Introduction
As the gaming world eagerly anticipated the release of Ubisoft‘s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, there were mixed feelings about what the game would deliver. This article takes a closer look at the journey from skepticism to admiration for this groundbreaking title.
Initial Skepticism
The author began the year with a fair amount of skepticism towards Ubisoft‘s new title, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. After attending a theater demo at Ubisoft Forward, expectations of an ‘Avatar Assassin’s Creed’ style game were not met, leading to initial disappointment. The concept of climbing trees, riding alien horses, and stealthily taking down RDA mechs in a game that would leverage the unique Na’vi perspective seemed like a missed opportunity.
Personal Pick
Alongside the main Game of the Year Awards 2023, each member of the PC Gamer team has the opportunity to shine a spotlight on a game that stood out to them personally over the year. These personal picks allow the team to share their individual experiences and highlight games that may have resonated with them on a more personal level.
A Pleasant Surprise
Contrary to the author’s initial reservations, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora turned out to be a delightful surprise, earning the title of the best Far Cry game to date and the most impressive sandbox experience from Ubisoft in recent years. The game’s unique first-person perspective allows players to fully immerse themselves in the role of a Na’vi, experiencing the scale and power of their avatar in a way that third-person perspective might not have captured as effectively.
From the towering heights of the Na’vi to the intricate details of ducking under doorways and looking down at the diminutive human enemies, the game provides an immersive experience that constantly reminds players of their alien form. This fresh perspective contributes to the sense of being a part of the lush world of Pandora.
Easy Up
The movement mechanics in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are a standout feature, offering a level of agility and fluidity that is rare in first-person shooters. Players can experience the thrill of leaping ten feet into the air, clambering up seemingly unreachable gaps, and executing midair dashes to extend their jumps. This bounciness and grace in movement draw favorable comparisons to other titles known for their parkour elements, such as Mirror’s Edge and Dying Light.
Running to quests becomes an engaging activity in itself, requiring skill to maintain momentum and navigate the dense vegetation of Pandora’s rainforests. The game’s design encourages dynamic movement, from charging leaps to bounding across treetops and using the environment to break falls.
Wayfinder
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora introduces an innovative Exploration Mode, which enhances the adventure by replacing traditional quest markers with detailed hints. This mode encourages players to engage with the world more deeply, using environmental cues and directions to find their way.
| Type of Hint | Example |
|---|---|
| Directional Hint | “Go to the RDA facility in the Spinner’s Circle domain east of the Threaded River.” |
| Visual Clue | “Look for an island with a large fallen log and purple trees.” |
The game’s approach to navigation strikes a balance between being too prescriptive and too vague, providing just enough information to guide players without hand-holding. This system not only adds a layer of challenge but also makes the act of discovery more rewarding.
Turned Around
While the Exploration Mode in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is largely a success, it’s not without its challenges. Players have encountered moments of confusion, particularly when the Na’vi characters blend into the night skies of Pandora, making it difficult to locate specific individuals. Additionally, the game’s interpretation of directions like “northwest” can sometimes lead to wandering if the destination is not clearly more north or west.
These navigational hiccups, though not frequent, can lead to moments of frustration. For example, being instructed to return to a previously visited camp with no additional guidance can result in aimless searching if the player has forgotten which map marker corresponds to that location. Despite these occasional issues, the Exploration Mode remains a compelling feature for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to navigation.
Conclusion
Despite some initial skepticism and technical issues, the author’s experience with Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has been overwhelmingly positive. The game’s richly detailed world and innovative gameplay mechanics have provided a fresh and engaging experience. The author’s journey from doubt to admiration serves as a reminder that sometimes, giving a game a fair chance can lead to pleasant surprises. With a recommendation to not let the year pass by without trying the game, it’s clear that Ubisoft has crafted an experience worth exploring. Ready to dive into the world of Pandora? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
