Game Reviews

Ben 10 Alien Force: Rise of Hex is the successor to a number of previous games based on the indomitable Cartoon Network brand, Ben 10, which features Ben Tennyson as a boy who discovers an ‘Omnitrix’ device which gives him the ability to transform into a number of alternate alien forms. Sounds like a pretty good premise for a videogame, yeah? Well it seems it’s a premise that the developers, alongside their predecessors, just couldn’t get right.

For a start, graphically, its not only inconsistent, but its also a letdown. Instead of opting for either a 2D or for a purely 3D design, the Developers seem to have decided upon a mish-mash of both. Admittedly, when done well [a la Marvel vs. Capcom] this can look quite dramatic and effective, but in Rise of Hex it’s simply confusing and inconsistent. The character models and certain background elements can be fluid and visually exciting to watch, but when combined with a bland palette of either a Industrial or Jungle Temple setting [which is also an example of how generic this game is; how many jungle temples have gamers had to endure over the past 6 months alone?!] it’s contrast serves only to highlight the misgivings in terms of visual design. This same weak style carries through to the story-telling, which is conveyed only through a series of mind-boggling text bubbles and stationary drawings. People who aren’t fans of Ben 10 will have trouble piecing any form of story or intention upon the main villain, Hex’s part; this is definitely one of the game’s weakest points as people who have little to no knowledge about Ben Tennyson or his various Allies/ Enemies will be left reeling after hearing what is essentially the excuse for another Factory or Jungle Temple level.This level of Da Vinci Code mystery is carried over to the game’s boss battles, which simply require players to die numerous times in an extensive attempt to figure out just how to kill the things.