Video Game Reviews
Title: Haven: Call of the King
Review rating: **1/2
Platform/console: Playstation 2
Release date: November 2002
Genre: Role-playing
Players allowed: 1
ESRB rating: T (mild violence)
Production company: Midway
This game is hit and miss in gameplay, but the graphics and
creative situations, such as outrunning an avalanche, might
be enough to persuade gamers to get this title. The challenging,
problem solving gameplay matches the explanatory movies pretty
well.
There’s enough elements, such as the good music and
special situations (like a fun, heart pumping experience dangling
from a ledge). If you hit the circle button, you can use a
special shield that’s very useful. If you bend down
with the shield it will protect you from harmful items above
as well. Use the shield energy sparingly though because it’s
always good to have it ready when you really need it. Controls
also expand beyond the basic jump and reach the ledge format
by allowing the players to shoot out of special barrels and
glide quickly on special overhead wires.
The controls take a while to master, but the storylines are
easy to follow (didn’t like the Doctor’s annoying
voice though). A great title for beginners or players who
are easily frustrated with the role-playing format. You get
helpful information relayed to you whenever you walk on or
access important objects. Don’t be too eager to hit
your controller buttons so much because it’s often better
to let things happen during the course of this nice title
complete with autosave option.
Review by Michael Siebenaler
© Midway
®
