Lightbringer - PC

A++

At first glance, Lightbringer: The Next Giant Leap for Mankind seems to be a standard hero scenario where the main character saves his crew mates and salvages the first manned mission to Mars. Unfortunately, the plot is made overly difficult by design, and the puzzles are beset with problems.Instead of being innovative as intended, the alien language used throughout the game is actually a frustrating plot device. Since we're on the first manned mission to Mars, and presumably the first human contact with extra-terrestrials, how can the ship's computer have access to a complete database of the alien language? A much better plot development would be to discover and learn the language on the way, instead of having unexplained total access from the start.Some of the puzzles are very simple, others exceptionally difficult, and still more ridiculously repetitive -- one puzzle in particular has to be completed nine separate times to advance the game. Many of the puzzles involve translating the alien language, and since you can't access the language translator screen and view alien writing simultaneously, you're forced to use pen and paper to complete translations from alien to English.Even more unfortunate is a serious glitch that occurs when switching CDs, which causes the game to auto-load even though you're already running the application -- it's a bug that completely halts progression in the game. Even though a patch is available, you still need to download it in order to finish the game, a fact some gamers may not know, or, be able to do if they don't have ready access to the Internet.The game has some interesting video sequences, but includes far too many of the character simply walking -- up and down stairs, through corridors, and down shafts, which cause the action and plot to unfold very slowly. Combined with the space-based soundtrack, the presentation is likely to put some gamers to sleep. A trip to Mars may well be a giant leap for mankind, but this adventure certainly isn't one for gamers.

This is probably the only item I have reviewed here or elsewhere that has received such a dismal rating. It pains me, but I must agree with the other negative reviewers in calling this game quite dissapointing.Pros:1. The game starts off quite well and the graphics really are beautiful.2. The alien language translation system developed in the game is extraordinary, nay unique and stands apart as arguably one of the best adventure game features developed.Cons:1. The slow animations (not performance-wise; simply stylized) get irritating after a while.2. A lot of pixel hunting at times. The puzzle where you have to hunt for "pieces" is pure torture.3. The translation system is not perfect and this actually affects gameplay quite a bit. The usual case of too many ways to interpret the problem and one "magic" answer.4. The story is intriguing to begin with and slips into mundane "overlord" fantasies in the end. Gamemakers: GIVE UP ON MARS. It is just not mysterious anymore. Also, the talking alien head has HORRIBLE english, but perhaps that's just because it's an alien?5. The combined irritations led me to actually give up on this game even though a part of me wanted to continue.I would say, give it a try. Maybe it just wasn't for me :(I should mention that I had no technical problems at least. This was a couple years ago on Win 98. Dunno how it works on XP.

Works on Win 98 & XP and 32 bit versions of Vista & Win 7; Graphics are crap with 64 bit Windows; I haven't found an answer to this problem.

LIGHTBRINGER used to be called CYDONIA. The adventure takes place around the potentially "artificial" structures on Mars, such as the "face" and the "pentapyramid". I was intrigued with the idea of playing an adventure on Mars, let alone near these purported features on that planet. Well, my expectations of the game were exceeded. The immersive experience of flying in your hovercraft over the desert planet and the truly marvelous (and realistic) spectacles that are seen are breathtaking. To come up to the steps of the pentapyramid for the first time really humbles you.The puzzles that are needed to solve this adventure aren't extremely frustrating, so they're great (and VERY satisfying) for the novice and experienced adventurer alike. All in all, the game was so impressive that I am very eager to experience another title from DREAMCATCHER INC., like THE CRYSTAL KEY. Fans of MYST will love this game. Haters of MYST will also.

I have played several adventure/action games in my time, but Lightbringer is by far the most innovative and unique. I usually refrain from using superlatives to describe most of today's games, but I was extremely intrigued and impressed by this game. My wife and I spent several hours of fun playing this game and trying to figure out its puzzles. The fantastic story line is well supported by excellent graphics and integrated puzzles. I will recommend this game to all of my friends.