It seems that in a hypothetical scenario depicted in some movies and video games like “Independence Day,” “Mass Effect,” and “Advent Rising,” Earth is at risk of being targeted by advanced alien civilizations intent on our destruction. These stories depict us as potentially vulnerable, with the possibility that we could one day be faced with a cosmic-scale threat. If the creators of “Advent Rising” had more time and better fortune, their story might have evolved to mirror the epic tales told in the Mass Effect series, where we could experience being the chosen one who saves the universe.
Divine humanity
It’s unlikely that Orson Scott Card requires an introduction for fans of science fiction literature. This esteemed author penned the highly influential novel “Ender’s Game“, which spawned a series of books. The reason I bring this up is because Card was one of the primary screenwriters for the game “Advent Rising“. This game tackled themes such as morality, identity, and destiny, occasionally delving into metaphysics and existential questions. The protagonist, Gideon Wyeth, was thrust into events of cosmic significance, with the survival of his entire species (and more) hinging on the decisions he made.
As a passionate gamer, it was the unique portrayal of humanity in Advent Rising that initially caught my attention. Unlike the struggle for recognition among the cosmic powers in the Mass Effect universe, where Earthlings were striving to earn their place among the dominant Milky Way civilizations, humans in the world of Advent Rising were revered as deities by some and feared by others. The Aurelians regarded them as saviors, while the Seekers, their sworn enemies, dreaded their divine nature and aimed to annihilate them. The Seekers came close to achieving this when they launched a catastrophic attack on Earth.
Lucky for me, Wyeth successfully eluded the brutal attack that ensued, giving him the opportunity to shoulder the burden of halting the Seekers from causing any more devastating harm. In the process of this mission, I uncover the secrets surrounding my species’ past and the crucial part I am destined to play in reestablishing balance across the galaxy. Additionally, I find myself presented with a chance for retribution against those responsible for the annihilation of our beloved Blue Planet.
One couldn’t help but be captivated by the compelling storyline of Advent Rising, which made it difficult to look away from the screen. Not only did Orson Scott Card, but also Cameron Dayton and the Mustard brothers, Donald and Geremy, endorse it. The narrative was filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked. However, it’s important to note that Advent Rising is a video game rather than a movie or book, so the gaming experience was equally crucial in shaping its reception.
Shooter with ambitions
Stripping Advent Rising of its intricate storyline leaves us with a typical third-person shooter game, incorporating role-playing aspects. With our protagonist Wyeth, we journey through various settings, engage in dialogues with autonomous characters, accomplish tasks, and make decisions that influence the plot’s direction. As we advance, we shape the character, enhancing his unique abilities progressively.
Gideon was more than an average individual; he was a chosen figure. Fittingly for such a character, his abilities were extraordinary, hinting at his potential that was almost divine. In this tale, our hero could manipulate time in a manner reminiscent of Max Payne, giving him the edge against adversaries. Moreover, he had an advanced and versatile arsenal at his disposal, catering to various preferences, whether it be rifles, shotguns, or grenades. When situations became too intense, he could deploy a shield for self-protection from incoming bullets. Occasionally, the game offered the opportunity to command machinery and operate stationary weapons as well.
In a sweeping fashion, everything was executed on a vast level, which is clear given the magnitude of the settings. To be honest, I recall the Tommy Tallarico soundtrack more distinctly. Although it may not have reached the same iconic status as the Halo or Mass Effect music, those tunes definitely left an impression and highlighted the grandeur of the game’s events.
Uncut gem
It’s evident that Advent Rising had the makings of a significant success. The developers foresaw this and had plans to expand the series into a trilogy, depicting the subsequent journey of mankind following Gideon’s adventure. However, we might wonder why this didn’t materialize.
Indeed, the game “Advent Rising” was unfortunately launched in an unfinished state. It encountered numerous technical difficulties, such as poor performance optimization and persistent irritating glitches that frequently impeded gameplay, making it unplayable at times.
Initially, this game made its debut in May 2005 exclusively on the Xbox console, and later in August for PC. Despite an average Metacritic score of approximately 70/100, critics cautioned players about its shortcomings, which discouraged many from jumping into it right away.
What happened next?
The initial intention of expanding Advent Rising into a trilogy failed. During that time, a side story titled Advent Shadow was being made for the PlayStation Portable, but it never saw the light of day as the project got canceled. Unfortunately, the studio behind the game, GlyphX, wasn’t spared from the chaos either and was eventually taken over by Sandman Studios in 2006.
Back in the thrilling times of 2005-2006, I found myself immersed in the captivating universe of Advent Rising. During those years, a breathtaking series of comics set within this world was unveiled. In the heart of June 2006, Donald Mustard expressed his readiness to carry on the Advent saga, but it seemed as though my pleas were falling on deaf ears.
How to play Advent Rising today?
Great news! Thanks to Ziggurat, you can now acquire “Advent Rising” on platforms like Steam and GOG.com. The cost for this game in both places is set at $9.99. If you’d prefer the physical PC version of the game, it’s available for a few dollars less than that.
Read More
2025-06-14 22:32