Electric City: The Revolt Review

The production values to Electric City: The Revolt are clearly pretty high. It's just unfortunate that such a classy interface and opening gives way to a game that's poor at best.

Load the game up and you'll be rewarded with the voice of Tom Hanks introducing the game. Include the attractive opening, both visually and in terms of introducing the story, and you'd be forgiven for thinking things would go well for Electric City: The Revolt. Unfortunately, within seconds of starting, it's obvious that the name is just there to draw in fans of the intriguing web animation rather than be a representation of the quality.

The best description of Electric City: The Revolt is to say it's a cross between Pac-Man and a sneak em up. Across the series of levels (which will only take most players an hour or so to complete) are a number of mazes. Players must negotiate them while collecting certain objects, avoiding the enemies and keeping to the very strict time limit.

At times, object collection isn't required in such an obvious way, with small puzzles to solve, but the basic structure is the same.

The main problems stem from the dismal control system. The isometric perspective ensures that controls are restricted to the virtual d-pad only going left, right, up or down with no flexibility. Walk into a wall, for instance, and the character just stays still rather than follows the wall's path. It's awkward and dated with no space for subtlty.

Dodging the guards is frequently difficult to achieve, but fortunately it's just a matter of walking around the corner to escape them. They're not the brightest of security by any means. Players are also given three chances so it's relatively simple to duck out of sight in time.

The main edge to the game's difficulty level is the very tight time limit which is frequently punishing. Include the fact that escape routes can change and seem illogical, and there's a frustrating experience to be had by all.

There's a fascinating storyline underneath the poor gameplay, but it's really not enough to recommend Electric City: The Revolt. Great presentation really doesn't make up for a poor gaming experience.