Terraria (PSN)

Most of you reading this review have likely already played the PC version of "Terraria". I unfortunately was never able to sample the supposed greatness that it offered though due to the lack of a proper PC graphics card. After finding out about the console release about 2 weeks ago I decided it was time for me to see exactly what the hype was all about. I wanted to know why it received such high ratings across the board. Before I get started with my review though It's probably best that you know that I've always sucked at Minecraft inspired games. I've never been able to adapt to the complex menu systems, or building options that are made available in those types of game titles. With that being said though I do understand the mechanics well enough to explain them.

Terraria is a 2D side-scrolling adventure that borrows elements from the well known, and highly popular building block game, "Minecraft". Instead of taking the usual 3D block building route though the developer of this particular game opted to deliver an experience that featured similarities to certain metroidvania style games as well as hints of certain MMORPGs like "Maple Story". Taking pieces of those genres, and merging together may seem like a risky feat to some, but the game's original developer seemed to do well with the concept. As much as the PC version did accomplish though I'm here to discuss the console port of the game which differs greatly from the previously discussed version.

The PSN version of Terraria, in a nutshell is basically the same game that PC gamers enjoyed with the only real difference being the additional content. It features the same character setup, menu options, and signature gameplay that some of you have grown to enjoy. On the plus side the console port also comes with some extras that were not originally included in the game. Things like new enemies, new music, an 8 player online mode, split screen co-op, and a new final boss are among the perks of purchasing the console version. Newbies will be glad to know that the game also features a tutorial to get you started properly on your road to epic adventure. Going in blind is definitely not a wise choice for new Terraria players. Even the PC gamers will want to take a refreshers course due to the control changes.

With all the good that Terraria has to offer also comes some bad things. Terraria's control setup does not provide the precise building results that were depicted in the console specific video trailers. I tried my hardest to build the perfect house only to end up with a half-assed construction disaster. Sure it met the standards of a livable home, but the accidentally placed extra materials just didn't look too appealing. The fact that cleaning up the undesired materials was just has hard as placing them only aggravated the situation further. I found that having to use the right thumbstick for aiming, and placing blocks of material just didn't provide the accuracy I needed to get things straight. These problems along with the complex menu system interactions made for one hell of a mess.

I understand that the menu system in a game like this has to be detailed, but the accessibility was plagued by the fact that the game did not pause when you went into the various menu settings/options. Enemies are constantly swarming you whether it's night or day, and unless you have a home built with which to escape the outdoor mayhem then your screwed. Your innards will no doubt become your outwards at the hands of an organ hungry zombie, especially during your first home building venture. As most of you already know the game is governed by a night, and day status. During the day friendly, and near harmless creatures bounce around the map while posing little threat to your character. When night falls though it's best you hunker down in the safety of your humble abode otherwise you will quickly fall prey to the more aggressive foes. Keep in mind that gathering the necessary materials for building your first home, and actually building your first home will not happen before nightfall. It's probably best that you initially go out gathering materials, and block yourself in a hole in the ground when nightfall approaches.

One thing I definitely liked about the whole "Terraria" experience was the character customization options. When you first get started in the game's main mode you will be given the option to create an entirely new character. This pixelated personality can be either male, or female. The downside to the choice of gender though is that you'll have to be familiar with the symbols instead of the words (male/female). When it comes to appearance the developer kept things fairly detailed. You can choose from a nice variety of hairstyles, skin colors, eye colors, and clothing colors to personalize your protagonist with. After you configure your character to your liking you will need to name him/her. Any name under the sun will do, but I'm willing to bet there's probably some words that will be censored.

When you're done fine tuning your character's characteristics it'll be time to get started. You'll have to choose one of three difficulty settings which include "Easy", "Normal", and "Hard". Afterwards you will be prompted to either go online with your size specific map choice (Small, Medium, Large), or choose to keep your map in a more personal "invite only" status. This setting can be changed each time you get into the game though. At this point if you've already gone through the tutorial (which I highly suggest that you do) you will be set to begin your otherworldly adventure. If you prefer to game with a friend, or with randoms that option is available too (via the main menu). Depending on your choice of map size your adventure will either be grand in scale, or scaled down in size. Either way you will encounter all the goodies that the game has to offer including epic boss battles, loot gathering, and all the building options you could ever hope for.

Now for my verdict ...

As I mentioned earlier in this review Terraria is not without it's flaws. While the game does offer an abundance of extras the game's overall execution is way off. Trying to build your digital dream home will be a daunting task due to the messy aiming controls. Harvesting materials with your crafted tools will also be an event of epically inaccurate proportions. Crafting items via the menu is a whole other monster in itself. The fact that the world outside the crafting, and setup menus continues going about it's business while you are busy building only frustrates the process at hand further. The initial quest of hunting, and gathering of materials for a first home will not doubt leave you dying by the hands of Terraria's beasts during the first day, and night cycle. I for one died numerous times while trying to fend off hordes of the undead, and flying Demon's Eyes who were also unrelenting in their own way.

Some of the other troubling things that I encountered were the flawed house assigning options. Once I figured out how to properly build a worthy home I accidentally assigned it to my guide. After this mishap the game did not allow me to re-assign my home, and ultimately I kept on spawning away from the house each time I restarted my game, or died. The fact that I had to trek my way from the beginning of the level back to my homestead took away from any additional material gathering, crafting, or building I could have done if I were at my home to begin with.

In the end I honestly cannot see this game being worth the $15 it requires. It has great potential, but the flawed controls, and aiming setup is bad enough to thwart any hopes of building, and digging in a precise manner. The glitching mess of a reticule just doesn't allow you to do what you need to do within the game. The added menu system problems only complicate the process further. Aside from the previously mentioned pausing problems you'll also find yourself fumbling through the various menus more often than not. The fact that they used the Dpad to assign quick access to certain items only threw me off more. Often times I'd be trying to manage my materials within the in-game menu, and hit the Dpad thinking it would be easier to use than the Left Thumbstick. This led to my having to reset, and reposition things repeatedly during my menu browsing. I guess what I'm saying is that the control setup just didn't do this game any favors. With all of things I mentioned considered I'm gonna have o say skip this one until a proper patch is released, or until it's price is lowered. It has potential, but in it's current state the game is more frustrating than fun.