Infinite Undiscovery

E3 2008 Preview

Square Enix has demonstrated, time and again, the ability to combine imaginative storytelling with breathtaking graphics. Infinite Undiscovery, the first game to be released on the Xbox 360, certainly continues that trend.

In the game, a cult called the Order of Chains believes that the moon is the source of power and has thus chained up the moon to harvest its powers. Capell, a musician, has been lured into the war over the chained moon, on the side of those who would set it free. Even as you adventure through the world, you will see ethereal chains leading up to a wispy white cage surround the stellar body. But Capell is more than a warrior drawn into the battle; he was first a musician and because of that he can use his flute to give group buffs.

The game is essentially a single player experience but includes group dynamics. While players primarily take on the role of Capell, there are 18 characters total in the game that can be played within the group context. There are slots for three parties of four and through the player interface and a connect system, players can set up attack cycles. And the AI in this game is very good, with the ability to set up behavioral patterns for the characters. You can hold them in reserve, or give them permission to attack and use their powers at will. The group dynamic also comes into play in the way you solve some of the puzzles. There is also a stealth element, and if players can sneak up on an enemy and unleash an attack before being spotted, they will get bonus damage.

Combat includes the ability to launch combo attacks by hitting sequential attack buttons. For example, if you engage an enemy and hit the A, B, B, B button, you unleash a series of combo attacks that is continuous and will do progressive damage.

While Capell can earn other equipment during his journeys, he will maintain – more or less – the same look throughout the game. The game also follows some of the standards associated with RPGs in that you talk to NPCs to pick up missions. Missions reward with experience points and, sometimes, equipment.

The sound was a bit lower because of the venue, but what was heard was serviceable. The controls were intuitive, for the most part, but what was very well done – no surprise here – were the graphical elements.

Slated for release in early September, Infinite Undiscovery is a terrific journey, full of imagination and some stock RPG elements. But there is also enough new here to give the game some freshness and the storyline will definitely drive the game in that direction.

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