
	Platform Playstation 3, Xbox 360 Genre Action Publisher UTV Ignition Developer Ignition Entertainment ETA July 26, 2011

Review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (3DS) Review: Killer 7 (GC) Review: Dead or Alive 4 (360)
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El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron

When going to something like E3 you hope that you come across a game that you knew nothing about but excites you as much as the "big hit" games you are expecting to see. For me, I found that excitement in El Shaddai: Ascension of the

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Metatron. Besides having an extremely complicated name, this game looks like it has what it takes to be a sleeper hit.

Designed by Takeyasu Sawaki (who was a character designer for Devil May Cry and Okami), this game definitely has a Japanese feel to it. By that, it seems a little "out there" but it definitely works in the play environment.

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There are essentially two mechanics here: platforming and combat. Platformers seem to be disappearing from the gaming landscape so it’s actually a breath of fresh air to see something that used to be the “norm” before shooters took over. Combine this with fun combat and a cool art style and you have what looks like a winner.

The demo (which is now available for download) shows you how you start with no weapons but can actually steal one from your enemies. You can make choices as you play as to whether or not you wait for your weapons to recharge or just steal them from your enemies. Obviously, part of the fun and challenge will be figuring out when it is the best time to make that decision.

Available July 26, 2011 on both the PS3 and 360, El Shaddai is definitely one game I was surprised to see and still feel strongly about after having seen and played it. You should definitely give it a shot!

- Syd Bolton

(June 24, 2011)