Games Database
PS2
Adventure
| Also for: | Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure Platform |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Edge of Reality | Soft. Co.: | Activision |
| Publishers: | Activision
(US/GB) |
Released: | 2003
(US) 20 Feb 2004 (GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card | ||
| Features: | Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only | ||
Summary
If ever a remake of a classic retro gaming franchise has progressed technologically so amazingly then it has to be this Pitfall title. But having said that, it has been a staggering 22 years since Activision's 'stick man in jungle' romp had the world glued to their Atari 2600 joysticks. Well, 22 years is a long time, especially in the world of video games, and a lot has happened in that time. Activision is still with us though; so is Atari, kind of. And now Pitfall Harry is making a return in a new platform adventure.
Faithfully retaining the concept of the original, yet benefiting somewhat from contemporary gaming technology, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition sees players resume the role of Harry, as he swings, climbs, crawls and fights his way through an array of perilous environments, this time all in glorious 3D. There are over 50 hazardous levels to conquer, set not only in the South American jungle, but also in such haunts as ancient Aztec ruins and glacial mountains.
As you would expect, all the memorable hazards and enemies from the original are in there, such as vine swinging, gaping chasms, crocodiles, and scorpions, as well as a host of new dangers, including the likes of bats, jaguars, piranhas, and erm, monkeys. This time, however, Harry can rely on a sizeable arsenal of weaponry and gadgets, such as a sling, dynamite and ice axes, via a fairly novel control method. Using the analogue sticks, players take direct control of Harry's limbs in order to access a wide range of manoeuvres, including deflecting flames with a shield, shedding light with a torch, and traversing dangerous rapids in an inner tube.
Throughout the game, Harry can acquire a range of new abilities that, in most cases, are required in order to progress, defeat certain enemies or solve puzzles. And the collecting side of things doesn't stop there - there are also a number of special items to be uncovered, which unlock a selection of mini games.
Re-making retro classics is becoming increasingly fashionable and, in most cases, this is a good thing. This is one of those cases, delivering an entertaining adventure by modern standards, full of plenty of nostalgic reminders for those old enough to remember the original.
Faithfully retaining the concept of the original, yet benefiting somewhat from contemporary gaming technology, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition sees players resume the role of Harry, as he swings, climbs, crawls and fights his way through an array of perilous environments, this time all in glorious 3D. There are over 50 hazardous levels to conquer, set not only in the South American jungle, but also in such haunts as ancient Aztec ruins and glacial mountains.
As you would expect, all the memorable hazards and enemies from the original are in there, such as vine swinging, gaping chasms, crocodiles, and scorpions, as well as a host of new dangers, including the likes of bats, jaguars, piranhas, and erm, monkeys. This time, however, Harry can rely on a sizeable arsenal of weaponry and gadgets, such as a sling, dynamite and ice axes, via a fairly novel control method. Using the analogue sticks, players take direct control of Harry's limbs in order to access a wide range of manoeuvres, including deflecting flames with a shield, shedding light with a torch, and traversing dangerous rapids in an inner tube.
Throughout the game, Harry can acquire a range of new abilities that, in most cases, are required in order to progress, defeat certain enemies or solve puzzles. And the collecting side of things doesn't stop there - there are also a number of special items to be uncovered, which unlock a selection of mini games.
Re-making retro classics is becoming increasingly fashionable and, in most cases, this is a good thing. This is one of those cases, delivering an entertaining adventure by modern standards, full of plenty of nostalgic reminders for those old enough to remember the original.
