissed me off in the demo is that the right analog stick, which in 90% of games like TH, controls the camera (Assassin's Creed, Mass Effect, DMC4 etc)

Unfortunatly, they put the sword swings on there and left camera control out, so everytime I try to get a better camera angle, and out of instinct use the right analog stick, my charactor is swinging around like a mad man.

This really frustrated me. It's probably me, but that puts me off from buying it.

[LossTheEarthbreaker]

You just hit the left (or is it the right?) bumper to swing the camera.

Every time I have trouble with the camera, I do that.

Works like a charm, though I wish they would've just polished the camera more.

Along with the animations during cinematics. Just ruins the immersion, not the game.

The game is more than just repetition. The storyline is worth playing through at least once for all gamers. The only people who will care to play through again are those who dig the armor/weapons loot system and maybe more than just one class... and the skill trees if they haven't fully explored them.

Definitely wish they did more with multiplayer and that the targeting system weren't quite so buggy.

6.5-7/10 Most people will have had enough after one playthrough. Only fans of the genre will think it's better than average.

[TL24]

Whats he been smokin'? Let me hit that also playa!

This guys delusional.

[CAPT IRISH]

i like the game, but its not for everyone

[Mr_Bun]

This is definitely one of the highest reviews.

I am confused though because the reviewer seems to knock the game a few times ("Take the opening sequence for example – very good sequence, had it been rendered in full-blown CGI with state of the art 3D graphics.") but gives the game a pretty decent score.

[LossTheEarthbreaker]

Some problems aren't worth deducting a lot of points for, but are still definitely worth noting as other people might think of them as more of a problem.

People have pet peeves and stuff, y'know?

For me, I pretty much agree with this reviewer, but score the game at least 1.5 points lower.

Ultimately, it's not about the score, either. It's about the review. Most of the people commenting in all these Too Human Reviews haven't read any of them and just looked at the score, which can be very misleading.

[Mr_Bun]

You don't want to deduct marks for something that may be a personal pet peeve, but this guy does knock the game a lot for a rating of 8.5 IMO. I think that what he writes and how he scores are inconsistent.

I am just saying that either his score should be lower, or his praise should be higher.

[DA_SHREDDER]

That what these reviewers do nowadays. They put a lower or higher score then the most respected websites to attract attention. Also, this guy says this game is a breath of fresh air. So obviously hes just played every other game to death and already giving it more credit just for being in a genre of its own,, which Im still trying to figure out what it is.

[immarriedtoafatchick]

lmao xbot fan site no sh!t they would giv e aflop 8.5

[XxZxX]

Damage Control Gueriella Tactic. Microsoft will launch heavy marketing including funding media to make Too Human sound like a cool games. Don't trust me? Check the trilogy.

[Mao]

It isn't a good sign when a critic has to defend their opinion before even stating it. It comes across as forced. We've seen some real damage control for this game including Dyack and his endless articles, comparisons to Haze to make things look better and now this, where the damage control begins before even hitting the meat of the article.

This disgusts me as a gamer, it really does. There are going to be a lot of people who are going to buy this game and try and force themselves to like it and say "it's not so bad." I had a similar experience with The Getaway on the PS2. I was so hyped for it and it tanked. I honestly would get up after every glitchy, horrible camera-based death, walk around and think "it's okay. Everything's going to be okay! This game is good, right? RIGHT? NOW PLAY!!!"

I will not be buying this garbage for my 360. This game just has flop written all over from the poor reviews from the major sources to the total damage control the little man seem to be giving it. I don't appreciate this type of inconsistency and lack of appropriate representation from gaming media at all. Bad on them.

[LossTheEarthbreaker]

The Getaway had its issues, but it was worth playing at least once.

I can't say the same for the sequels, however.

No one ever was forcing you to buy it, either. Even if you don't want to rent it, that's entirely up to you.

Good on you. None of us care.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

" I don't appreciate this type of inconsistency and lack of appropriate representation from gaming media at all."

I whole heartedly agree. I think the gaming media is the major factor to blame for the entire mess of Too Human.

Dyack, God bless him is his own worst enemy because he is passionate and not afraid to speak out. The gaming media fully exploited that with the countless interviews they sought out with Dennis and the inflammatory questions they asked.

The gaming media torched the early build of Too Human back at E3 2005, and really probably wasn't fair given it was such an early build. Then they begin singing its praises leading up to launch in countless previews, etc... and then some of the worst offenders pulled a 180 on their opinions. Again, lack of consistency and honestly integrity on the media's part.

Lastly, there is a demo out pre launch. So to say somehow people are being fooled as to what this game is like is just flawed theory. ANYONE can demo the game before buying. The demo is a very good representation of what the game is. So please don't try and say people will be fooled into buying the game. They have an opportunity to form their own opinions prior to buying.

[TheMART]

"That being said, Too Human is one of the greatest breaths of fresh air I have encountered this year."

Now there we go. When I play this game, it feels like that. Plus, average on about a 7 on Gamerankings is still a good game. At least not the Lair/Haze level on 5.3 and 5.6 or so.

[beoulve]

lol, yeah any PS3 flopped is flopped but XBOX 360 flopped is not flopped, it's just misunderstanding. Do I smell hypocrisy?

[MvmntInGrn]

MS can make any game a hit, kinda sad.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So many people just want to hate this game just to hate it. They have no good reason, they just targeted the game and unfortunately Dyack made it worse by lashing back at those haters.

This is a solid game. It's not the OMFG its great game of 2008, but its good enough to warrant play. Especially for those fans of Diablo esque games.

Haters all running around the forums, spilling their messages of "I told you so" or "Damage control.." or "It's the next Haze", etc... <sarcasm> Wow, let me marvell in your glory. You are so cool! How great it must be to be someone who bashes a game pre-release and forms un-educated opinions about it. And now you feel vindicated at your predictions as mediocre scores have come over. Wow, again...I must bask in your glory. </sarcasm> ....sigh.

I will enjoy my game, why don't you go run off and enjoy your games?

[titntin]

Not that I condone people's bashing - but this game was held up by the 'xbox faithful' as one of the AAA exclusives that meant the 360 had the best games this year again. Now that its been exposed as no more than 'average game in many peoples eyes' you'd expect the usual trolls to revel in that.

Lets face it, NG2 didn't set most of the world on fire, and neither has this. Given what was being written on these forums just 6 months ago, you'd expect a certain amount of 'crowing'. I confidently expect Gears 2 and Fable 2 to deliver the kind of 360 exclusive experience that the faithful demand though and restore the balance.

I'll continue to play all games on all systems and take pot shots at whatever I feel like though!

[beoulve]

this is N4G. You're asking people to move along. Have you seen how lair and haze got treated. Every overly hyped flopped games will get their fair share of spot light. It will be over soon.

[LossTheEarthbreaker]

You should continue that, tintin, but then you should also stop listening to fanboys spout off about vaporware that they've never seen in action nor played.

That's no reason not to like the game, it's reason to ignore the people boasting about upcoming unproven releases.

[JustCommunication]

Hello everyone,

My name is Joe, and i'm the author of the review you have just read. Pleasure to meet you all.

I'd just like to say thank you to all the people who have been generally supportive of my article. To those of you who haven't - fair enough, i respect your opinion. If i had more time, I might have actually mentioned in my review that this game may not be for everyone but alas, i was pushing the word limit as it was.

I will object to one thing though, and that is to what DA SHREDDER said about me just trying to get hits for my website - I was not.

Strategy Informer actually uses an automatic averaging system for it's scores, which are based on 5 or 6 values. Whilst I stand by the score that was given 100%, I will say that I gave it a high score for things like music and audio, which are actually very well done - this would have pushed up the average by a few points.

As for the first paragraph - I stand by it. I knew that gamers, whether they loved it or hated it, would not approach this game with an open mind. There's just been too much controversy and i just wanted to set things straight before I started - take it as you will.

I honestly believe in this game, and I hope you will too. (But I'm not here to force you either).

Anyway, I'm not here to start a 'flame war' or anything, I'm simply here to say thank you - It's nice to know that people still read reviews these days :)

If anyone feels like discussing anything about the review, feel free to PM me. I'm always open to a good discussion.

Cheers,

Joe

P.S. No, Microsoft didn't pay me a huge wad of money just to play nice. I'm not that important :P

[titntin]

Nice of you to pop in Joe.

If you are sensing a bit of disbelief from some, its primarily due to the fact that your view contradicts some other sites points of views that many people have come to trust. Theres nothing wrong with that of course, but a review that seems to buck the consensus is often subject a bit more scrutiny or disbelief than other reviews might be.

Your review is well written, but seems to place a huge emphasis on the Story element of the game. could you elaborate on why you think its well woven into the game. I've yet to experience more than the demo, but my impression is that the story merely serves as a break in between levels, and the gameplay hardly relates to unfolding story at all? When you look at how some RPG's relate gameplay to the action, and look at the masterful weaving of plot in Mass Effect, I can't help thinking that the link between story and actual gameplay in this title is rather archaic? Is the plot linked to the gameplay by elements you did not cover in your review?

I don't agree that having such hype is a problem - a great title rises above any hype that surrounds it, and a title like Halo3 was not harmed by it despite not being perfect, and neither was MGS4 for all that it had faults. In general, if people are critical, its because they find things they think are 'deal breakers', and whilst you obviously didn't find them so, many reviewers thought these issues broke the game. Suggesting that these people (other reviewers in this case) are critical only because the bar is set high, is a little insulting and suggests they can't give an impartial review. I'd refute that and say the reviews reflect honest professional opinion.

Anyhow, glad to hear you have enjoyed it so much and I look forward to experiencing it myself next week, but I'm not too sure what I can expect still! I like a dungeon crawl and I'm prepared to spend my own hard earned trying this one, but I don't anticipate 'one of the greatest breaths of fresh air I have encountered this year' - I've played too many genuinely amazing titles to expect this one to match them! Still, I may be pleasantly surprised!

[silverchode]

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

[RAM MAGNUMS]

but first visit our website & give us a hit!
toolboxes!
this game is so bad. Have fun trying to target the enemy
& enjoy the stiff animation.
go back to the past but pay top dollar for it today!
this game is better than dmc4 & god of war & heavonly
sword?
maybe if this game was on psp this website would give it the 4
it deserves.

[JustCommunication]

You are right in that sense tin, most of the story does take place in-between levels, and i believe I actually mentioned in the review that i felt this could have been done more the way Mass Effect was done.

I think what really won it for me though was the concept and the vision. I'll admit, I'm a story-buff - If this has been released as a book it would have been great. I think my praise of the story was also based slightly on the potential it had to develop into a solid plot in future games - risky i know, but I stand by it.

I'll be the first to admit that this isn't the best title of the year, and that it has it's flaws, but I believe through the combat system it offers something truly unique, which is where the 'fresh air' comment mainly came from.

Fair enough if you find my reasoning about hype offensive, but that has been my experience in these matters. There's no right or wrong in this industry, there's just opinion.

[user9422077]

wow, good review and score