REVIEW: Lost: Via Domus

Developer / Publisher:  Ubisoft | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Lost the game has been a long time coming. Ever since the phenomenal success of the first show, a game was inevitable. After much waiting, Lost: Via Domus is finally here. It promised to brings us a whole new chapter concerning the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 and possibly even offer some answers to the many questions plaguing fans of the show.

The initial load of Lost, when put in for the first time takes several minutes, which given that there is only 4-7 hours of gamesplay is quite astounding. The games greatest problem lies therein. Asking gamers to part over 60 euro for a game which can be cleared in an afternoon is a bit of a joke.

The story unfolds in a slow methodical way. Information comes in drips and drabs, slowly shaping our protagonists story. Taking place mainly within the confines of series 1 and 2, you take on the mantle of a previously unseen character whom has been there since day one. Fans of the show will instantly be up to speed, but those unfamiliar with the cult of Lost will be pardon the pun, lost.

Solving puzzles is the key to progression. These range from the rather simplistic and oft repeated, use of fuses to power up object to the rather torturous use of flags to guide you through the jungle. While it may sound simple, doing so when chased by the dreaded black smoke is quite a task. One of the most welcomed inclusions is that back tracking is rarely needed as the game will skip to where you need to be.

Visually, Ubi Soft Montreal have out done themselves. The island looks fantastic, with the crashed plane on the beach looking all most life like. The jungles look lush and vegetation reacts to your moving past them in a believable manner. The soundtrack also deserves mention. It's straight from the show which when combined with the awesome visuals makes for a true Lost experience.

While successfully re-creating the look and feel of the show Lost: Via Domus is a winner. However the short playing time makes difficult to recommend the game as anything more than a weekend rental.

Comments

[jeff]

Rented Lost for a week yesterday afternoon and returned it today, after completing the game in two sittings. Altogether I clocked up 7 hours of game time. I'm just hankful that I took the advice given in the review and didb't buy it which I had originally intended to do. So thanks, saved me 65 euro.