So if the time and energy didn’t go into making a new single player mode where did it go? One look at the various multiplayer modes and you’ll see what Rare spent their time working on. Conker’s multiplayer modes (which can be played via Xbox Live, with bots, or even through system link) is where the real excitement lies. It’s a meticulously thought out 8 on 8 battles between Squirrels (SHC) and Bears (Tediz), all in huge levels that require teamwork and a lot of strategy.
Unlike most multiplayer experiences, Conker actually offers a story to go along with each of the eight expansive environments. Each level requires both teams to work together to complete tasks, kill the enemy, and ultimately gain advantage over the other side. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Most of the tasks (or victory conditions, as they are called in the game) are a little vague at first, requiring you to play them more than once before you figure out what you’re doing. In fact, almost nothing about Conker’s multiplayer modes are instantly obvious.
Thankfully you can practice the missions against computer opponents before looking like a fool in front of 15 other real life players. Once you’re well versed on what you’re doing from level to level the game becomes quite a bit more fun, offering a challenge unlike anything else on the Xbox Live. The missions all make sense and do a nice job of making you feel like you’re part of the action at all times. The story elements are a nice touch, offering an entertaining story about the war between the Tediz and the SHC.
Another great addition is the ability to select from different classes for each side. Unlike games like Halo 2 where everybody is essentially the same until they pick up weapons, Conker allows you to choose a character at the beginning of each game that will offer pros and cons. Just about every type of killing machine is represented here, including the Grunt (your basic, run-of-the-mill warrior), the Long Ranger (who carries a sniper), the Sneeker (who uses a sword and can cloak to become invisible), the Demolisher (who is slow, but carries a bazooka), and several more. These different classes each have their own special abilities and make the game even more diverse than it already is.
But even with all that going for it, Conker’s multiplayer support does have a few problems that are immediately noticeable. For example, the control just doesn’t feel as user friendly as you would want it to be. Granted, it’s better than what you get in the single player game, but some of the actions seem mapped to the wrong button. You can change the controls around, but even after tinkering with it for quite awhile I found that the game just never felt as good as other online shooters.
If that weren’t enough, I also had a hard time keeping track of whether or not I was hitting the enemy or not. With many of characters being so small in scale, it’s easy to simply shoot around them or not see them at all. It’s also worth mentioning that the various classes, while cool, don’t feel very balanced. Some characters, like the Demolishers, are simply too powerful. Whereas others, such as the Grunts, can be killed off in mere seconds. Sniping is especially difficult, since the game’s aiming never feels very accurate. None of this ruins the experience, but considering how long this game has been in development you would think that they could have worked a little harder on balancing out the classes.
Even with these problems, there is something addicting about Conker’s Xbox Live mode. It’s hard to deny that rushing the bloody beach (ala the beginning of Saving Private Ryan) is one tense experience. Other levels are slightly calmer, but provide a lot more depth than you might see on the surface. With weapon upgrades, vehicles to use, and plenty of explosions, Conker delivers quite a punch … assuming you can get used to the awkward controls and steep learning curve.
There’s no doubt that with a strong multiplayer mode and humorous story, Conker Live and Reloaded manages to offer enough game play to warrant a look. It’s one of the few platformers on the Xbox that delivers the goods almost every step of the way. The story may be outdated and the jokes work only half the time, but Conker’s quest is one you’ll likely remember for years to come. In the end I wish Rare would have spent the three years developing a new adventure to take Conker on, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of this remake. If you missed Conker the first time around, do yourself a favor and check him out on the Xbox, you won’t be sorry you did
C+
As far as remakes go, Conker Live and Reloaded is a good one. But with flawed controls, outdated movie references, and a multiplayer mode that is maybe a little too complex for its own good, Conker doesn’t quite live up to its hype. Still, it’s an adventure everybody should experience once in their life.
Page 3 of 3