TE.C. 3001 is a 3D action game in which you must guide a robot through a series of freerunning platforms. Run robot, run robot, run run run!
The aim of T.E.C. (Tesla Energy Collector) is straightforward; you control a robot who runs through a level made up of platforms suspended in mid air. On each level you must collect a specified number of batteries to complete it and move on to the next, there are 21 levels in total. The levels take on a virtual reality style theme with abstract scenery such as trees along the platforms. The platforms themselves are fully drawn and come with obstacles such as walls, raised platforms and glass barriers. Your robot has a few abilities to overcome these obstacles; jump and double jumps, a slide to go under gaps and a charge ability to smash glass barriers, all performed with a simple tap of their respective buttons.
[nggtags gallery=TEC30011]
Initially the levels take on a straightforward approach which helps introduce the game mechanics at a good pace. Your robot is constantly running though you can increase or decrease the speed by running over green and red arrows found on the platforms. You can also gain instant full speed boosts or a near dead halt by running through green and red gates. Speed plays an important role in the game and in the later levels especially you will need to pay attention as occasionally missing a speed up can result in not having enough speed to make a long jump. The first ten levels play at a nice pace and are enjoyable to play, the last 10 start to ramp up in difficulty where some patience and memory is required to complete the levels, they can get frustrating to a point where controllers may be thrown!
The game offers a nice mix of virtual reality style backgrounds gives the game a futuristic feel and it really looks great. They are minimal but to be honest I think if there was any more it would be too distracting from the task at hand. During the game you can change the colour scheme by running through certain gates, or manually switching it in the options, my personal favourite is number 10. The framerate moves at a quick pace and I experienced no slowdown at the fastest speeds. Music is a mix of trance and more upbeat tempos, again it helps with the futuristic feel and all sound fine. Controls play an important part and for the most they work perfectly fine, the robot has a kind of drift when changing direction and it takes a little getting used to, it is not so noticeable in the early levels but you do notice it when trying to rapidly jump to other platforms.
So is T.E.C. 3001 worth the 240 :MSPoints:? Yes is the short answer but the slightly longer answer is that the difficulty does ramp up halfway through the game. For me it turned from a very enjoyable game to a slightly frustrating game. But, if you enjoy a challenge then you’ll find it in the later levels.
You can download the trial or purchase the full version of T.E.C. 3001 via the Xbox Marketplace.
0
