by:	August 05, 2004

Toby Gard has been making this one game for five years and it has flip flopped on different console for the choice, changed released dates, often been rumored to been delayed, and of course gave a lot of promises for an intriguing and dynamic game. Galleon is Tomb Raider without all the unnecessary hoopla of unintelligent dialogue, whacky storylines, and a ridiculous lead role of a woman that was just for looks. The story of this game revolves around Rhama Sabrier and his adventurous life. To give a short summary without ruining the story, Rhama couldn't risk not venturing off on a great quest so he meets Dr. Areliano due to his request and is shown a ship that was abandoned. Rhama investigates the ship and finds out from Dr. Areliano that it had leaves of an often rumored extinct plant that could have miraculous powers or possibly it could have a role for evil. Rhama comes to a conclusion where they could find more of that plant to assist Areliano and the story jumps right into the heat of the battle when someone decides to go off by himself to find the plant for his own reasons rather then the doctor's. Rhama must now try to beat him to the island first and

Along the way (actually right off the bat) people will offer to tag along and help out as they cross your path. Faith, the doctor's daughter, is determined to get revenge on the man that double crossed her father and comes along with Rhama for the voyage. Faith and Rhama produce some romance and some comedy but overall it's just fun to watch them interact with each other.

To get back onto the fantastic story that Galleon emerges the players into, it always has a plot twist to surprise those not expecting it. What Galleon does best I believe is makes the gamer enjoy the lead character as soon as you find out the quest you are currently trying to accomplish. That's right Rhama is full of spunk and charisma, and it's all in a good way. What I appreciate about Rhama the most is that he can jump long distances, move big boulders, fight over ten enemies at once and still almost not break a sweat. Did I mention he can run up a side of a mountain easily? If not, that might be the best part of his resume of adventure. Sure it may be unbelievable but when you don't die when you accidentally fall of a cliff, it makes smile even more as I have to climb all the way back up it.

Head on over to Page 2 to find out how the controls are --->