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| The Entertainment Review |
| Genre: Action/Adventure Developer: Deep Silver Publisher: Deep Silver |
When the word “cursed” is put into the title of a videogame, players expect to see a lot of gore and possibly zombies. However, “Cursed
Mountain” doesn’t contain either of these things. For those that are sick of zombies and aren’t fans of large amounts of gore, this is the
type of game that will meet their fancy. The game is set in the Himalayas and presents a unique and interesting tale that is filled with
unconventional characters, truths that may compel players to stick to the adventure even though some of its play mechanics are a little
difficult at times and the conventions of the game are somewhat dated.
Players take on the role of Eric Simmons, a mountaineer who travels to the Himalayas in search for his brother Frank who went missing
while traveling through the region. During his travels Simmons uncovers the motivation for his brother’s travels through the mountains,
an ancient artifact that grants a piece of wisdom shrouded by monks. Something obviously went wrong and Simmons decided he must
search for his lost brother.
Though the storyline may sound a little familiar, Deep Silver offers players a fresh new look on the genre taking place in a unique
universe. As Simmons continues to climb higher, players are continually moving up in the game. Bits of story are told through
flashbacks and static cinematic scenes. Instead of finding zombies, players will encounter dark spirits that are trapped in a shadowy
realm between life on Earth and the afterlife. Instead of guns to take out enemies, players are only armed with a pick axe that has
magical abilities.
Many players are going to like the logical construction of the world in the game. In games like “Resident Evil,” players could very easily
step from a run down village into a high tech elevator leading to a military base. However, as Simmons explores temples, mountain
passes and icy caverns, the levels blend together seamlessly and realistically. Also, players are able to see the next checkpoint in the
distance, and when he gets there he is able to look back at the distance that he traveled, not to mention all of the locations he visited on
the way.
The visual presentation of the world is created with a 3D engine that enables for a variety of atmospheric locations covered with crisp
textures and surrounded with amazing particle effects, especially obvious with the snowflakes seen throughout the entire game. There
are many moments that will amaze players during the character’s progression through the haunted environments. However, there are
times throughout the game that Simmons sometimes moves very stiffly and is also prone to running into invisible walls that close of the
landscapes, a small issue that breaks to reality of the game at times. One thing that many players will have a problem with is the fact
that the game is very dark throughout the entire game. Players can turn up the brightness in the game and on the television, but is still
sometimes difficult to see what is on the screen. This is especially true when players are trying to explore during night or through a
major snow storm or fog. It may be true that it is extremely dark thousands of feet up in the Himalayas, and it may be very realistic, but if
it is hard to see where they are going, players aren’t going to enjoy the game.
The themes of the game are sometimes countered by the game’s controls and challenges. Simmons moves heavily through the
world, he is able to walk or run, open certain doors, climb ladders and cliffs and fight enemies. He moves sluggishly through the
mountain environments, can only just across a small number of chasms and turns extremely slowly. The entire control scheme feels
way too sluggish for an adventure title of this type. Although all that is true, anyone that gets the hang of the controls, or can eventually
bear with the pace of the game will probably find they feel pretty comfortable with the game.
Deep Silver has created a unique battle system in the game that keeps with the themes of the game. Eventually Simmons gains
access to upgrades for his pick axe that will allow him to shoot projectiles at enemies. When the enemies take enough damage and
become vulnerable, players can lock onto their target with the A button and complete a series of movements to finish them. Some will
enjoy this system; while others will find that it can be a little picky at times and won’t like it. For those who don’t want to do the motion
twice, this may become somewhat frustrating.
Other than the occasional issue that players will find with the game, “Cursed Mountain” is a fun and sometimes scary title. The
adventure has a creepy atmosphere that is different than what has been seen in games of this type in the past. It is a very compelling
story and players won’t be able to wait to find out what happened with Simmons’ lost brother. The world as a whole is very unique and
inviting to the player and many will enjoy the little details the graphics offer. The dated controls and level design are a little frustrating,
such as finding hidden keys to unlock doors. The game is sure to appeal to fans of the survival horror genre, especially those who have
seen these controls and design issues in other games and can deal with it. For those that can handle the minor frustration, it is time to
pack the hiking gear and take an indoor trip to the mountains.
Mountain” doesn’t contain either of these things. For those that are sick of zombies and aren’t fans of large amounts of gore, this is the
type of game that will meet their fancy. The game is set in the Himalayas and presents a unique and interesting tale that is filled with
unconventional characters, truths that may compel players to stick to the adventure even though some of its play mechanics are a little
difficult at times and the conventions of the game are somewhat dated.
Players take on the role of Eric Simmons, a mountaineer who travels to the Himalayas in search for his brother Frank who went missing
while traveling through the region. During his travels Simmons uncovers the motivation for his brother’s travels through the mountains,
an ancient artifact that grants a piece of wisdom shrouded by monks. Something obviously went wrong and Simmons decided he must
search for his lost brother.
Though the storyline may sound a little familiar, Deep Silver offers players a fresh new look on the genre taking place in a unique
universe. As Simmons continues to climb higher, players are continually moving up in the game. Bits of story are told through
flashbacks and static cinematic scenes. Instead of finding zombies, players will encounter dark spirits that are trapped in a shadowy
realm between life on Earth and the afterlife. Instead of guns to take out enemies, players are only armed with a pick axe that has
magical abilities.
Many players are going to like the logical construction of the world in the game. In games like “Resident Evil,” players could very easily
step from a run down village into a high tech elevator leading to a military base. However, as Simmons explores temples, mountain
passes and icy caverns, the levels blend together seamlessly and realistically. Also, players are able to see the next checkpoint in the
distance, and when he gets there he is able to look back at the distance that he traveled, not to mention all of the locations he visited on
the way.
The visual presentation of the world is created with a 3D engine that enables for a variety of atmospheric locations covered with crisp
textures and surrounded with amazing particle effects, especially obvious with the snowflakes seen throughout the entire game. There
are many moments that will amaze players during the character’s progression through the haunted environments. However, there are
times throughout the game that Simmons sometimes moves very stiffly and is also prone to running into invisible walls that close of the
landscapes, a small issue that breaks to reality of the game at times. One thing that many players will have a problem with is the fact
that the game is very dark throughout the entire game. Players can turn up the brightness in the game and on the television, but is still
sometimes difficult to see what is on the screen. This is especially true when players are trying to explore during night or through a
major snow storm or fog. It may be true that it is extremely dark thousands of feet up in the Himalayas, and it may be very realistic, but if
it is hard to see where they are going, players aren’t going to enjoy the game.
The themes of the game are sometimes countered by the game’s controls and challenges. Simmons moves heavily through the
world, he is able to walk or run, open certain doors, climb ladders and cliffs and fight enemies. He moves sluggishly through the
mountain environments, can only just across a small number of chasms and turns extremely slowly. The entire control scheme feels
way too sluggish for an adventure title of this type. Although all that is true, anyone that gets the hang of the controls, or can eventually
bear with the pace of the game will probably find they feel pretty comfortable with the game.
Deep Silver has created a unique battle system in the game that keeps with the themes of the game. Eventually Simmons gains
access to upgrades for his pick axe that will allow him to shoot projectiles at enemies. When the enemies take enough damage and
become vulnerable, players can lock onto their target with the A button and complete a series of movements to finish them. Some will
enjoy this system; while others will find that it can be a little picky at times and won’t like it. For those who don’t want to do the motion
twice, this may become somewhat frustrating.
Other than the occasional issue that players will find with the game, “Cursed Mountain” is a fun and sometimes scary title. The
adventure has a creepy atmosphere that is different than what has been seen in games of this type in the past. It is a very compelling
story and players won’t be able to wait to find out what happened with Simmons’ lost brother. The world as a whole is very unique and
inviting to the player and many will enjoy the little details the graphics offer. The dated controls and level design are a little frustrating,
such as finding hidden keys to unlock doors. The game is sure to appeal to fans of the survival horror genre, especially those who have
seen these controls and design issues in other games and can deal with it. For those that can handle the minor frustration, it is time to
pack the hiking gear and take an indoor trip to the mountains.
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