I am an avid gamer and have played close to 300 games in the current crop of consoles. This means that I have played the cream of games, but I also don’t mind wallowing a little in the rancid milk of mediocrity. I have always had a soft spot for sword ‘n’ sandals based games and have enjoyed the likes of Rise of the Argonauts, Viking, Conan and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. None of these games set the world alight and most of them received low review scores, but I still liked them because they had character and a weight that an ancient setting gives a game. Surely a game that has this setting and comes with added local 2 player co-op would be the best of the bunch? Clash of the Titans set out to prove me wrong.
To review the co-op aspects of Clash I first have to review the single player game. This is because it takes almost three hours for you to unlock the first mission that allows co-op play. You read correctly, for a game that has the official 2 player local co-op sign on the back of the box; it takes the time to watch the film to unlock the game mode. This led to some awkward moments on the gaming couch as I started the game, and then played it some more and some more. Then a little more. My co-op partner arrived expecting to pick up a pad and play, but was left deeply disappointed.
Party like its 2006 with an ancient giant enemy crab
It did not help that they had to witness one of the least inspiring experiences since Red Dwarf’s Rimmer decided to paint the walls Military Grey instead of Ocean Grey. The game is loosely based on the recent film as you follow Perseus and co on their quest to destroy the Kraken before it lays waste to Argos (the ancient city not the popular British catalogue store). Player one is Perseus and as the game progresses you come across a series of hub areas that contain characters who present you with quests. Armed with your instructions you then set off onto a map area, which is reused several times, to reach your goal. Rinse and repeat until you move onto a boss battle and the next hub. Instantly there are issues with the recycling of the same levels and a confusing map that is lost deep within the submenus. The quests felt more like a series of arena battles than a coherent game and are not improved by the long loading times between areas.
The combat does not fare much better in terms of inspiration, it’s hack ‘n’ slash at its most basic; trying to mimic the likes of God of War, but fails to even achieve a Dynasty Warriors level of combat. As Perseus you can use a second weapon that you claim off enemies via a mini game that is just tapping a few buttons. You can also upgrade your many secondary weapons and use them for special attacks. It soon becomes deeply confusing with the various weapons you can and cannot use on certain enemies. You also end up having to rewatch the same killing animations as special attacks seem to be the only way to down an enemy in a reasonable time frame. Monotony thy name is Crash of the Titans.