Based on the movie of the same title, Ubi Soft’s Fifth Element was developed by the programmer Kalisto and released for play on the personal computer in the late nineties, one year after the movie hit the box office.
Much of the video game is similar to the movie. The two main characters, cab driver Korben and exotic alien Leeloo, somewhat resemble their on screen counter parts: Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich. The plot of the game loosely follows that in the movie.
The world is about to be invaded and likely destroyed and some ancient texts hold the key to preventing this disaster. A temple-like area houses symbols for the four basic elements, and they wait to be united with the fifth element, creating a power that will stop the invasion. Leeloo is the fifth element and she and Korben must get her safely to this hidden area so that she may do her duty and prevent universal war. So, Korben is a cab driver and he can just take her there right? Wrong. Of course there are many baddies who are pushing for this invasion and still others who know the value of the fifth element, and are looking to capture Leeloo and extort
her for cash.
The user will play the part of both Leeloo and Korben Dallas in this game. There are a total of twenty-three levels of play, and the view is all three dimensional. Korben is the resident weapons specialist, and Leeloo, while unarmed, is a highly lethal martial arts black belt. Korben will find numerous weapons to use along the course of the levels, and Leeloo will punch and kick her way through her assailants. After completing each level, the gamer will be shown a cut scene from the movie that is made to narrate the course of the action and the progression toward the goal in the game.
The Fifth Element is very Tomb Raider-like, especially when comparing Leeloo and Lara Croft. There are some puzzle solving elements to the game, which is also similar. The levels in the Fifth Element, however, are very well done and most are reminiscent of a scene from the film. They are varied, with some being interior scenes in reasonable cramped quarters, and others taking place outside. In short, they are all interesting.
The Fifth Element is not a five star game, but it is most certainly worth a look. It is a nice change up from the mundane first person shooter, and will provide a satisfying play for most gamers.
