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.