Advent Rising

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 142 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 116 out of 142
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 142
  3. Negative: 11 out of 142
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  1. Kilio
    Dec 14, 2021
    10
    And while I love a good review game as much as the next person, when it comes time to review, I’m much more concerned about the review than I am about the game.
  2. dotrem
    May 23, 2021
    7
    I was so impressed with the game when i played it in 2005. Good story, great gameplay. I always compered Advent Rising with Titan AE in my memory.
    But when i tried to replay AR couple month ago i was disappointed.
    1 No dualshock support. 2 Controls not so good as i remember it, when you catch foes with special power you barely can control it. Car draving sections terrible. Move a car    I was so impressed with the game when i played it in 2005. Good story, great gameplay. I always compered Advent Rising with Titan AE in my memory.
    But when i tried to replay AR couple month ago i was disappointed.
    1 No dualshock support.
    2 Controls not so good as i remember it, when you catch foes with special power you barely can control it. Car draving sections terrible. Move a car with a mouse not a best solution. Btw first scene in the game, when you have to drive spacecraft to dock, took me half of hour to beat it. Game has a target lock feature, you know you hold button and aim in selected target. But problem here that character doesn't shoot in target you need to move some seconds berore he start to shoot in selected derection.
    3 All the character power pretty useless except moments when game says you to use them.
    4 There are a lot of places with endless enemy respawn and game doesn't tell you what to do and if you can spend pretty much time before you realise that you should just move forward.

    Guys just don't play games what you loved in childhood.    … Expand
  3. Ordnik
    Mar 12, 2021
    10
    You cannot dislike this game just because of few bugs and crashes. You cant approach an old game like that. This game is a treasure. Mass Effect was inspired by Advent Rising and that shows the quality.

    +Great story with great atmosphere +Really good characters. +Good maps, weapon designs. +Good graphics +Sci-Fi and fantasy mixed good quality. +Musics are insanely good. +Fine but    You cannot dislike this game just because of few bugs and crashes. You cant approach an old game like that. This game is a treasure. Mass Effect was inspired by Advent Rising and that shows the quality.

    +Great story with great atmosphere
    +Really good characters.
    +Good maps, weapon designs.
    +Good graphics
    +Sci-Fi and fantasy mixed good quality.
    +Musics are insanely good.
    +Fine but not great combat gameplay.

    -Aiming is off, never liked the aiming.    … Expand
  4. Mobile
    Jun 21, 2018
    5
    ENG-RU
    Disgusting gameplay, shoot constant crowds of aliens and move on (at some points just get lost and trying to understand what and where), and it turns out you need to wait until your partners come or stupidly kill all the enemies that would work the script and the door opened. Constantly interruption and another video in 144p quality, by the way, the rollers in my opinion the best    ENG-RU
    Disgusting gameplay, shoot constant crowds of aliens and move on (at some points just get lost and trying to understand what and where), and it turns out you need to wait until your partners come or stupidly kill all the enemies that would work the script and the door opened. Constantly interruption and another video in 144p quality, by the way, the rollers in my opinion the best in this game, but why in such a disgusting quality is not clear, for 2005 is very bad. The whole game, it's shooting aliens and every 2 minutes videos that towards the end of the start to irritate and completely lose meaning, once again listening to that Aliena bad people is generally the highest race. It's a shame that the plot did not disclose, did not give food for thought, the game is just a shooting range with abilities. The funny thing is when we begin to show in the videos that our hero spends more time with a new girl than with his, and then immediately after the death of his beloved begins to drive up to a new woman, such lol. Razraby planned to make a trilogy, but alas, the sale put an end to this idea, this game is more suitable for PS2, a kind of Mass Effect for the very poor and not pretentious.
    RU
    Отвратительный геймплей, отстреливать постоянные толпы алиенов и двигаться дальше (в некоторые моменты просто теряешься и пытаешься понять, что и куда), а оказывается нужно подождать пока твои напарники подойдут или тупо убить всех врагов, что бы сработал скрипт и дверь открылась. Постоянно прерывание и очередной ролик в 144p качестве, кстати, ролики на мой взгляд лучшее в это игре, но почему в таком отвратительном качестве не понятно, для 2005 очень плохо. Всю игру, это отстрел пришельцев и каждые 2 минуты ролики, которые ближе к концу начинают раздражать и полностью терять смысл, в очередной раз слушая что алиены плохие, люди это вообще высшая раса. Обидно, что сюжет вообще никак не раскрыли, не дали пищу для размышлений, игра просто тир со способностями. Самое смешное это когда нам в роликах начинают показывать, что наш герой больше времени проводит с новой девушкой, чем со своей, а потом еще сразу же после смерти своей ненаглядной начинает подкатывать к новой бабе, такой лол. Разрабы планировали делать трилогия, но увы продажи поставили крест на этой идее, это игра больше подходит для PS2, некое подобие Mass Effect для очень бедных и не притязательных.    … Expand
  5. iddqd4
    Jan 23, 2018
    7
    Интересный идеи, разбились об посредственное исполнение.
  6. Fikthenig
    Jun 18, 2017
    3
    This was a very buggy game. I was also disappointed with the fact that I couldn't use an external controller to play the game with it as well. Big thumbs down. Good Luck Getting it to Function Properly!!!
  7. Matseb2611
    Sep 18, 2015
    5
    I was quite disappointed with this game. It has a pretty cool sci-fi setting, and the main characters from what I've experienced so far seemed decent enough. But the gameplay is just so rough around the edges that the game becomes a test of patience a lot of the time.

    The combat seems fun and all. Some battles in the beginning were quite fun, especially with the whole chaos going on    I was quite disappointed with this game. It has a pretty cool sci-fi setting, and the main characters from what I've experienced so far seemed decent enough. But the gameplay is just so rough around the edges that the game becomes a test of patience a lot of the time.

    The combat seems fun and all. Some battles in the beginning were quite fun, especially with the whole chaos going on aboard the space station. However, that whole area was just gunfight after gunfight. And when you're not engaging in gunfights, you're crossing vast areas doing nothing but walking, like the first plains area right after the space station. I spent a good minute or so crossing it, then died in a battle, then had to cross it again, two more times.

    And shortly after that there was a car driving section. The control for the car is quite awkward, and I ended up giving up when I kept failing to make it over a gap between the cliffs whilst trying to dodge enemy gunfire. It's not my idea of fun. If you thought controlling Mako in Mass Effect was bad, think again.

    In addition to frustrations in the gameplay, the game also crashes a lot. You can't save when you want, and checkpoints are quite far apart, so every time the game crashes to desktop, you lose a lot of progress.

    There are some good ideas present regarding the setting, and some of the mechanics are nice, like doing dodging manoeuvres during gunfights, but in general the game feels very rough and even unpolished, with no regard to the player's time, so I can't recommend it.    … Expand
  8. Steeldude
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    The story in this game is surprisingly good and the gameplay is not bad either. I didn't expect anything of this game, but I certainly got a good amount of fun out of it. Too bad there is no continuation as of yet.
  9. Animorphs135
    Oct 3, 2014
    7
    One of my all-time favorite games. Amazing story and music, and such an amazing feeling of power as you blow away your enemies. The ONLY reason I have to dock it points is the sheer number of glitches. Between the freezes and the missed global triggers, you'll be forced to replay a few sections more than you'd ever like to, though at least it gives you a menu (great feature, believe itOne of my all-time favorite games. Amazing story and music, and such an amazing feeling of power as you blow away your enemies. The ONLY reason I have to dock it points is the sheer number of glitches. Between the freezes and the missed global triggers, you'll be forced to replay a few sections more than you'd ever like to, though at least it gives you a menu (great feature, believe it or not) to skip cutscenes. All in all, a very great game. [And don't miss the cheat codes ;)]… Expand
  10. Denzil
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    Great game. Graphics is not super realistic but it is done very well in cartoon style (something like star wars clone wars). Powers are a lot of "starwarsish" but they are cool this game had best Jedi powers until Force Unleashed was unleashed;). Story is very nice and music is great. It has linear story but it is OK since it is complex (well not complete without 2nd sand 3rd game). IGreat game. Graphics is not super realistic but it is done very well in cartoon style (something like star wars clone wars). Powers are a lot of "starwarsish" but they are cool this game had best Jedi powers until Force Unleashed was unleashed;). Story is very nice and music is great. It has linear story but it is OK since it is complex (well not complete without 2nd sand 3rd game). I would like to play a sequel bu I know from practice that usually 2nd and 3rd part of the trilogy are dissapointment (well maybe sometimes 2nd are best but 3rd is never). I recommend this game!… Expand
  11. GrapeInfernal
    May 3, 2013
    9
    I played this game first...7 years after release, something like that. So i was surprised how haven't i played it before. Excellent gameplay, great soundtrack (especially menu song), pretty nice environments, overall epicness.

    ..and it took my breath, really
  12. RoyBatty444
    Mar 29, 2013
    10
    Should be the Halo for Majesco but unfortunately some problems with the game mechanics an bad advertising brought the stop. Vydanie: August 9, 2005. Mám za sebou víkendový rýchlik a musím povedať stálo to za to. Príbeh ako sa patrí HRDINA (Poloboh), LÁSKA, PRIATEĽSTVO, RODINA a hlavne veľa SCI-FI. Trochu hapruje kamera, budiš odpustené. Len škoda že sa nechystá 2/3. Aj keď MAJECO nehodláShould be the Halo for Majesco but unfortunately some problems with the game mechanics an bad advertising brought the stop. Vydanie: August 9, 2005. Mám za sebou víkendový rýchlik a musím povedať stálo to za to. Príbeh ako sa patrí HRDINA (Poloboh), LÁSKA, PRIATEĽSTVO, RODINA a hlavne veľa SCI-FI. Trochu hapruje kamera, budiš odpustené. Len škoda že sa nechystá 2/3. Aj keď MAJECO nehodlá ďalej robiť AAA tituly malá nádej v podobe STEAM-u tu je. Ak sa hry budú predávať možno TO BE CONTINUED.… Expand
  13. MrAnderson
    Aug 7, 2011
    8
    Generally a good game if not weighed down by a bum wrap. IMHO, the handling of its marketing and the not so well thought out 1 million dollar prize (and the fact it was later canceled) adds to its poor reception and the consumer backlash it received. This is a classic if not textbook case study on how not to advertise for and release a game. There have been poorer and unplayable games thatGenerally a good game if not weighed down by a bum wrap. IMHO, the handling of its marketing and the not so well thought out 1 million dollar prize (and the fact it was later canceled) adds to its poor reception and the consumer backlash it received. This is a classic if not textbook case study on how not to advertise for and release a game. There have been poorer and unplayable games that were better handled than this title. It is a testament of Advent Rising's worth, that it has not been easily swept under the carpet and forgotten by the gamers who enjoyed it.

    With that said, the PC version of this game is a solid if not polished release. The production values are a little unbalanced. It has an excellent soundtrack, an interesting story that draws you in. It even requires you to make some difficult life and death choices about characters you might have become attached. The art direction can be described as stylized. The cut scenes are divided between pre-rendered and in game engine sequences that can feel a little jarring in contrast. Character models are often economical with the details and do not exactly stand the test of time, especially female characters with long hair and chunky hands. I found it disappointing that the PC version lacked the display/video options that come with the territory. The game failed to take advantage of many of the current graphics card features of the time, like anti-aliasing. This game really seemed to need the anti-aliasing because it seemed to always have a very grainy and pixelated look in game engine no matter how high the resolution.

    On how it plays, it is a pretty solid third person shooter with decent melee combat options. However, many of the other interesting tactical options are overshadowed by poor control implementation. Many of the defensive telekinetic abilities like the one that allows you to take weapons out of enemy's hand to use it against them or the "flick" targeting system are not very usable. Since they are not consistent or difficult to master, I can imagine players would stick with the more effective attacks. The Jedi force push like telekinetic power comes to mind; it has a really cool refracting visual effect and is fun to use.

    Although we are left with a story that has an inevitable cliffhanger which carries little hope in being resolved story wise, grabbing a copy of this game out of the bargain bin or conveniently purchasing it off of steam for 9.99 USD is just a no-brainer.    … Expand
  14. thebloodline
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    The best story line ever, probably better than FF7! the game was made for the 360 so theres no suprise no one picked up a copy, since they where just getting there hands on the 360 they wanted to play with the best graphics at that time, even though the graphics on this game is the best i saw for the original xbox, the company rushed it and made it flop. I just wish I could play the lastThe best story line ever, probably better than FF7! the game was made for the 360 so theres no suprise no one picked up a copy, since they where just getting there hands on the 360 they wanted to play with the best graphics at that time, even though the graphics on this game is the best i saw for the original xbox, the company rushed it and made it flop. I just wish I could play the last two games and find out what happens. the game play and the story line along with the graphics (kickass)… Expand
  15. quin
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    It's been a long time since I last played this game, but I enjoyed it like I've enjoyed few games since. What brought Advent Rising to life was the progression of the story, which kept you going, just to find out what would happen next. I have little patience for the critics who slammed the game for technical errors. If I read a great book, 2 pages into it I don't care what paper it'sIt's been a long time since I last played this game, but I enjoyed it like I've enjoyed few games since. What brought Advent Rising to life was the progression of the story, which kept you going, just to find out what would happen next. I have little patience for the critics who slammed the game for technical errors. If I read a great book, 2 pages into it I don't care what paper it's printed on; I just want to find out what'll happen when I turn over the page.
    Three parts were promised, one was delivered. I'm downright pissed, gentlemen, because I want to see the sequel coming out. Because of the story!!!!!!    … Expand
  16. spartan-117
    Oct 2, 2010
    9
    Ahahaha.Good.This game stoles a lot.From games and movies.But stoles with style.Good enough.Nice graphics pretty weapons(some stolen from Halo) ai is kinda boring has some vehicles(buggy stolen from halo without succes it sucks) and pretty nice level design.The dual-wielding of rocket launchers and heavy weapons is cool.The friendly alien race is again stolen from Halo(elites) here withAhahaha.Good.This game stoles a lot.From games and movies.But stoles with style.Good enough.Nice graphics pretty weapons(some stolen from Halo) ai is kinda boring has some vehicles(buggy stolen from halo without succes it sucks) and pretty nice level design.The dual-wielding of rocket launchers and heavy weapons is cool.The friendly alien race is again stolen from Halo(elites) here with some nice additions.Their battleships are again stolen from Halo.But anyway good game with nice gameplay and controls.9… Expand
  17. geronimos
    Jul 16, 2009
    10
    Have played many games in life and in pc. have played the stupid halo too.advent rising is in a class of its own.there are holes to be plugged i admit, but what game does not.if i meet those stupid reviewers they are history.i only play games that i enjoy, advent rising is one of them.hope the trilogy is completed. Amen.
  18. RyanT
    Jul 1, 2009
    3
    The only good thin about the game is the storyline. The gameplay is choppy and riddled with bugs. The developers apparently could not make the decision if it should be an action/adventure game or a FPS. In my opinion most of the bugs that I dealt with should have been found during testing; although Majesco has no way to contact them about said bugs. I spent $10 on the game and I feel like The only good thin about the game is the storyline. The gameplay is choppy and riddled with bugs. The developers apparently could not make the decision if it should be an action/adventure game or a FPS. In my opinion most of the bugs that I dealt with should have been found during testing; although Majesco has no way to contact them about said bugs. I spent $10 on the game and I feel like I have wasted my money.… Expand
  19. PerK
    Feb 14, 2009
    9
    This is a GEM of a game, I'ts a long time sinceI finished it, and STILL remember it..if you're looking for good gameplay and not brainless fluff try this out.
  20. DustinP
    Oct 1, 2008
    10
    ok ok every game has a few flaws however as far as a game that takes away bordom this is perfect a story line that is damn near better then Halo and a fun experience t be like a god without being a god its newish and exciting the PC version is the only one ive played the controls are simple and easy to use easy to learn i truly enjoyed this game and this is omming from someone who though ok ok every game has a few flaws however as far as a game that takes away bordom this is perfect a story line that is damn near better then Halo and a fun experience t be like a god without being a god its newish and exciting the PC version is the only one ive played the controls are simple and easy to use easy to learn i truly enjoyed this game and this is omming from someone who though COD4 sucked online play is ok for a bit and the offline play sucked hardcore however Advent Risiong beats teh majority of those games it is fun and not boring like the others and needs to have a sequel maybe change the physics engine make it look prettyer and set us up with some more powers more story and lets see the humans conquer lets see them find another planet with others that band togetehr to take out the seekers i think it was wonderfull and needs more much much more maybe say forget the trilogy lets go right for a series and keep it going there is no limit to the potential of this story.… Expand
  21. stanleyf
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Possibly the best game I've ever played. Sure some people wine about the controls, but i've played games with far worse controls then this. And it wasn't even half bad once you got the hang of it. Story wise, its probably on par with ff7/8 if not better and its definately an epic story and incredibly well written. GREAT voice overs! I rarely see good voice overs anymore but Possibly the best game I've ever played. Sure some people wine about the controls, but i've played games with far worse controls then this. And it wasn't even half bad once you got the hang of it. Story wise, its probably on par with ff7/8 if not better and its definately an epic story and incredibly well written. GREAT voice overs! I rarely see good voice overs anymore but the acting and voice were superb. Combat was also reallllllly fun, c'mon how many other games out there let you blow the crap out of anyone near you, let you throw balls of energy blowing up stuff, tons of other unique abilities that games still today lack. Even the graphics aren't that bad, its not gears of war but the game does a great job of making you feel immersed in the story and world. And to top it off, there lots of twists and turns that most games today simply can't pull off. This game is truly unique if you haven't played it I highly suggest you do so regardless of those incredibly stupid reviewers from those magazines. Those guys really need to stop expecting every single game to be completely new and unique.… Expand
  22. ppt
    Mar 15, 2008
    10
    The game is not finished :( you will run into problems including the objects you need to use do not function all the time. This requires you to restart the game possibly more then once. That said the story and soundtrack are so good that regardless of the problems the game is worth playing. If you are a gamer who likes a emotional engaging story then this is one you will not soon forget.
  23. ChrisN.
    Dec 24, 2007
    9
    Absolutely amazing game. Really a departure from the norm, which in this case is a very good thing. The action is only interrupted seemlessly by gripping cinematics that move the story along perfectly. The action / gameplay can be a bit repetative, but pays off every time. I did notice that on a few occasions it was a tad difficult to figure out where to go next, but was never a major Absolutely amazing game. Really a departure from the norm, which in this case is a very good thing. The action is only interrupted seemlessly by gripping cinematics that move the story along perfectly. The action / gameplay can be a bit repetative, but pays off every time. I did notice that on a few occasions it was a tad difficult to figure out where to go next, but was never a major bother. If you are an action fan who even vaguely enjoys some RPG depth, check this game out!! Please lord, let there be a sequel. ;)… Expand
  24. Przemek
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    One of the best games i've played. Orson Scott Card has done marvelous job creating this story... It was planed for a trillogy, but it's quiet about other two parts of the adventure... I'd realy enjoy futher doings of Gideon Wyeth :)
  25. VivekT.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Rating it makes no difference any more, since there will be no sequels on the basis of its popularity, and truth be told, the reviews let this fabulous game down in a major way. Nevertheless, AR has been one of the most mature game, with regard to story-telling, that it has been my pleasure to play. And why does one play a game at all? In my case it is in order to experience a story in Rating it makes no difference any more, since there will be no sequels on the basis of its popularity, and truth be told, the reviews let this fabulous game down in a major way. Nevertheless, AR has been one of the most mature game, with regard to story-telling, that it has been my pleasure to play. And why does one play a game at all? In my case it is in order to experience a story in proxy, like reading such an enthralling book, that one gets vicariously absorbed into the narration and the action, and experiences the excitement and the terror, and the unfolding of the story in a thrillingly personal way. Shame on you, Majesco, for not allowing sequels of this great story to be developed!… Expand
  26. RobM.
    Jun 21, 2007
    8
    An excellent attempt that hits a home run in some areas, misses in others. The gameplay can be clunky and a bit repetitive, however, the story is excellent, as is the voice acting. The graphics are above average in every regard, the one complaint I would have about this game is how fast it goes by. I would recommend this to anyone, I believe that this game was under-rated due to the An excellent attempt that hits a home run in some areas, misses in others. The gameplay can be clunky and a bit repetitive, however, the story is excellent, as is the voice acting. The graphics are above average in every regard, the one complaint I would have about this game is how fast it goes by. I would recommend this to anyone, I believe that this game was under-rated due to the issues it had on its Xbox launch (there were many bugs). The port to computer took care of many of them. I wish there was a sequel, the game was origionally planned to be a trilogy, however that may not ever happen.… Expand
  27. JeremyK.
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    This game has a great soundtrack, amazing gameplay, none of the bugs reported on xbox and a story that will leave you begging for more. Only problem I was a small jump glitch that took me a few seconds to get out of. Overall this game was awesome and should definatly have a sequel.
  28. PatrickS.
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    The game was awesome and we need a sequel!
  29. GordonJ.
    Feb 2, 2007
    10
    Excellent story and gameplay, graphics are a bit s***, but what can you expect from a console port.
  30. Yves
    Jan 14, 2007
    8
    Great game, some flaws and glitches. The game crashed on me a couple of times but it isn't enough to detract from the story and gameplay which I enjoyed quite a lot. Overall it was worth the purchase and I wish they had not shut down production on the sequals as I was looking forward to them.
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
90
#90 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Play Magazine
    80
    A few rough edges aside, Advent Rising is gaming's latest and most promising future epic. [July 2005, p.74]
  2. IGN
    79
    It brings original ideas and a good dose of personality to a genre that often focuses too much on just shooting people in the face. If you are able to ignore some technical shortcomings and enjoy cut-scenes and character development, this title is worth a look.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central
    70
    It's short but it's good. There are some flaws that you need to overlook but there's nothing here that will ruin the entire experience. The lack of a co-op or multi-player modes reduces the replay value but you can go back and experiment with different combinations of powers.
    Read full review
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