If Tarantino made a video game, it would be something very similar to WET. Gun-firing sword-wielding, super violent, acrobatic heroine, Rubi Malone knows she's going to kill everyone, but the aim of the game is to do it in as stylish a manner as possible. WET is the latest offering from Bethesda, known for great games like Oblivion:Elder Scrolls and Fallout 3. Bethesda picked up this title after Activision originally dropped it earlier in the year. We are promised a third person shooter unlike any other. You may have seen the WET promo video from E3, but recently came across a highly amusing viral video for the game, consisting of dead guys singing about Rubi, after being killed by her. Its very funny and a great promo video. Rubi is a mercenary, doing wealthy peoples dirty work for a price. She agrees to do a job for a rich businessman. She has to find the man’s estranged son and bring him home.
Unfortunately, all doesn't go well and Rubi is left wondering who really hired her and why he has betrayed her. From there on, body after body piles up in WET as Rubi shoots and slices her way to the truth. The story is written by Duppy Demetrius, known for his writing in action packed series 24, suggesting that the story may have a bit of substance to back up the style. Rubi will be voiced by Buffy and Doll House favourite Eliza Dushku, which I think, is pretty much perfect for the character. The game has 3 types of gameplay. First off there's the shooting aspect, using 360 degree slip-aiming mechanics. You will be able to aim anywhere, shoot while running, and shoot multiple targets at once in WET. Secondly, there's the swordplay, which is used for close combat fighting and aerial attacks. Last and probably most importantly are the acrobatic abilities of Rubi, which allow for her to pull off the amazing moves gamers are looking for in a title like this.
The acrobatics is what brings it all together. Shooting while flying through the air or sliding down a ladder to finish an enemy off with your sword. The possibilities seem endless. You will enter slow motion when doing anything acrobatic so you can keep track of enemies easily and aim with precision. There is also a combo meter for racking up kills and bonuses are given for specific kills. With no cover system the only way to stay alive is to keep moving. You can use all sorts of environment objects to run up, slide down, or jump off. Early reports are that the control system works well for the the most part, but there are a few areas where it seems more restrictive. An awesome 70’s inspired soundtrack accompanies the retro visual style of the game with tracks by Gypsy Pistoleros and The Chop Tops. Artificial Mind and Movement (A2M), Canada’s biggest independent Game studio, develop WET.
These developers have a lot of games under their belt, but none of them can be described, as "must have games". In my opinion, the biggest title in their development library would be Mercenaries 2: World in Flames and Kung-fu Panda. It definitely doesn’t inspire confidence but after putting some time into the demo I have to say that this game has promise (artistic style). WET is due out in mid September and will more than likely have a high Mature rating due to Blood and Gore, Drug References, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, and Strong Language - all of which tempt me to play it more; obviously this is definitely not one for the kids. A demo of WET is available now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the full game will hit stores in a few weeks; stay tuned to PlanetXbox360.com for more information on this stylish shooter as it’s release date nears.
