Adventures in Odyssey and the Sword of the Spirit
SCORE: 80
Focus on the Family is a well known juggernaut throughout the
Christian community, so thus one would think any games licensed by them
would reflect that. Adventures in Odyssey and the Sword of the Spirit
has a catchy title, and is very family friendly game. This was released
at the same time as Adventures in Odyssey and the Treasure of the Incas,
and sadly does not live up to that title. The game starts out with
Eugene receiving a painting with a secret message in it. Find the three
clues in the painting, read some news on people/related events; and then
the three characters are whisked off to a mine where you are able to
play eight different mini games (one at a time of course). These eight
mini games range from mind numbingly easy to poor control induced
frustration.
The graphics are bright and colorful to the point of being
appreciated on an artistic level. Wholesome images are used properly
throughout the game. There are also images used that promote a
relationship with Jesus Christ. These are all wonderful things that
Digital Praise should be commended for. The sounds are crisp and clear.
The music is cheerful, upbeat, and uplifting. The sounds also promote
the teachings of the Holy Bible. The sounds do have a problem - they do
not always work well. In addition some of the things the characters say
repeatedly does get annoying. For example you stand waiting for the
right time to jump, and miss it - your character then tells you that you
need to be patient and not so hasty. The sounds do not always match up
with the action of the game in other words. The game includes a
wonderful extra of an audio episode. The eight mini games that are
unlocked are available to be replayed. Unfortunately this reviewer had
no interest in replaying them. The controls were either bad, or the game
was too simple to offer any challenge. This game only took 2-3 hours to
beat, and it cost $30.00. A Christian DVD could have been bought for
half the price, and taken up the same amount of time. This game really
suffers in the replay/extras department, and the gameplay. The controls
were also not always responsive. The control layout was frustrating in
some levels (mainly the ones where you controlled a character in a small
maze). This game scores very well on the Family Friendly Factor. Family
values are taught in this game. Adventures in Odyssey and the Sword of
the Spirit promotes a Christian world view, and has wonderful teachings
in it. This game is safe for the entire family.
This game scores a little above average because of how family, and
believer friendly it is. The biggest problem this reviewer has is how
short the game is, and how the controls are spotty in some of the mini
games. Christian games are important, and we need more of them. Which
makes no glowing all praises on this game all the more difficult. A
recommendation can not be given because of the previously mentioned
problems. Given the choice between Treasure of the Incas, and Sword of
the Spirit - pick up Treasure of the Incas.
- Paul
Graphics: 90%
Sound: 84%
Replay/Extras: 62%
Gameplay: 68%
Family Friendly Factor: 98%
System: Personal Computer
Publisher: Digital Praise
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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