| Author | Review |
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NANU1115
63,182
TA Score for this game: 477
Posted on 24 April 12 at 12:43 |
This review has 8 positive votes and 0 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Since there are already great thorough reviews of this game. Im going to take the simplistic approach and just give a detailed opinion.
When I first heard of this game on the Playstation Portable, it was called Mercury Meltdown. A Different take on the traditional folk game Labyrinth. Instead of a wooden ball it is a mass of liquid known as Mercury. It was a very unique game with a semi-realistic physics engine. The menus were a bit cartoony, reminiscent of the Budokai 1 menus for the PS2. The visuals were also pretty good for portable game. Mercury Meltdown may not have been a ground breaking game for the system, but it did bring about a unique puzzle game that stood the test of time. With the dawning of a new digital distribution era, Ignition realized that they had an underrated gem on their hands.
In 2011, They announced a sequel to Mercury Meltdown which would be released on the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360. This game would be called Mercury HG. Priced at an astonishing 400 Microsoft points($5.00), this game really is worth every penny.
Mercury HG, a pun on the acronym HD, would incorporate a more next gen approach. Upgrading the physics engine, a graphics overhaul, and taking a more professional approach with the Menus. Lastly, they added in one of the best decorative touches ever added to a video game. They added in custom soundtrack integration. But it wasn't just any custom soundtrack integration. The music played on the console would resonate through out the level. The Mercury would pulsate to the beat of the custom music being played. The background of the level would function as an animated visualizer to the music. In my opinion, this is what makes video game development an Art form.
As i first started the game, i had realized that a Periodic Table of Elements would function as the "World Map." Every level was named after a real element listed on the Periodic Table of Elements. Although this would not be a rough trip back to sophomore chemistry, i felt as if i had an obligation to take a completionist approach to finishing this video game. After finishing the first group of elements on the table, i had realized that i had to obtain three of four requirements to completing a level. These three requirements are very vital to obtaining the "retail" of this game.
The three requirements measured Time it took to finish the level, 100% Mercury index, and Bonus Items. With the fourth being a leaderboard standing. The game itself is a very laid back puzzle entry. Tranquility is a word to describe the gameplay. Another trait that stuck out to me was the gradual difficulty throughout the game. Every group of elements would begin with an easy level, and graduate to a very difficult level. As you progressed through each group, the starting levels would become more difficult as well as the final levels of the group. This proved to be a great way to test a video gamer's concentration. It also lets the gamer know that instant gratification is something you have to concentrate for.
One small issue with this game is the lack of an in game rewards system. It is very upfront with the gamer from jump street that they are essentially playing solely for achievements. This is an issue many games suffer, but with this game it is a different scenario. The replay value of this game will diminish once those achievements are obtained. I have one more achievement left to complete this game, but once i do obtain that achievement. There is no other point for me to play this game again. The DLC was a very strong indication that they can add more replay value to this game. But the fact that replay value depends on the Developers terms is not a good trait to have for a puzzle game. This is a minor issue with an otherwise perfect puzzle game.
If a person were to ask me for a puzzle game suggestion, i would say Mercury HG before Portal. Not only is it a solid title, but the fact that i can go into my change tin to pay for the suggested retail speaks volumes of this bargain.
On a Five point scale it deserves a 5 out of 5. On a Ten point scale, I would give this game a 9.5 out of 10.
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