Gaming Target - Xbox: New Legends

Written by Leigh Culpin on January 28, 2002

First Impressions: Action-packed kung-fu combat with weaponsЕ yeah!

After the Xbox's superlative launch, one that spawned a slew of quality titles, it seems as if no month will ever top that November when it comes to must own games. Though, next month's release list will certainly give it a run for it's money. We're talking Jet Set Radio Future, Wreckless, WWF Raw, UFC: Tapout, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and last but not least, a promising looking title that goes by the name of New Legends.

New Legends is in no way the most anticipated title for the Xbox, and if you're not an avid follower of the console, then there's a good chance you've never even heard of it. Best described as story-driven beat-em-up, New Legends is a third-person adventure that takes place in a futuristic China gone wrong. Playing the role of a badass named Sun Soo, it's you and your computer controlled allies' job to take out China's most notorious villain, Xao Gon, and his five half-demon sons. Xao Gon recently murdered the new Emperor, Kahn (not of Star Trek II fame), and is on the verge of taking over the entire country. Sun Soo's quest is not only of patriotism, but it is also one of revenge, as Xao Gon murdered his brother as well. And this quest, as you guessed, will not be easy. You'll have to face hordes of Xao Gon's followers, and it just so happens that his five half-demon sons/generals control the elements Ц earth, wind, water, fire, and metal.

I hate to say it, but from what I've seen, New Legends' gameplay doesn't seem as if it is going to break any new ground, however, it does have many unique features that is sure to spark your interest. For starters, the weapons you use in the game seem as if they will offer loads of depth. All 24 of them, both in the melee (swords, axes, etcЕ) and range (bows, guns, etcЕ) categories, offer three different moves a piece. Though, THQ is advertising the moves to be very simple, so you won't have to learn intricate button combinations. Your character also has the ability to fight with two weapons at once (one in each hand), sure to add many different options to your fighting style. This is all fine and dandy, but probably the coolest aspect of the weapons is that five of them are super weapons called the УForbidden Blades of HeavenФ. These are to be obtained from Xao Gon's five sons, and not only are they powerful weapons, but they are also needed to progress further in the game.

Like I mentioned before, throughout the game you will have 8 different computer controlled allies that will fight by your side while in combat. Each character should play a vital role in the game's overall storyline, though, it's going to take a little playtime to dictate whether or not these characters actually come in handy while in battle, or if they just get in the way. But it seems as if it's going to be a nice addition to the gameplay. Although, one has to wonder why the game isn't going to include a two-player co-op mode. Especially since Halo's has been given so much praise for doubling the games fun factor.

The game is set to span 32 objective based levels, each offering their own distinctive look and feel. Some will take place indoors, some outdoors, and some with a combination of both. One thing you are sure to notice immediately is that each level is gargantuan in size; hopefully this is a sign of a lengthy experience. As for my first impressions of the graphics? Well, from the screenshots and movies I've seen, the game seems to move at a nice framerate and the characters are well detailed, however, the environments do seem to lack details and comes off looking a little plain. Let's hope the final product does the Xbox proud.