Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 50
  2. Negative: 4 out of 50
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  1. Ultimately, all of these elements, gameplay, visual design, and even an orchestral soundtrack, are all brought together to support an ambitious narrative that starts with the opening of the game, and doesn't end even once the credits roll. In one word, the story in this game is compelling.
  2. 90
    There are minor disappointments - the vehicles can't compare to those of Halo 2, and some of the environments are a bit bland amid the stylized design and saturated colors of others - but the end sum experience is so engaging and empowering that you'll easily forgive the shortcomings.
  3. Advent Rising is interactive fiction at its finest. This is what "Halo" wanted to be; hell, it's what "Star Wars" wanted to be. Orson can write circles around George Lucas when it comes to stories, characters, and dialogue.
  4. Great storyline, great originality, great sound.
  5. I loved every minute of Advent Rising and haven't been sucked into a sci-fi game like this since the original "Halo" game.
  6. You do get used to the lag and the interesting controls, but darn it if this title isn't fun. Hopefully the second in the series will tie up those lag issues.
  7. 80
    Glyphyx bit off a little more than it could chew, as the bugs and hiccups show. Still, the developer dishes out a thrilling tale with varied gameplay that will keep you immersed through the end.
  8. If technical difficulties like a choppy framerate and a maddening enemy targeting system didn't get in the way, this would be one of the year's best games. As it stands, however, it's a darn good one.
  9. AceGamez
    80
    An impressive title and the involving storyline means that before too long you're playing it well into the night and forgetting to eat, work, or even make it to the bathroom.
  10. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    All told, Advent Rising does a whole lot more right than it does wrong. If this really is the first of a trilogy, we'll be first in line for the next installment. [July 2005, p.86]
  11. Play Magazine
    80
    A few rough edges aside, Advent Rising is gaming's latest and most promising future epic. [July 2005, p.74]
  12. For some it may be a bit short but the cinematic scenes and the artwork are something to see.
  13. What's clear is Orson Scott Card's story is stirring, the visuals can be sweeping and fantastic at times, the masterful score is award-worthy, and I can't wait to see the next chapter.
  14. The game's unique flick-targeting system-"flick" the right control stick towards an enemy and you're automatically locked on-takes some getting used to, but actually frees up the triggers and face buttons, meaning you've got plenty of options when it's time to dole out ass-bootings.
  15. Quite simply, is a very good action game that lacks the polish needed to be considered a "must-have" title.
  16. The amazing music helps sooth the pain when there's a frame-rate drop, but when you get stuck in an invisible wall there's nothing that can help the torment you'll be experiencing. In a nutshell, Advent Rising is under-polished, under-developed, and just doesn't play like a finished product.
  17. 78
    If gamers are willing to adjust to the flick targeting system and forgive the poor framerate, it has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay, story, and sound. I was able to ignore these technical shortcomings in most areas and enjoy the excellent cut-scenes and character development.
  18. Game Informer
    78
    It's a bit like a first album by a band you know will go on to record a classic. All the elements are there - they just need a little polish. [July 2005, p.122]
  19. The game is a great rent, but a weak buy. If the trilogy ends up being amazing, then you have to own the first one, just to have the whole collection, but other than that, give this one a rent and when the second one comes out, you can buy it used for 15 bucks.
  20. It is a good game, and won't annoy you instantly, only when it comes to those extreme combat situations when you don't want the glitchy physics to come into effect.
  21. Even with all of the technical difficulties and bland graphics, I still looked forward to playing the game when I was away from it.
  22. 75
    The game may suffer from many problems, but these problems are more than made up for in terms of story and design.
  23. 75
    The first game in a proposed space opera trilogy, in theory, wants to be the video game equivalent of "Star Wars," but in practice turns out to be more "Battlestar Galactica." As soon as we took control of space ace Gideon Wyeth, we smelled a bit of intergalactic cheese, here.
  24. But my biggest overall complaint is that the game's camera can be jumpy and jittery, leaving you discombobulated. It distracts you from the very good story line and well-done video cut scenes.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 71
  2. Negative: 13 out of 71
  1. Aug 22, 2023
    8
    This game might be a meme because of the contest, but it's honestly fairly solid.
  2. Jan 24, 2011
    6
    Potential. That's definently the best word to describe this game. Unfortunately it doesn't reach it's fullest. The story is definentlyPotential. That's definently the best word to describe this game. Unfortunately it doesn't reach it's fullest. The story is definently awesome, and might just be enough to hold you over for dealing with the games annoying flaws. The framerate gets to be seriously annoying at some points in the game, and the action could of been handled better, mostly the targeting system. It was a good try at something new, but ultimately didn't have enough polish. It feels as though the developers were super rushed or something and put out an unfinished game. Alot of the mechanics are just too buggy. I think if they had given the game another six months or so for fine tuning, it could of been in the top 20 games of all time for sure. As I said, the story and what grahics you are allowed to perceive without framerate issues are the best things about the game. If you're a sci-fi junkie like myself, you might be able to muddle through the game just to enjoy the story. The game definently sets it up like this is going to be the first chapter in a trilogy, or maybe a big series of games. I know I would of been chomping at the bit for them to come out with a sequel with more spit and polish. Who knows, maybe they wil some day. As it stands, all I'll say is the one word I stared my review with. Potential. Full Review »
  3. AlexD
    Jul 25, 2009
    7
    Starts out wonderfully - the opening scenes are as big and beautifuly as 2001 A Space Oddity. But the extensive tedious combat is simply Starts out wonderfully - the opening scenes are as big and beautifuly as 2001 A Space Oddity. But the extensive tedious combat is simply button mashing devoid of tactics. Driving the Scythe vehicle (think: Halo Warthog) is unsatifying and frustrating. I think they may have been a resonable story in there somewhere but it's obscured by lousy gameplay mechanics. IMO, Fire Warrior on the PS2 is a much better game. I'll rate AR a lucky 7 'cos I believe the developers tried hard but were hampered by some bad design decisions. Full Review »