Beyond Atlantis

Rating:
Summary: I'm Hooked
Review: After having the game for about a week, I had written that I found the graphics awesome but the frustration level was too high...I've changed my tune. I agree with "Char" that it is definitely a consideration for those of us in waiting for Exile. It is not a shoot-em up but a cerebral exercise for those who are up to it. I ordered the Solutions Guide for a couple of the rough spots but don't find I have to refer to it very often. Come on, Fellow Gamers - stretch your mind a bit.

Rating:
Summary: great graphics ridiculous puzzles
Review: After playing Riven and The Last Express, Beyond Atlantis was a sheer disappointment. Some of the puzzles were downright impossible and completely illogical. Granted Riven had some tough ones, but they were intergrated into the gameplay. In addition, the acting was embarassingly bad. I didn't even finish the game. The only motivation to complete the silly puzzles was to see the next "cool" scene. Bottom line, there are too many other games with beautiful graphics and engrossing plots as well. Steer clear of Atlantis!

Rating:
Summary: What a great game! An instant classic.
Review: As a avid Myst-fan, it's sometimes hard to believe there's any game out there that matches the atmosphere en overall storyline. Well, I've been dissapointed plenty of times. Not so however with Atlantis, Beyond Atlantis (or in the EU: Atlantis2). This is a superb game, splendid in music, colours, storyline, acting, graphics, gameplay, well, long and short, all of it. This is an instant classic that you'll never regret having bought or played. It will keep you by\usy for a very long time, and well spend time it is! Strange that Beyond Atlantis 2 The New World (Or, confusingly, Atlantis3 in the EU) is on many aspect the lesser game. The acting and rendering of characters is so much better in Beyond, that it is hard to believe that New World is the sequel, not the prequel. Well, have it from a hardboiled adventuregamer: Beyond Atlantis is a absolute must. Forgive it's very minor shortcomings. Don't even hesitate.

Rating:
Summary: Good Graphics. Bad Gameplan.
Review: At first the game is quite fun, the graphics can blow you away at points but after and hour or two you will become bored or completley stumped. The Graphics and music make it very pleasurable to see but the game is truly puzzling. With little explanation you are asked to solve puzzles without any clue of what to do. Most

Rating:
Summary: so confused
Review: Beginning, I really liked this game. But towards Ireland and Tibet I became so puzzled and frusturated over the clues. Also my computer is too high tech so I can't enjoy the mini movies in each scene. The animation is truly breathtaking but how could anyone say they enjoy this when they don't get the full gamer experience and weird clues that I've totally given up on...

Rating:
Summary: Do you get lost easily?
Review: Beyond Atlantis has kept me on my toes since I bought it. I've enjoyed this game to the max, and I can't help but sit in awe of the difficulty of some of the puzzles, and the care taken on the graphics boggles my mind. I would recommend this game to anyone who's willing to sit down and get some exercise for their mind in more ways than one. Some of the sentences can be described as cryptic, but isn't that the way they're supposed to be in puzzle games? If what you're looking for is fast play and bloodshed, look somewhere else. You don't swing swords in this game. You pump neurons.

Rating:
Summary: Lack of quality puzzles
Review: Beyond Atlantis is a game in the spirit of Myst and Riven. Unfortunately, Beyond Atlantis doesn't have what it takes to make a great game. While the graphics are very good (I won't say breathtaking, because they weren't quite that good) what makes or breaks this sort of game is the puzzles, and the puzzles in Beyond Atlantis are horrible. They are mostly inventory-based (i.e., you have jump through some hoops to get an object that allows you to activate something or talk to somebody.) However, the puzzles just aren't logical. For example, why does one character only speak incoherently until I bring him a particular slab of rock? Or why does clicking on some pictures on the wall result in the wall giving me a pearl? This is never explained. Furthermore, there is no continuity in the game--you never have any idea what you are really trying to accomplish. Now, there are some positive aspects to the game (very nice graphics, and a couple of good puzzles) but I suggest that if you play this game, keep a hint manual or a walkthrough handy, because without it the only way you will beat the game is just through dumb luck...

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful challenge, but often frustrating
Review: Beyond Atlantis is a wonderfully animated game and a must for anyone that loves puzzles. The colors and video sequences are beautiful and the characters have interesting though often one-sided personalities.
I bought the game for the similarities it had to Myst and found that it was not a bad buy. Atlantis 2 is quite similar to the original Myst but not as in depth (character wise) as Myst 2 and 3. The puzzles themselves are not a great challenge, but the steps to get to them make up for their shortcomings. Overall, the major shortcoming of the game is the lack of information. Often you are unsure of what you need for a puzzle or why you need to complete it other that to beat the game. Few clues are given so a good hint site is recommended; however, don't just for help at the first sign of trouble. The game is made to be able to look 360 degrees and up to the sky and to the ground and the makers expect you to use this ability. Before you run to the walkthrough, look around, search the ground, and ask the characters about EVERYTHIING!
Overall, this game is great for the puzzle person that doesn't mind some lack in character development. The game will take time but is definitely a come-back-for-more type of game. The graphics and legend lore are wonderful. Finally, as an individual who has played through the game three times, I can say the game is worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Annoying!
Review: Everything in this game is confusing, especially with no instructions. The game almost expects you to know what to do and how to solve clues. I struggled through this game for a long time and could not understand what was going on. The only thing I give this game credit for, is the graphic's and exotic and ancient soundtrack, otherwise, this game is needle in a haystack!

Rating:
Summary: Is It Just Me?
Review: First off, let me just say the graphics and music in this game were absolutely wonderful. Very relaxing and almost magical in a calming way. However, whatever calm relaxing feelings that our conjured up through graphics and music quickly fade away in frustration. Walk-through's are a must have for this game, not because the puzzles are that difficult, but because the game doesn't give you enough clues to figure out what, where or when you are supposed to do something. Simple instructions or hints from the many dialogue conversations would really help this game along. I was also a bit disturbed by the 'fish-bowl' look of some of the many character's faces. The Mayan & Celtic worlds were fascinating and a lot of fun, but frustrating in areas. I still haven't finished the game because I missed one of the "have to do" actions and I don't feel like redoing everything. Get this one on sale. It's worth the time to play, but don't expect to get through this one without some outside help.