Gene Effect: Review
Gene Effect places you aboard the mining ship Triton in an underground search and rescue operation. Missions involve exploring the zero gravity underground caves of the planet Kratoss, collecting ore, artifacts, and fossils while seeking the missing vessel Goliath.
Explorers Wanted
Levels consist of completing several objectives, such as collecting a set amount of ore or finding a rare DNA sample. Once your objectives are complete you must reach the teleporter at the end of the stage. Early on you simply go from start to finish on a linear path, but as progress is made levels will start to branch out into labyrinths.Despite these massive levels, the onscreen map keeps you from ever feeling lost. Later on, pathways will need to be unlocked by collecting colored ore or a set amount of fossils. This may involve some minor puzzle solving, but it never gets frustrating or takes away from the freedom of exploration.
One of the most appealing aspects of Gene Effect is the amount of secrets in the gameworld. By using a charged blast, you can destroy boulders and occasionally uncover a secret area.
These areas may contain hidden relics that, when combined with others, unlock enhanced abilities for the ship. I often found myself exploring every nook and cranny looking for these hidden areas and found it to be an addicting aspect of the game.
Caverns of Danger
As these caverns are being explored you will run across several enemies, including poisonous plants, mines, spikes, and motion tracking turrets. Despite being given the occasional projectile weapon, players will generally be left with just their wits to deal with these enemies. This usually involves inching closer to an enemy until they become aggressive, and then retreating until it self destructs.While this can be frustrating at times, I ultimately found it to be an appropriate choice, since you are manning an exploration ship, not a battleship.
The Neverending Story
The story is convoluted, long winded, and unnecessarily confusing. Before each level, players are given the next chapter of the story and a mission briefing, along with a list of objectives needed to complete the stage. These story logs seem to go on forever, with single paragraphs of text that overtake the entire screen.These logs are completely unnecessary and feel bland. I understand that the developers are trying to expand the lore of the game world, but this was taken too far. Thankfully these story logs are completely optional and I was able to figure out the mission objectives through on screen indicators.
A Mystical World
Graphically, Gene Effect impresses on all fronts. Backgrounds are lively with flora, moving objects, flashing crystals, and shining lights. All objects look sharp and the frame rate is silky smooth.The vibrant colors of these caves are truly eye catching, making flowers and plants seemingly pop off the screen. The ore and other objects you collect shine and glow in almost a mystical manner. The HUD is bright and colorful, and its minimalist design is attractive.
As with the visuals, the low-key soundtrack is quite fitting and adds to the overall game experience.
Looking Back
The slow and deliberate pace isn’t for everybody. Much like the Ecco the Dolphin franchise, Gene Effect is a game for those who simply love exploration. Most levels don’t have a time limit, so you are free to explore levels at your own pace.It is obvious that a lot of time and care was put into this title. Every aspect feels refined and nearly perfect. I believe that Gene Effect furthers the argument that video games can be considered an art form. The dark caverns covered with vibrant crystals and plant life had a relaxing, almost therapeutic, effect on me.
At $5.99, Gene Effect is a must buy for anybody with an OUYA and a love of exploration. You will not only be buying a game, but an experience.