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Avatar: The Game is a spin-off from the recently
released movie of the same name. Developed by Ubisoft, the game occurs on the planet Pandora. Here, the human-controlled Resources Development Administration (RDA) is strip mining the lush planet of its resources. On the other side is the blue-skinned and lithe Na’vi, the natives who want to protect their environment. You play as Ryder, one
of the prospectors from RDA or you can also play as a Na’vi member, Beyda’amo. The missions require that you explore the countryside, even
as the planet is stripped bare of its resources. The environment is mostly lush green forest with thick and lethal plants that spit venom and could gobble you up. There are many strange creatures like the Thanator, Viperwolves, Hammerhead and Tapirus. There are some good vehicles to drive like the
Ampsuits, SA2 Samson Transport, Swan and Banshee. As you move across the terrain, there are enemies that are waiting to kill. Weapons such as the machine gun, spiked club and many others are available. The Na’vi can summon special powers and magic and summon hidden spirits, swarms
of insects and even Viperwolves to the attack. Unfortunately, the game starts dragging after the first few screens and the action becomes very predictable. The unending greenery with low lighting strains the eye and the enemies are dumb. The missions are very repetitive and boring. The vehicles such as the flying Banshee should have been a pleasure to ride but it becomes uncontrollable and you end up in a chasm. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this game at 5 for gameplay, technical features and controls. The game will set you
back by about Rs 3,000 and I hope playing this adds to your movie experience.
Shashi Kadapa |
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Cape of Good Hope
Rs 349
Director: Mark Bamford
Cast: Debbie Brown, Eriq
Ebouaney, Nthati Moshesh
Shemaroo
Several stories are interlinked in Cape of Good Hope. Good Hope is an animal
shelter run by Kate (Debbie Brown) and
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| her assistant, Sharifa (Quanita Adams). Also working at the animal shelter is a Congolese, Jean Claude (Eriq Ebouaney). Thabo(Kamo Masilo), his mother Lindiwe (Nthati Moshesh), and her mother, live in the neighbourhood. Thabo has a dog named Tupac. Also, there is a veterinarian, Morne (Morne
Visser). What ensues is how each of these characters’ lives cross each others’ path. The actors do justice while portraying their respective characters on screen. As audience,
it is not hard to relate to the stories of each of them and to feel their joy and pain. The movie subtly conveys the point that a Post-Apartheid South Africa has more to do with matters of the heart than racism. Even though there is a mild undertone of local politics, the characters have very simple goals and ambitions. The movie has a nice native background score and a story to keep you interested all the way through. |
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Saari Raat
Rs 150
Saregama
Barkha Bahar, the opening track
of this soulful album Saari Raat by Devika
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| Chawla, is one of the two very well rendered tracks, the other being the title song. Both create a huge expectation for the remainder of the album. Saari Raat, though a tad long, manages to engage the listener for the better part of it. Unka Khayal Aaya and Andheri Lagan are not as good as the earlier tracks. Nevertheless, given a patient ear, they
could pass off as mediocre. I personally liked Rehna Tere Bina, as the lyrics are quite appealing. Kothe Utte Chand, a Punjabi song, is melodious. Sajan Kyun Nahi Aaye continues
the soulful ambience that is maintained throughout. A live rendition of Barkha Bahar, befittingly marks the finale of this interesting album. A collaborative work from artists across different countries, Saari Raat is worth a try if you are a fan of this genre of music.
Ravish Khapra |
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