There are two sides to every person--a side of us that is seen by everyone and then a hidden side that many of us do not even know existed until it surfaces in the most unexpected ways or moments.  For Jen Tate the moment of this discovery comes at the moment where her mortal body hangs on the balance between life and death.  Her macabre discovery, though, is that her hidden side has a supernatural origin that is consumed by a savage and ancient power of an outer realm.  In Primal, the battle to save the outside world--our world--lies in the hands of a girl just looking for her boyfriend.   

This dark tale revolves around Jen, an attractive young girl who is both chatty and likeable, who is attacked along with her musician boyfriend by a dark being outside a gothic nightclub.  The ordeal leaves Jen in the hospital in critical condition, her life barely hanging on a thread, when a gargoyle named Scree plucks her spirit out.  Scree tells her that her destiny is to set right the conflict between Order and Chaos through four demon realms.  Jen soon discovers that she is connected to these realms as a half-demon, a revelation that sets her on her course to do right as well as rescue her boyfriend.

The demon realms, as you will quickly find out, are huge.  The game does leave you plenty of time for exploration, although--since the environment is massive--gamers will find themselves backtracking very often.  It’s easy to miss a location in the dark setting or a lever you were supposed to pull.  As for objectives, if you need a reminder you can always ask Scree--he doesn’t offer all the answers but his simple replies do lead you on the right direction.

Primal also allows you to take control of Scree who is able to possess statues (to activate doors or switches) and collect energy rocks that allows him to heal Jen’s injuries.  Pretty much Jen and Scree are basically stuck together like a bride and groom . . . until gamers use Scree to scale walls.  This relationship works well in the game, but the highlight is Jen’s ability to transform.  There are four demon forms she can shift into: Ferai, Undine, Wraith and Djinn.  Each demon possesses its own strengths and abilities.  Each demon form is assigned to the direction pad so you can shift anytime you like.  Depending on the situation, though, your demon form is put to use.  For example, shifting into the Undine demon form allows you to move about easily underwater while the Ferai are known for their ferocious strength.

Controlling Jen isn’t difficult to do if you’ve played countless of third-person action titles of the Resident Evil kind.  Jen basically runs across the environment and is able to talk to other characters, interact with switches or doors and smash barrels.  In the heat of battle, though, Jen comes to life and is able to block attacks and perform a number of attacks in her human or demon form.  This, incidentally, is where the game shows its weakness.   You can block attacks by monsters that attack often in groups--but never to the point that they overwhelm you--and punch and kick.  Jen can also transform to into one of her many demon selves to take advantage of their abilities such as super strength.  What will have you taking damage, though, is the camera that can often leave you wondering where the monster when as it zips past you if they lung and miss you.

The graphics featured in Primal are gorgeously lush and filled with outstanding details that really stand out in a game that is dark in nature.  The four demon realms are dimly lit yet filled with surreal terrains and gothic structures that are detailed quite nicely.  Jen herself is a treat to look at since she not only moves realistically but also possesses a number of facial expressions.  Yet the one thing that stands out among the neatly rendered characters are the special effects.  Watching Jen transform to one of her many demon selves is just one of the game’s best visual highlights.

Sound-wise, the game also features some pretty great voice acting by all of the characters featured in the game.  The dialogue is top-notch here and many of the things that make Jen such a likeable character is her witty comebacks and comments she makes to the more serious Scree.  When monsters attack, their growls puncture the night frighteningly and this really works in making each monster appear truly menacing.  The score is also amazing in this game--it picks up into an Orgy-styled instrumentation that invokes how chaotic a battle can become and darkly beautiful during moments of exploration.

Aside from it’s elaborate visuals, the game’s story and massive worlds are the kind that violently grabs you by the throat and will have you enjoying every minute of it.  Yet the game is not without it’s faults, one of them being that there are cut scenes aplenty here to turn off true action fans, but don’t let this stop you from enjoying this excellent title.  This one is on the highly recommended list for sure.

 
Gameplay: 7.5
The working relationship between Jen and Scree does keep things a bit more interesting since you are given the freedom of deciding what character best suits the given situation.  It doesn’t take much to notice that certain cracks are big enough for Scree to fit through and there are areas where Scree’s stony skin keeps him out of harms way.  You are also given the freedom to battle using Jen’s normal appearance (using a dagger as your only defense) or any of her four demon selves.  Still, combat could have been handled a whole lot better than this . . . although the game does include some Mortal Kombat-type fatalities.

Graphics: 9.2
Primal is really quite a stunning game to look at since it not only has wonderfully detailed characters, but wonderfully detailed environments.  The four demon realms all vary in terrains and each one has its own dark charm.  One of the world’s experiences eternal night, making the place a snowy nightmarish landscape while another is submerged in water.

The game’s most stunning visual effect, though, is Jen’s demon transformations.  The transformation itself is actually that amazing, especially as her physical features begin to morph before your very eyes.  Scree’s visual trick is that--at will--he can become a still stone gargoyle and he can absorb energy rocks in a flash of blinding light.  The game also supports progressive scan for those with Widescreen--if it does, you’re in for a real visual treat.

Sound: 9.0
As far as the sound is concerned, the game showcases an amazing soundtrack as well as detailed sound effects that deserves a great sound system that supports its Dolby Surround feature.  The soundtrack does a great job of setting the somber mode during exploration of the realms while it picks up dramatically during battles.  The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus give the game it’s beautifully creep vibe reminiscent of the soundtrack heard in “Interview with the Vampire.”  The 16Volt tracks that punctuate most battles are also great a fit Jen’s personality perfectly.

The voice acting in Primal is nicely done and the dialogue is always fresh enough that it moves the story along without sounding incredibly cheesy.  Complimenting the voice work is the detailed sound effects that range from the wind passing through dry trees and bushes to the guttural growls of the feral demons.  If you have a good sound system hooked up; you can hear small specific features such as droplets of water in the caves or the crackling flame of a lit torch.  Nice! 

Difficulty: Medium
Many of the challenges you face are more puzzle related than combat related, which works out better considering the fact that the combat mechanics really don‘t work in this game‘s favor.  There are times when a player will get lost in the demon realm, especially those realms that seem to span on forever.  The monsters Jen and Scree encounter are vicious and some even strike hard and fast depending on what you’re facing.  Others attack in groups but never all at once.

Concept: 8.0
Without seeming too gimmicky, the demon transformations and the switching between Jen and Scree actually help keep the game from become stale and repetitive.  There are tasks best assigned to particular characters and you will know when these times occur, but other times you have to think twice before sending Jen to do something.  The demon forms are put to full use not only in combat situations but also to make use of each demon’s abilities.

Overall: 8.0
With a story that is more Clive Barker than Stephen King, Primal is an enjoyable romp in the supernatural realm.  And while the visuals and sound are top-notch, combat is seen more as an annoying distraction rather than an enjoyable experience.  Still if you love a good game with an occult theme, do give Primal a try . . . it won’t disappoint.