Space travel has made so many things possible for the human race, but it has also increased the demands of the populace. 

Certain materials are so rare that only travel and colonization of other planets can potentially provide for the demand.  The RDA Corporation, a world-wide consortium, has set forth in the search for these resources, and it has brought them to this planet.  The planet is host to sentient beings who value nature and harmony though, and they are quite hostile to these ravaging invaders.

Any veteran to gaming or sci-fi enthusiast can easily see where this is going.  Violent inter-species conflict is assured.  Heroes rise on both sides, yet the loss of life is nothing short of deplorable.  The Avatar movie played on many clichés of science-fiction, and the game is no different, which should be no surprise as it is based on the movie.

What makes the Avatar video game special in a way is its tightly-refined control system.  Players can explore the lush environments as featured in the film, and engage in warfare as depicted with amazing graphics and special effects.

The multi-platform release methodology of this game has brought it to the Sony PS3 and PSP, the Nintendo Wii, the Microsoft Xbox360, and the PC.  Features may vary between the different versions, particularly in the PSP release as a result of space and computational power constraints.

In the most complete versions of the game, the player can choose to side with the RDA Corporation or with the Na’vi natives of the planet.  Each faction has different weapons, different strengths and weaknesses, and of course, greatly different appearances.  The RDA Corporation uses high-tech weaponry and assault tactics, while the Na’vi favor low-tech and somehow mystical weapons while favoring stealth and guerilla tactics.  Weapons can be upgraded and customized to fit your fighting style.

Each side also has access to its own set of skills.  These skills are upgradeable, and they will prove critical to the success or failure of the players.  The customization of your in-game character also allows you to create a unique look that will allow you to avoid looking generic and start looking more like a main character – after all, any gamer knows that the less defined and developed a character is, the weaker their identity and the less importance they have to the course of history.

Another big draw is the ability to pilot vehicles and ride animals as seen in the film.  Will you take to the road, or soar through the skies?  Do you prefer to trample your opponents or streak through the sky raining chaos?  It is your choice.  Take it to multiplayer mode and compete for supremacy.

Of course, what made the movie stand out was its use of special effects and high-definition, imaginative graphics.  The games are no different.  Each version pushes the capabilities of their respective platforms to the limits, making good use of the raw computing power available at their fingertips.

If you are not averse to traditional first-person / third-person shooter games, then the Avatar video game will surely satisfy.  A good game overall.