Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora launches tomorrow, December 7, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Amazon Luna. The first-person action game puts players in the role of a Na’vi orphan who must help the tribes of the Western Frontier resist the Resources Development Administration. However, some reviewers came away with a more positive perception than others.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has a great world but divisive story and gameplay
Multiple reviews compare the game to the Far Cry series. Destructoid’s Stevin Mills felt that the game pushed the Far Cry formula further than usual while introducing some unique elements. VideoGamer’s Antony Terence also noted that Frontiers of Pandora doesn’t hold the player’s hands as much as in Far Cry. This allows players to get lost and immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes.
VGC’s Jordan Middler disagreed, feeling the game was overly formulaic. While their review was mostly positive, Middler also found its story unengaging. VideoGamer described the antagonist as “one note.” However, GameInformer’s Matt Miller thought Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora successfully expanded on the film series‘ environmental themes and exploration of colonialism.
VGC’s review also criticized the combat for being unbalanced, saying guns made stealth and other weapons unnecessary. On the other hand, Anthony McGlynn from PCGamesN has positive things to say about how Frontiers of Pandora encourages players to think tactically and use a variety of weapons. However, he said that enemies detect the player too quickly for stealth to be viable. He also felt that the gameplay undercut the story somewhat by making the RDA seem belligerent to the point of incompetence.
Avatar fans will like it
However, one thing that most reviews agreed on is that Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora does a great job presenting its world. Most of Pandora is colorful and vibrant, contrasting with the visible pollution emanating from the RDA’s industrial outposts. Some felt the game’s focus on the setting came at the expense of other aspects. Still, most agree it succeeds at recreating the world of the Avatar films.
Overall, Avatar and Far Cry fans will probably both find plenty to like about Frontiers of Pandora. However, those who didn’t care for either franchise might not find much in it to change their mind.
