Spore Hero Preview
Spore was released on the PC last fall and already a couple expansion packs and spin-offs are on their way. One such spin-off is called Spore Hero, and is scheduled to be released on the PC, Mac, and Wii. What is it? Well, it’s an open world adventure game, starring a bizarre creature that can control it’s own physical evolution on the fly.
At the game’s start the hero crash lands on an alien planet aboard a blue meteor. At this point he’s just a little hatchling, but as you explore the landscape and complete quests you can unlock new parts and abilities. Around the world are scattered various creatures with exclamation marks floating above their heads, in a fashion rather reminiscent of World Of Warcraft. This means you can interact with them, engaging in activities such as singing, dancing, or fighting. Sometimes they have a problem, and they will tell you what it is. If you can fix it, there will be a reward.
As for control in Spore Hero for the Wii, you use the nunchuk’s analog control to direct your character to where you want to go. Also, combat control evolves over time, just like the creature does. Combos and abilities, as well as how you control them, shift with the character. Still, at the beginning the controls are as follows: press A to jump, B to bite, and Z to block incoming attacks.
As you gain parts you can bring them back to various large nests scattered around the world. It’s at these nests that you can customize your character, and even other non-player characters in the game. An example in which this comes handy is when the player meets a male creature attempting to please a female who doesn’t like his looks. After a conversation with her you can get an idea of what her tastes and preferences are, bring the male to the nest, and simply make a few modifications.
Spore Hero is a very different and interesting take on the Spore franchise, and appears to be targeting a younger age group. Still, a good game is a good game, and if EA is putting as much effort into this as they say they are then this should be a game worth checking out no matter your age.
