300: Rise of an Empire
- February 7, 2014
- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
"300: Rise of an Empire" is a single-player game with good graphics and story, where you play as Greek general Themistokles to unite Greece and stop the Persian navy led by the vengeful commander Artemisia. This game is based on the epic film, expanding the action to the seas with stars like Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson and Rodrigo Santoro. Immerse in this thrilling adventure and help change the course of history!
Reviews
- Eva Green delivers a standout performance as the villainous Artemisia, bringing depth and menace to her character.
- The film features impressive visuals and action sequences, particularly the naval battles, which are well-executed and engaging.
- The mix of live action and computer graphics creates a striking visual style that enhances the overall cinematic experience.
- The story lacks the clarity and direction of the original 300, making it feel convoluted and underdeveloped.
- Excessive use of slow-motion and digital blood effects can be overwhelming and detracts from the impact of the action scenes.
- The character development is weak, with many characters feeling flat and unmemorable compared to the original film.
- story81 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of "300: Rise of an Empire" is often criticized for lacking the clarity and engagement of the original film, feeling convoluted and overly reliant on stylized violence. While it attempts to provide backstory and expand on characters like Artemisia and Themistocles, many reviewers found the plot to be a rehash of familiar themes without sufficient depth or coherence. Overall, the film is seen as entertaining for its action sequences, but it struggles to deliver a compelling narrative that stands on its own.
“The story starts out with Themistocles trying to gather the Greeks to support him and his navy to confront the Persians.”
“The battle of Salamis and the Greek victory against Xerxes is such an awesome story that if someone ever produced a realistic feature film based closely on these events, it would be truly spectacular.”
“It gives you a backstory to mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.”
“However, I think the greatest sin this movie commits is having things just happen with no explanation or tie-in to the main story just to move the plot along.”
“The plot was unnecessarily complex, probably weighed down by the fact that whenever a villain is introduced, the following three minutes are devoted to delving into his or her backstory, a habit normally reserved for villains with interesting backgrounds that make sense.”
“Overall, pretty darn poorly written in a lot of areas, but with a taste of a decent story that could have been.”
- graphics18 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in the film are a mix of impressive computer-generated imagery and live-action techniques, resulting in striking visuals, particularly during naval battles and action sequences. While many reviewers praised the dazzling visuals and the effective use of slow-motion effects, some felt that certain scenes appeared over-the-top or lacked emotional depth. Overall, the film is noted for its high-quality graphics and intense, graphic violence, though opinions vary on how well these elements contribute to the overall experience.
“It uses the same filmmaking technique of mixing live action with computer graphics, which makes it look quite striking compared to your usual release.”
“The action sequences of the naval battles were really well done and graphically easy to understand and appreciate.”
“Epic visuals make this worth watching.”
“I liked the sea battles, but some just seemed over the top with computer graphics, especially near the end when Themistocles rides his horse across sinking ships to reach Artemisia.”
“It offers the same slow-mo killing style, but the blood graphics were lazy compared to the first movie.”
“Nowhere near as good as the original, but if you're into graphic violence, and don't mind the creative license they take with actual history, then it should keep you entertained.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in "300: Rise of an Empire" received mixed reviews, with some praising the outstanding scores that enhance the battle scenes and overall action, while others felt it lacked the memorability and dramatic impact of the original film's soundtrack. While the music effectively builds tension during key moments, many reviewers noted it felt generic and less powerful compared to its predecessor. Overall, the soundtrack contributed to the film's intensity but did not reach the heights of the first installment.
“The music scores for all the buildup to the battle scenes and during the battle scenes were outstanding.”
“I enjoyed this 2nd installment of '300: Rise of an Empire!' Nonstop action from the first line of the music to the end, where the music and the show of power from Lena Headey was oh so awesome!”
“Badass hand-to-hand combat scenes, excellent music and lighting.”
“90% of the scenes feel like a generic war speech, where the music crescendos, then the army cheers, and glorious battle commences.”
“The music score was weak and nothing like the original movie. Battle scenes similar in fashion but lacked the dramatics of the first movie.”
“The music was not memorable like the original; the lead character simply cannot compare to Leonidas.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that while the performances in the film are generally competent, they lack standout moments, with the actress playing Artemisia receiving particular praise for her strong portrayal. The film is noted for its exciting action sequences and imaginative naval battles, but some viewers found Eva Green's performance as the antagonist to be less effective. Overall, the optimization of character performances appears to be a mixed aspect of the film.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the film is largely inconsistent, with the dynamic between characters failing to engage viewers effectively; however, it features standout moments, such as a particularly funny sex scene and a generally over-the-top, garish comedic style.
“Hilariously garish”
“Their dynamic is what is supposed to drive the movie, and it largely fails to do so, with the exception of a hilarious scene that takes place midway through the film.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the portrayal of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, which, despite some Hollywood embellishments, evokes a strong emotional response from players. The depiction of valor and sacrifice resonates deeply, even if it simplifies historical complexities.
“Sure, they added some Hollywood cheesiness, but the valor of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans was depicted in a way that triggered an emotional response.”
“The game masterfully captures the essence of sacrifice and bravery, leaving players with a profound sense of connection to the characters and their struggles.”
“Every decision felt weighty, and the emotional stakes were high, making me truly invested in the outcome of the story.”