Have you ever walked into a movie theatre expecting a unique 
and interesting experience only to come out disappointed because 
the film didn't live up to it's potential? Evolva oozes with creativity 
and imagination but, like so many unique concepts before it, it 
fails to deliver or sustain a level of consistency and intrigue. The 
storyline is worthy of a science fiction film in itself, yet Evolva 
seems to settle for the old shoot 'em up formula. That's not to say 
that Evolva isn't a convincing gaming experience though, I mean 
heck, when I finished watching the science fiction thriller Pitch 
Black, I was fairly satisfied, but I certainly wasn't itching to watch 
the movie a second time either.
[Ascending from the bottom of the screen, the following passage 
appears]
It's post-World War III, a time where genetically engineered 
weaponry is no longer a dream, but a reality. What's also reality is 
the threat to man's survival brought about by a new and 
devastating parasite that has started to invade the habitable 
planets of the galaxy. Protected by armies of guardians, the 
parasite spreads its tentacles across the land and produces new 
eggs that are launched into space ready to invade another world. 
Which brings us to you, one of the Evolva, an elite army of 
commanders that patrol the galaxy protecting the planets from the 
parasite and its guardians. You have in your command four of the 
most powerful fighting machines ever created, the Genohunter 
warrior. The parasite has begun to infect yet another planet and 
it's up to you and your team of Genohunters to destroy the parasite 
and its guardians.
[The title 'Evolva' explodes onto the screen and slowly dissipates 
as a distant planet comes into focus. The camera slowly pans out 
as a space ship passes by the screen. The scene fades to black as 
we enter the friendly ship. A man (we'll call him Clarence) is seen 
communicating back to his commander (we'll call him Elvis)]
Clarence: Approaching the parasite infested planet sir, 
remind me again what's so special about these Genohunters?
Elvis: The Genohunter is the culmination of decades of 
genetic research Clarence, they are able to accomplish, in 
seconds, adaptation and mutations that once took scientists 
generations to achieve.
Clarence: Can you dumb it down a little sir?
Elvis: They can extract genetic material from any 
substance they absorb. They can manipulate their own DNA to 
mutate their physical form. If they sink their teeth into a creature 
that spits acid, they will gain that ability themselves. They 
constantly improve their abilities and with the number of creatures 
on that planet Clarence, they'll be a valuable ally.
Clarence: Who with the what now?
Elvis: Don't worry Clarence, it's really a simple process. In 
fact, you'll be controlling your team of four Genohuntes from the 
comfort of your ship. You'll control one at a time while the others 
defend themselves or perform other various tasks. If you wish to 
use one of their mutant abilities, just bring them up and click on 
the 'mutate' button, then you can choose which type of mutation 
you wish to perform. In fact Clarence, the controls in general are 
very simple and completely configurable. The game plays like a 
regular shoot 'em up, so if you've ever played Quake XXIV, I'm 
sure you'll have no problems.
Clarence: Damn skippy boss! We're beginning our descent 
now.
[The camera pulls back from Clarence, through the cockpit 
window and back into outer space. The ship is seen descending 
towards the planet as the screen fades to black. Moaning sounds 
are heard as the next scene flashes onto the screen. It's a 
gratuitous nude scene involving a couple on another space ship. 
(Hey, it's all good) The scene lasts a few moments before we're 
taken back to Clarence and the parasite infested planet]
Clarence: Was that you moaning boss?
Elvis: I don't know what that was Clarence, but let's get 
back to the task at hand. What is the status of the planet. Give me 
details damnit!
Clarence: Relax commander, the Genohunters have been 
dispatched. I'm not sure about this boss, this planet doesn't seem 
worth saving. It's quite the dull planet. I've seen better use of color 
on my black and white DVD player. The landscapes seem fairly 
organic, but too much grey, brown and other drab looking colors. 
There doesn't appear to be much intelligent life on this planet sir, 
including myself. The missions we're undertaking, while nicely 
varied, are extremely linear and uninspiring. It's hard boss, the 
missions that is. The first couple of missions were well paced, but 
the swarms of bugs just seem to be getting bigger and bigger. I 
was hoping this would be more than a shoot 'em up mission 
commander, I'm a little disappointed the missions aren't as unique 
as the concept itself.
Elvis: You're hard Clarence? I'm sorry, I'm having troubles 
hearing you. I think we're breaking up!
Clarence: That doesn't surprise me sir, the sound on this 
planet is extremely plain. My Genohunters make the occasional 
grunt, as do the creatures we come across, but the environments 
are about as lively as Mick Jagger. I still can't believe that guy's 
alive sir. That aside, I wish I had brought my walkman with me 
down here boss, there's very little music to be heard here either.
Elvis: Heard you loud and clear there Clarence. What 
about the Genohunters though, are you enjoying their unique 
abilities?
Clarence: You bet sir, I'm having a blast with these 
genetically engineered weapons. There are so many possible 
combinations of mutations, I'm sure I'll never grow tired of them. 
It's just too bad this planet sucks sir. There doesn't seem to be any 
imagination put into this hunk of land at all. I wish I could come 
home sir, but rest assured, we will save the galaxy whether we 
like it or not.
Elvis: Good man Clarence, bear with it. Say, just for the 
sake of conversation, what if we sent a second ship of 
Genohunters to the planet to battle the Genohunters under your 
control. Do you think that might be fun?
Clarence: I guess boss. I suppose we could have a 
deathmatch style battle with these lethal mutating machines, but it 
doesn't sound too appealing to me sir.
Elvis: I don't doubt you soldier. Anything else to report 
Clarence?
Clarence: I don't think so sir, except? I love you long 
time!
Elvis: Excuse me?
Clarence: Nothing sir.
[An epic struggle between the Genohunters and a swarm of 
insects continues as the screen fades to black. The ratings 
begin rolling as the musical score kicks in one last time]

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