The Conduit: Impressions

The Conduit from High Voltage Games is a Sci-fi FPS that borrows a lot, if not all, its elements from other titles. The real draw to the Conduit is it being a Wii title that focuses on perfecting the point and shoot gameplay. Only a few FPSs on the Wii have mastered that aspect of the console and they include Metroid Prime and Medal of Honor.

Everything in The Conduit is customizable. From the menus to the Wii-mote sensitivity, everyone should be able to find a way to make the game fit their liking. Graphically it looks great for a Wii title and really plays up its Sci-Fi roots. The settings are reminiscent of Half-Life, the weapons look like they are straight from Halo and the locking/shooting is heavily influenced by Metroid Prime.

The devs were in house at E3 and they confirmed that they have worked with Nintendo to loosen up the stranglehold that friend codes have placed on the system. You will be able to add friends in game without that retarded code. You will also be able to add your friend’s friends pretty easily.

The demos they had on the show floor were rather lengthy. Some of them were for the multiplayer while others were for the campaign. I spent time with both and was surprised at the production value of the title overall.

My only beef with the game is that it may have trouble standing out as an original property. Games like Resistance and Timekillers are seen as great games but they don’t stand out enough to really sell Halo or Call of Duty numbers. With The Conduit relying on a lot of previously achieved characteristics, I see it being passed over when consumers are choosing a new game this holiday.

The Conduit will be out in about two weeks, and hopefully the final product will be as good as the E3 demo.