Vexx (Xbox) Preview

Seeking out a meagre existence on the forsaken remains that were once the proud planet called Astara, the villagers of Rockhaven had led difficult but peaceful lives. Those lives became both more difficult and considerably less peaceful the day the Shadowraith, Dark Yabu, and his minions swept down upon the villagers from the sky. With terrible ferocity and ruthless efficiency they fell upon the tired townsfolk, whose resolve crumbled like the shattered Astaran remains around them.



All but oneâ¦



Vexx is the latest 3D platform/adventure title to be released by Acclaim on all next-generation formats; it started life out as a video demo at last years E3 under the name of Jinx but has come on leaps and bounds since then. Players take control of Vexx as he embarks on a quest to avenge the brutal slaying of his grandfather, and rescue the villagers of Rockhaven from the clutches of the evil Dark Yabu. The intro depicts Vexx sneaking aboard Yabuâs airship, where he finds an ancient artefact, a pair of gauntlets. Before he knows it the Gauntlets are bound to his hands granting him special powers, on the downside Yabu finds him and chucks him off the ship leaving him for dead. Fortunately a blind Hermit, Darby, who becomes Vexxâs mentor throughout the game, rescues the little critter.



Vexxâs quest takes place over 18 levels that take place across the six worlds of Astara. The levels will take on a variety of locales, ranging from the desert stages of Dragons Reach to the underwater levels of The Below.

As with any traditional platformer Vexx collects items - ancient Astani relics â“ which in turn grant him special powers, allowing him to glide, climb, power swim and show the enemy whoâs boss. As the game progresses new abilities will be opened up to power-up Vexxâs gauntlets, such as Rock and Fire skills.



Any platformer worth its salt these days has to have vehicles and mini-games, on this front Vexx doesn`t dissapoint. One stage sees an Xbox hooked up to a TV, switch the TV and Xbox on and you`ll be able to play a game of breakout. Whilst several different types of vehicles will be available to make Vexx`s journey a little easier on the foot, expect to see flying insects and other vehicles of that type.



Visually Vexx is set to include all of the staple ingredients that a next-generation platformer should, to compliment the already delicious environment and models, will be real-time lighting, day-night cycles and real-time environmental mapping. Vexx is certainly shaping up to be one of the better-looking titles around.



Whilst Vexx is essentially a straightforward platformer, Acclaim are keen to bring a few ideas to the mix. Throughout the game you`ll encounter writings in a strange language, as you progress you`ll have the chance to learn this native language and thus unearth the back-story and vital clues, it`s a nice touch and should entice the type of gamer that likes to complete the game fully.