300 started out as a comic book by the acclaimed Frank Miller (Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns), and has recently turned into a hit action movie based upon the Spartans’ last stand at Thermopylae. Of course, when there’s a popular movie, especially a violent one, there’s also going to be a game. The good people at Warner Bros. are always happy to step right in and cash in on that craze, but what does this mean for the fans?
The Game
In 300, you take on the role of Leonidas, the Spartan King who led 300 men against the Persian army in Thermopylae, and you’re out for blood. In the game you hack and slash your way through wave after wave of Persians using swords and spears. If one was to quickly describe 300, the easiest way to do so would be to say that this game is like God of War if you were to strip it down to its basest elements.
300, with the exception of its “Phalanx Mode,” is a rather straight-forward hack and slash game. Though incredibly simple, it’s good for a few minutes of fun every now and then. Its greatest downfall, of course, is that it really is only fun for a few minutes every now and then.
Sales Factors
What we’re looking at in terms of sales factor is the fact that the name 300 is very hot right now. Putting the 300 image on a box of cereal would probably boost sales, but not everything is roses. There are a couple of things that can possibly hold this game back from reaching great potential.
The first problem with 300 is that it’s a licensed product, which means it has sales potential, but quite a few gamers are tired of being burned by poorly designed licensed games. It used to be, and still is to an extent, all the craze to slap a popular name on something and shove it out the door. That approach may sell a few initial copies, it’s not a good long-term strategy.
Another problem that 300 will face is the over-simplified gameplay that doesn’t really make for repeat play. For those gamers who read reviews from the bigger sites (Gamespot, Gamespy and IGN), they’ll notice that the review scores are all low because of the lack of innovation. That leads us to the final point: it’s on the PSP and it’s retailing for $29.99.
Now, to be fair, the PSP has become more popular with the price drop and emulation, but it’s not exactly your best bet for selling a lot of games. If you add the fact that it’s already on the PSP to the fact that all PSP software is too expensive, you get a recipe for possible failure. I’ve enjoyed my time with 300, but I certainly wouldn’t pay 30 bucks for it.
The Scores
Sales Potential: 5
Notes: As it is, 300 gets a 5 because people will buy it on its name alone. However, those same people are likely going to feel disappointed.
Franchise Factor: 2
Notes: Unless this title just takes off, we won’t be seeing any more of these coming out. I suppose Frank Miller could write 305 or something.
Word of Mouth(Buzz): 4
Notes: Very low, everyone is excited about the movie but there isn’t much talk about the game.
Killer App: 0
Notes: This game will not sell systems or be remembered.
True Value(out of $29.99): $10.oo
Notes: This is a category to describe the games actual value as compared to its sale price.
Overall: 4
Final Thoughts
I really did enjoy myself with 300, but the kicks wore off rather quickly. Based on sheer name recognition, 300 may sell, but it won’t break any records. In fact, maybe people will mistake it for a UMD.
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