When it was first announced, The Legend of Korra was met with a positive tune because a reputable developer, Platinum Games, and Activision had taken on the project. This optimism sprouted hope that a game could capture the rich universe and passionate storytelling that made the series great. Sadly this isn’t the case, as The Legend of Korra falls short of what could’ve been something great with a boring story and average gameplay mechanics.

The Legend of Korra is an action game that puts the player in the role as the Avatar, a powerful warrior capable of controlling all four elements of water, air, fire, and earth. Other individuals can also use these abilities, called benders, but can only use one element and must be born with this talent. Those without these abilities grow jealous and afraid of benders, inciting a revolution that shifts the balance of the world and shapes The Legend of Korra universe. The game doesn’t take place during the beginning of the series and instead begins at the end of book two. While no prior knowledge is required to play The Legend of Korra, it’ll spoil the ending of book two for those who haven’t watch it yet.

The Legend of Korra,Bolin,Tenzin,Mako,Activision,Platinum Games,nickelodeon,

Animated cutscenes, similar to the television show, and the original voice actors help drive the plot forward. The mature themes and elegant storyline found in the television series is almost completely absent here, instead replaced with internal monologues of Korra stating what is happening. The story only serves to drive Korra forward and serves no other purpose, offering none of the exciting tension that the show is known for.

At the start of the game Korra loses all her bending abilities, but once you learn every bending skill you can flip between them at will. Combos are easy enough and button mashing X and Y can cause Korra to perform some stylize feats of elemental destruction. At certain times a button prompt will appear, allowing Korra to either counterattack or perform a finishing move. At 60 FPS, combat is fluid and flashy, but nothing challenging.

The Legend of Korra,Bolin,Tenzin,Mako,Activision,Platinum Games,nickelodeon,Hot,Sexy,Female,Protagonist,Japanese

Enemies are easily disposed of and offer no real challenge. It’s strange that the developers didn’t take advantage of the elemental powers and transfer them into resistances and vulnerabilities. Specific bending styles have no weaknesses, allowing the player to bash away with what feels comfortable. There’s no incentive to combine or mix together attacks.

Outside from combat you’ll run through the streets on Korra’s polar bear dog Naga. This endless runner requires fast reflexes to dig obstacles, smash through barriers, and leap over pitfalls. Korra’s bending plays a different role here, allowing her to use water as a shield, fire to destroy obstacles, earth to jump higher. It requires a level of precision to collect all the spirit orbs, but mostly it’s an adequate distraction from the combat.

The Legend of Korra,Bolin,Tenzin,Mako,Activision,Platinum Games,nickelodeon,Hot,Sexy,Female,Protagonist,Japanese

A pro-bending mode is unlocked once you beat the main campaign. Although only limited to controlling Korra these matches prove to be the best The Legend of Korra has to offer. Giving the player the chance to bend, block, and face against other benders without having the battle break apart.

There was a lot of potential for The Legend of Korra considering the work of Platinum Games. The game is certainly better than other installments in the Avatar universe, but fails to capture the essence that makes the show incredible. It’s an average action game, but nothing compared to the television show.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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The Legend of Korra

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The Legend of Korra