Well, one of the most anticipated games in recent memory has finally been released. I've heard tale of how great it was going to be from so many people. Including, of course, Will Wright, Maxis, and Electronic Arts. A myriad demonstration videos, and gaming shows were used to show off SPORE. Does the game live up to the hype?

I've had the opportunity to play it for about 6 hours total. I've managed to get to the "Tribal Stage." You start as a microbe in the "Tide Pool Stage." After finding lots of food you slowly advance to the surface of the water. Then, once you're at the top you're allowed to set foot (or flagella) on land. This begins the "Creature Stage."

Then you do a bunch of confusing things for a couple of hours...

I'm not going to describe my experiences in detail since this really isn't a gaming forum. I'm only going to give you my impression of the game.

Is It Hot?

No. Visually it's mildly pleasing. It's very cartoonesque. I don't mind that so much since it is still a very unique game. At least until the "Tribal Stage." Then it becomes a very difficult to use simulator. You're supposed to ally yourself with, or destroy neighboring tribes. How do you do this? Well, you mash buttons. Specifically 1, 2, and 3. In about 10 seconds you've impressed a tribe to the point where they start bringing you gifts.

I don't get the point. There's no fun to be had here.

Is It Hype?

In all of those tales I spoke of earlier this game was supposed to revolutionize simulators. I guess the revolutionary part must come some time after the "Tribal Stage." Up to this point I have to say, wholeheartedly, it's just hype. The game feels like it was created in Blender 3D. The AI is not really AI at all. It appears, at least to this point, to be nothing more than reactionary logic based on your timing, and a rudimentary set of "skills" that you acquire by outfitting your creature with body parts.

I'll keep playing through to see if things get better. I'll update the page when I get to the end.

For now, I'm thoroughly unimpressed after all of that HYPE.