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Let’s face it, most of the games in the action-RPG genre seem like they’ve run out of steam. Players are usually put into a fantasy world that has often been shattered by some horrendous evil. Usually cast as good’s lone hope (who, unbeknownst to that character, is also the chosen one), players fight off goblins, monsters and other creatures. With similar plots and game mechanics included, most of these titles are so similar as to be indistinguishable from one another. Hoping to reverse this trend, DreamCatcher and Silverback Entertainment are releasing Harbinger, a title that seeks to redefine the conventional action-RPG title.   
Harbinger is set on a massive spaceship (also called Harbinger) that dwarfs entire planets. With a Galactus-like hunger, the vessel captures entire civilizations of people, forcing them into slave labor or lab experiments before completely erasing all traces of the planet from existence. The more fortunate, or more cunning slaves escape into the wastelands, a large network of forgotten nooks and crannies scattered throughout the ship. Constantly alert for patrols and other escaped inmates, these “liberated” survivors are forced to scavenge for food, equipment and weaponry. While there’s always been a kill or be killed mentality surrounding the wastelands, recent conflicts between organized groups are jeopardizing the safety of the wastelands and potentially all of Harbinger as well.   
Players choose one of three characters: Human, Gladiator or Culibine. The Gladiator is a large robot infused with the mind of a fallen warrior. The Culibine is a creature that can take energy and redirect it as a weapon. These characters are further defined by specific abilities that govern how they play. Humans are ranged specialists that are also proficient at setting mines and traps. Gladiators are strong melee fighters that can deploy explosive cameras or mobile turrets. The Culibine can quickly regenerate lost health as well as employ amplifiers that can boost her energy powers. Each race has unique armor, weapons and equipment that you’ll purchase, scavenge off dead opponents or find in footlockers. In your adventures, you may also come across mod chips that can be plugged into your armor or weapons to provide additional bonuses, such as electricity or acid damage to a weapon. As you explore the darkened halls and areas of Harbinger, you’ll wind up fighting the three factions laying claim to the ship. The Vantir are a highly organized group with state of the art firepower. The closest thing Harbinger has to an army, the Vantirs have used their powered suits of armor and weapons to continually expand their territory. This has involved covert invasions of Scintilla-held areas, who are embroiled in a costly civil war. The knowledge seeking Scintilla are trying to achieve higher learning and enlightenment, while the warmongering Scintilla are seeking to establish a new place within Harbinger with any weapon they can get their hands on. Finally, the third group, known only as the Cimicidae, thrives on a hive mind, and is known by most species on Harbinger as “the bugs” or “the insects.”
  
Immediately noticeable is the high level of detail that Silverback Entertainment has put into Harbinger. For example, in the junkyard levels, the level of clutter displays an amazingly detailed set of conduits, boxes, heating grates and cases that give you a sense of claustrophobia upon first entering. What’s more, background textures have animation textures as well, which provides a deeper sense of a “living, breathing ship.” The particle system in Harbinger looks great, and actually is the basis for some of the cooler effects, such as steam that hisses from vents, bolts of plasma that fly from rifles, and arcs of energy that leap out of machines during portal entries. Instead of keeping the game solely in a top down, 2D isometric perspective or moving it into full 3D, the designers have managed to mesh the two aspects together to create a graphically pleasing title that doesn’t weigh down a graphics card. Character models within this game look very heavy and solid, and the high polygon count, coupled with the numerous animations provided to each character, makes them feel way more realistic.   
Sound wasn’t fully implemented in the beta, but the effects that were included sound great, making a dramatic impact on play. For example, you can easily discern between the light tread of a Human and the heavy stomp of a Gladiator robot by the pitch of the effect itself. A mix of dark brooding orchestral music and hard driving guitar solos underscores onscreen action. With a light amount of voice over work present, it seems like the personalities of the characters will be embodied by capable actors, which should only make the gameplay better. From the looks of it, Harbinger has the potential to reinvent the way gamers look at the typical Action-RPG title. We’ll have to see how well Silverback accomplishes this task when Harbinger hits shelves on February 25th. Check back soon for a full review!
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