Rock of Ages
SCORE: 71
Atlus has made a name for themselves with some quirky titles. Normally they are in the role playing game genre, but they have branched out with successes like the 101 in 1 titles. We have been following Rock of Ages on the Xbox 360 for many months now. We knew players would roll a giant rock down through fortifications. Beyond that we were pretty much in the dark.
The first thing that stuck out to me about Rock of Ages is the sense of humor in the game. There are various references to different movies. I think that is part of the fun of playing Rock of Ages too. Finding those references and acknowledging the creativity of the creators. The core of Rock of Ages is rolling your rock down to the opposing players gate. Hit it hard enough, and enough times to break through. Once you break through then you can squash your opponent.
I was expecting a lot worse in terms of the violence in Rock of Ages. The destruction is over so quickly that if you blink you will miss it. I actually tried this to make sure I was not exaggerating. Remember your rock is rolling down a hill. Even if a fortification slows you down you will start trucking again. Rolling over the opponent happens so fast that visually I was barely able to even register it.
The music in Rock of Ages is fantastic. It pumped me up to get going. The humor in Rock of Ages had me laughing on more than one occasion. I am an adult and do not feel this game is for children. They will not get the Greek mythology references or the movie references. At least I hope you would not subject your children to PG-13 materials. The humor reminds me of Monty Python.
Family Friendly Gaming was provided a code to review Rock of Ages on the Xbox 360. I believe the price is fair for the amount of content, and multiplayer features. Players earn money while demolishing stuff and can use that to fortify their defenses. The computer players start out pretty easy, but they make you earn your stripes after a few levels. Rock of Ages is a game that is best played with two human players in my opinion.
The strategy in Rock of Ages is deeper than it looks. Rolling down the hill towards your opponents door is simple enough. Purchasing defenses to stop your opponent is a completely different story. Or you can purchase a super power up for yourself. Since it takes multiple tries you can mix it up. Certain levels are devilishly difficult. If you fall off the edge (like me) a giant hand puts you back on the path. This looses some speed but better than starting completely over.
I pondered the lesson in Rock of Ages. I can see some possibilities.
The biggest lesson I can see is to get them before they get you. Rock of
Ages also teaches to give no mercy. Players can choose to go around or
through obstacles. Going across history is an interesting concept, as
well as facing off against so many well known figures. I enjoyed playing
this real time tower defense and offense game on the Xbox 360.
- Paul
Graphics: 69%
Sound: 73%
Replay/Extras: 74%
Gameplay: 75%
Family Friendly Factor: 66%
System: Xbox 360
Publisher: Atlus
Rating: 'E10+' - Everyone
10+
{Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor}
Want more info on this
product,
or the company that made this product?
Set web browser to:
Link
Got a question, comment,
or a concern regarding this
review?
Email them to:
pbury@familyfriendlygaming.com