Elements of Destruction

With all of the games available on Xbox Live, it’s pretty hard to find something that actually feels completely original, but Elements of Destruction does just that. The game’s blending of strategy and action, mixed in with a meteorological arsenal that would bring a tear to Willard Scott’s eye, all come together to make this a title that deserves a spot on most Xbox 360 owners’ extended forecast.

Obliterating futuristic forces and corporate landmarks with upgradable lightning, earthquake, and tornado attacks could've made for some stunning natural fury. But you'd never know it from Elements' main campaign, which spans 90 tepid minutes.

Elements of Destruction won't hold your interest for long, but it will satisfy your craving for blowing stuff up.

It's one of the few truly original games on Live Arcade, and deserves your attention for that, but it can't quite shake off the sour tang of unfulfilled potential.

Elements of Destruction can get a bit repetitive, mostly because you only have 3 elements at your disposal - a tsunami, flood, or avalanche wouldve been cool - but the enjoyment gamers get from laying waste to a wide variety of environments and EoD's oddball humor (Doc Herbert sending cows flying at a farm in Canada while singing the country's national anthem) more than makes up for its shortcomings.

The gameplay is short and shallow.

It's a little too short on long term appeal, and overpriced too but playing a lunatic science geek hell bent on bringing the world to its knees is always fun so some arcade fans may find a fair bit of enjoyment here.

Elements of Destruction is a nice simple little game that can be beaten in one sitting. The game is perhaps a little too simple though and the lack of variety in the attacks and the way they are used means the element of destroying buildings can become tiresome.

Overall, I really loved playing Elements of Destruction. Destroying things using the weather is a delightful concept and makes for some seriously destructive fun.

Refreshing and original. Unfortunately, the lack of victims running from the buildings makes it feel empty, and the repetitious gameplay loses its novelty value after a few hours.

A very fun title to play and with the inclusion of online and co-op destruction you are sure to have a blast with this title.

The game has virtually no replay value meaning you won’t be coming back to this often, unless you finally do find someone to play co-op with. Nevertheless it is one of the better games on Live Arcade.

Soulless stuff. [Sept 2008, p.95]

While the landscapes are rather generic, the weather effects, especially those of the tornado, can be quite impressive.