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Developed by Massive Entertainment – a Ubisoft Studio in close collaboration with James Cameron’s production company Lightstorm Entertainment and Disney, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a first-person standalone adventure that takes place on the same timeline as the Avatar films, built using the latest iteration of the Snowdrop engine. This highly anticipated game is nothing short of a visual spectacle, promising an immersive experience that seamlessly blends innovative gameplay elements with a captivating narrative.
One of the game’s noteworthy features is the ability to craft food, clothing, and weapons. This crafting system adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay, allowing players to tailor their experience. Consuming crafted food not only restores health over time but also provides extra perks based on the ingredients used. This strategic element adds depth to the overall gaming experience, making resource management a crucial aspect of survival on Pandora.
Playing on different platforms offers a diverse range of experiences, but on the PlayStation 5, Avatar truly shines (during press time, we didn’t get a chance to test out the game on the PS5, we were referring to the mapping of the PS5 controller during gaming on the PC.) The integration of the PS5 controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, coupled with the crafting system, provides players with a tactile connection to the Pandora environment. Feeling the fruit as you pluck it from trees or the tension in your bow as you release an arrow adds a layer of immersion that elevates the gaming experience.
Visually, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a masterpiece. The game captures the bioluminescence of Pandora’s Night and the dense, vibrant jungle during the day with stunning precision. Each location feels alive and unique, creating a world that begs to be explored. Ubisoft, under the guidance of Massive Entertainment, has successfully translated the magic of Cameron’s film onto our gaming screens.
“It has been a privilege to join Massive and Lightstorm Entertainment’s close collaboration to bring this powerful fantasy to Avatar fans around the world,” said Luigi Priore, VP, Disney, Pixar, and 20th Century Games. “With Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, players will be able to experience an epic original story while exploring the world of Pandora in a way that’s only possible in games.”
The narrative unfolds with you playing as a Na’vi, captured and raised by the militaristic human corporation known as the RDA. Trained and manipulated to serve their purpose, you manage to escape fifteen years later, only to discover that Pandora isn’t what the RDA made it out to be. The storyline promises a rich and immersive exploration of the conflicts between the Na’vi and the human forces, offering players a chance to uncover the truth about their character’s past and the secrets of Pandora.
However, navigating through missions can pose a challenge. The stunning visuals come at a cost as sometimes the UI blends in with the environment, making it difficult to discern mission objectives. Even with the “Guided” option turned on, some tasks remain unclear. Yet, this lack of handholding encourages players to explore and figure things out independently, adding an element of realism to the game.
Once you obtain an Ikran, the game truly opens up, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. The ability to traverse both land and sky, coupled with the crafting system, adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay, making exploration more engaging. Frontiers of Pandora also provides ample customization options for both your avatar and your Ikran, allowing players to personalize their experience and immerse themselves in the true essence of Pandora.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, is a crafted epic that combines breathtaking visuals, immersive sound, and innovative technology. The addition of a robust crafting system and a compelling narrative about self-discovery and the true nature of Pandora elevates the game to new heights.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is now available worldwide on Ubisoft+, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, and PC through Ubisoft Connect. The game is rated T for Teen, and its standard edition is available for $69.99.
