Binding: Video Game Brand: Acclaim Entertainment EAN: 0021481402763 ESRB Age Rating: Teen Label: Acclaim Entertainment Inc. Manufacturer: Acclaim Entertainment Inc. Number Of Items: 1 Platform: Xbox Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment Inc. Sales Rank: 12242 Studio: Acclaim Entertainment Inc.
Product Description: In Vexx, the people of a once proud planet called Astara have been enslaved by the evil shadowraith, Dark Yabu, and have been imprisoned incaves surrounding the village of Rockhaven. As they toil in back-breaking labor, mining the underground caves for Yabu, a young boy named Vexx is able to escape the horror and make a run for it.
Amazon.com Review: While Acclaim obviously hopes to launch a new character into the video game pantheon with Vexx, don't expect another cuddly sprite who would be at home in a Looney Tunes cartoon. There is something decidedly twisted about Vexx. It might have something to do with his witnessing of the murder of his grandfather. After discovering hidden Astani war talons--which permanently attach to Vexx's arms--he is charged with avenging his grandfather's death, freeing his fellow villagers from slavery, and ridding the universe of the evil Dark Yabu.
But focusing on the game's story line misses the point of this platform game. Soon after the long and elaborately animated introduction ends, cut scenes fade into obscurity and the running, jumping, flipping, kicking, and smashing begin. Playing as Vexx, you collect Wraith hearts. The Wraiths themselves have been destroyed somehow--a story point that isn't too clear--but their force-feedback beating hearts remain. By gathering their energy, you power up the central hub that in turn opens doors to different worlds--from ice-encrusted wastelands and lush forests to hilly deserts and underwater oases. The graphics and music in each new world, as well as the many miniworlds hidden within, are often breathtaking. At times, you easily become distracted, taking a break from world-saving responsibility to hop into a pool for a swim or perch on top of some pole just to get a good look around.
The controls are fairly straightforward, although occasionally a near-impossible move sequence is needed to propel Vexx up to the next wobbling platform. The puzzles that lead to each heart can be challenging, if not downright frustrating, but there are enough available that you can always go play somewhere else. There are 81 hearts scattered throughout the game, but only 60 are required to battle Dark Yabu. The creatures in each world are easy to slaughter, only a nuisance if they attack at the wrong time or en masse. Those seeking more of a challenge can hop on the sundial in each level and twist it from day to night, which not only produces cool graphical and musical effects, but brings out a meaner breed of creepy-crawly.
The only real defect is the third-person camera, which at times simply refuses to cooperate--but this is more than made up for with the thrill of battling a sumo wrestler about 15 times your size, complete with his jiggling rolls of fat and deep-throated chortle. Nothing beats smacking him in the butt until he looms up on his tippy toes and falls over. --D.J. Morel
Pros:
Cool new character
Breathtaking graphics and music
Lots of interesting worlds to explore
Cons:
Camera often impossible to control
Some levels are just too difficult
Amazon.com Product Description: Here's the deal: On the forsaken remains of what was once the proud planet called Astara, the villagers of Rockhaven led difficult but peaceful lives, until the day Dark Yabu of the Shadowraith, and his minions swept down from the sky. With terrible ferocity and ruthless efficiency they descended on the townsfolk, enslaving them and forcing them to work deep in the caves that surround their village. Dark Yabu murdered the grandfather of the young Vexx, who managed to slip quietly aboard the enemy's wind ship. There, locked deep within Yabu's sanctum, was the last pair of Astani Battlegauntlets, which leapt from their chest onto Vexx's outstretched hands, and bonded to his arms to give him special powers. Prepared to meet his destiny, Vexx embarks on a heroic quest through volcanic islands, desert temples, and frozen citadels. Ultimately, Vexx must confront Dark Yabu high atop the Landspire, save his people, and avenge the death of his grandfather.
This action/adventure game features 18 levels, spanning treetop canopy villages, mysterious caves, underwater cities, and deadly volcanoes. There are hidden multiplayer party games that are unlocked as players progress through the single player world. Free-climbing mode allows players to climb uneven surfaces and dangle beneath overhangs. Each level's distinguishing landmark can be viewed from anywhere in the world in real time. There are day and night cycles with real-time lighting. Night changes the landscape and characters; enemies become more aggressive, and the environments become more hostile. Ultraresponsive player controls react instantly to player inputs. Gamers can cancel a move midway through and fire off extensive combo attacks. Hidden sundials allow players to change the time of day and gameplay. Advanced environment mapping creates beautiful reflections, glows, and highlights on characters, while clothes, hair, and trees respond dynamically to the environment.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - The genius that is "Vexx"
The video game "Vexx" has received many mixed reviews. For the most part people who didn't enjoy the game was because they found some levels too difficult. They also compared the main character Vexx to an alternate version of Mario, as in their moves and ledge jumping are quite similar. I do admit the game should be redone, it has so much more potential.
As a hardcore gamer for over 13 years, I enjoyed this game to its core. A wonderous world with amazing creativity. A surprise around every corner. The portals that are gateways to different planets, lets you see all terrains. You can even control night or day. (Watch out for those worlds in the Tapestry, they trick the eye.) The music was amazing and the character Vexx was quite the "Bad boy." Many think he is ugly as sin, but I find him adorable... in a weird demon child kind of way. Full of angst. (I named my shiba Vexx!)
All and All, I wanted to state that everyone who is curious, to pick the game up and give it a try. You may enjoy it, you may not. I don't think this game is for younger children since its more of a mastermind/puzzle game than just hack-n-slash. (Bit of both which makes it great.)
Good luck!
- Roxxanne
Rating: - A Sleeper Hit That Will Never See A Sequel
VEXX is a great a game. It rivals any of the action/adventure platform mascots to Jak/Sly/ & Mario. Unfortunately this 4 year old game that came out back in 2002 didn't seem to receive the attention it deserved. No game is ever perfect and this game has its minor flaws. It's also beautifully constructed & there are other games that came out the same year & their visuals never looked as beautiful as this game. Give it a try. At this point it's most likely under 20 bucks and a few retailers still carry this title. It's such a shame and most likely Akklaim Studios won't be making a sequel to this game. Give it a try & you will love it as much as I do.
Rating: - Vexx is very good
I bought this game based off other reviews here and found it at a used game place(...). Like many of the reviews have already mentioned, this game is excellent! Movement, jumping, fighting, flying, etc is very well done. The variety of worlds and skills required to complete the tasks is daunting, yet fun. Some of the goals can be very difficult to figure out, let alone complete, so I would see younger children having a hard time figuring out more than about half of this game. My favorite thing about the game is the variety of each world. My least favorite thing is the occasional camera problem where it won't allow to look where you want look, but that is a minor nuisance and shouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing this game. Overall, this is one my top 5 Xbox games. It's fun, it's challenging, and it takes a long time to complete.
Rating: - Bad Game
If you want a challenging game where you get stuck all the time, being bored of a game because you can't find the hearts, and a game that goes absoulutely nowhere, then this will be the game for you. It has a bad story line, and it's just a plain bad game, so if you like bad games buy this!!!!!
Rating: - Difficult but Rewarding
If you do not have a Gamecube and love games like Mario, then Vexx is an awesome and possibly better alternative. I liked Vexx better than the new mario Sunshine. It is much harder than Mario at times, but after you have completed something, you feel like you have accomplished much more than you would with Mario. First of all, one of the above reviews said that there are 10 objectives in each world. That is not true. There are anywhere from 8 to 10 in each world. Each world is also massive and the graphics are awesome. One of the best things about this game though is the sound. the sound will never get old and is way better than other games like this. It does not support the custom soundtrack but once you hear the music on this game you will realize why. The controls on this game are also great. Combination attacks are way more fun than squirting water in Mario Sunshine. The enemies are also cool and about the right difficulty level. Most of the game you will be trying to get from one place to another by dodging things, jumping over stuf, climbing or any other way possible. This is one of the best things about this game. this is also the most aggrivating thing about the game though because a lot of times if you make a wrong move you will have to start completely over again. It takes forever to get some of the Wraithhearts. (which are what you are getting the whole game) So far every single objective that I have played has been enjoyable with the exception of the ones where you have to find 100 shards. Those get old fast. There are only about 5 of those in the whole game though and you dont have to get any to beat the game. You need 60 Wraithhearts to go to the final stage and there are at least 70 total Wraithhearts so you will not need to get every one. I have 43 Wraithhearts right now and am still addicted to this game, which has taken me at least 20 hours so far. This game is well worth your money and will keep you entertained for a long time. Well, as you can tell I highly recommend this game and so far I have enjoyed this as much as Halo and probably a little bit more. The only game that is better in my opinion is Splinter Cell but that is a totally different type of game.
- The genius that is "Vexx"
- A Sleeper Hit That Will Never See A Sequel
