Taken for a Quickie | Extinction

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We wrestle with Iron Galaxy’s Extinction in our recurring quick look series.

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​by James
Michael
​Parry

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@James_Parry

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Developer: Iron Galaxy
Publisher: Maximum
Games
Platforms: Xbox One,
PlayStation 4, PC
Players: 1

Extinction then, can't say I've heard of it...?

In a nutshell, Extinction is a game which involves you saving some villages and townsfolk from huge lumbering monsters with a combination of speed and big swords.

Sounds a lot like Attack on Titan?

That's fair. The David vs. Goliath of this story isn't something you can really get away from, as it's not only the core theme of the game, but its central mechanic. You start off by saving townsfolk by powering pillars and fending off low-level grunts, which charges your fancy magic meter, then it's killing time.

If the giants you face are so large, how exactly are you supposed to take them down?

​Fortunately for you, the several-stories-high Ravenii are quite a slow bunch, meaning tracking them down isn't an issue. Plus you have a whip that can be used as a grappling hook to fling yourself to the top of buildings and, if you can get in the right position, up the creature’s back. Once you’re near, and have sent enough townspeople on their way, you'll unlock severe slashing blows which can take off a limb or two, immobilising your opponent.

​With their legs cut off it's job done then, surely?

You'd be forgiven for thinking so but alas - they grow back after not too long, so you need to be quick in dealing your killing blow. For that you need a fully charged rune magic meter, but once you're there it's decapitation in a single blow. Of course, they might have armour on, which takes a few more slashes to relieve them of.

And that's all there is to it?

Unfortunately, yes. The controls are basic, a bit clunky too, and each level just pits you against one or multiple Ravenii. There’s some NPC blathering on top, but really there isn’t an awful lot of depth here. The experience barely changes as you progress (one of the alternate modes is the classic endless waves of enemies affair) and, as such, the game quickly begins to feel like a bit of a slog. Disappointingly, Extinction is difficult to recommend if you're already enjoying Attack on Titan or something similar to satisfy your giant-slaying needs.