Aeon Flux as a video game adds another level to the animated series, as players have the ability to play as Aeon herself. This game was published by Majesco Entertainment for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2005. Based on both the MTV Liquid TV animated series and the recent live-action movie, Aeon Flux the videogame is a lot better than most multi-tiered media products – but that only places it in the average category. Aeon Flux has some wicked moves and an assortment of gadgets at her disposal that she uses to foil enemies, solve puzzles and gain access to platform-style areas. She’s as deadly as she is mysterious. Let’s talk about whether Aeon Flux cuts it as a video game.
Aeon Flux Story
There is a storyline here somewhere but it’s so convoluted and presented so haphazardly that it’s almost impossible to give it a simple overview. The animated series was an artful, adult, anime production that defied convention. A lot of things were never fully explained, and we were never able to fully explore Aeon as a person. The game attempts to keep this mystery alive but it only succeeds in alienating us from her. Since we are actually playing as her in most levels it would only be appropriate to have a little more insight into her psyche.
Bregna is the walled city where Aeon resides. She is involved in a freedom fighting movement against an oppressive government. Her nemesis is one, Trevor Goodchild, whom she alternately hates and loves. Her world is one of animal lust and barbaric violence. Aeon takes no prisoners and while there are information capsules to collect, they never explain anything more than what the player needs to complete the next goal in a mission.
Missions and More
With an assortment of moves such as kicks, punches, blocks, jumps, grapples and the ability to run up walls, Aeon is a formidable weapon in and of herself. She has an inventory of gadgets to help her solve puzzles and gain access to restricted areas. She can also hack into weapons systems such as gun turrets and use them against her enemy. The targeting system is automatic and will only lock-on to the enemy you’re facing. When confronted by more than a couple of goons this can really spell trouble as players will have to tap dance around the buttons to ready your weapon, face enemies and fire. One of Aeon’s trademark moves is the Flux which warps time in a bullet-time fashion, slowing down all elements in the game. This will help you when you’re up against multiple enemies.
Environments and Levels
The levels are huge and separated by checkpoints. Players can get around using a mini ball which they can steer around challenging courses consisting of high, narrow ledges and ramps. It’s a lot like Super Monkey Ball but even more frustrating because it tends to fall off a lot more. There is definitely something afoot with the balancing physics.
Some of these futuristic environments don’t live up to expectations. The graphics aren’t even as good as the decade-old anime series. There’s a lot of polys and reused low-res textures. Multiple enemies on screen contribute to some slowdown and there are lots of repeated phrases.
Last Thoughts
There’s not much for replay value, although gamers can play through Aeon Flux as the various characters that you unlock. Overall Aeon Flux is a somewhat confusing game that doesn’t live up to the inspired madness of the animated series. It does however manage to be a whole lot better than some of the games featuring female heroes.