Enlarge Microsoft Game Studios/File In "Too Human," published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Microsoft Xbox 360, you play as a cybernetic god, Baldur, tasked to defend humanity from monstrous machinery.  'SILENT HILL: HOMECOMING' Score: 3.5 stars (out of 5) Rating: Mature Platform: Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Publisher: Konami Price: $59.99

Now that the long-delayed, much-hyped game has finally been released, it is a letdown because, frankly, it has nearly as many shortcomings as it does virtues. This first in a planned trilogy from Silicon Knights doesn't deliver anywhere near the awe-inspiring interactive experience found in the developer's previous games, such as Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem.

Published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Microsoft Xbox 360, this futuristic tale fuses sci-fi technology with Norse mythology. You play as a cybernetic god, Baldur, tasked to defend humanity from monstrous machinery bent on destruction. The story might sound trite, but it proves to be one of the game's core strengths as more of the epic conflict is unraveled throughout the many great-looking cinematic sequences.

With a combination of melee moves and fancy firearm work, you'll take down these varied threats to access new teleportation gateways and reach the next area. Some players may like the unique combat control scheme, which involves using the two Xbox 360 analog sticks: The left stick moves Baldur around while the right stick is used to inflict damage. While advanced fighting moves are tied to the buttons and triggers, most of the work is designated to the right analog stick, which is usually reserved for controlling the camera in a video game. As a result, however, the automated camera in Too Human has its share of problems, such as obscuring the view when Baldur is near a wall or mysteriously spinning in circles when near a corner.

On another note, the "sliding" mechanic, where Baldur skates over to a nearby enemy by pressing the right stick toward it, looks cheesy, but it does help to clear the room faster. More importantly, perhaps, the combat sequences lack memorable moments like the climactic moments found in superior games such as Gears of War or Final Fantasy. The battles can get a tad repetitive, too, as you take on enemies and then move on to do the same thing in the next area.

But the game does offer an interesting feature: Role-playing games where you can find hundreds of pieces of loot dropped by fallen enemies that can be picked up and used, including better armor and weapons. The game also sports a deep skill and class system, so you can customize Baldur's abilities based on personal preferences.

You can run, gun, hack and slash through this third-person adventure by yourself or the entire solo campaign can be played through in a multiplayer co-op mode via the Xbox Live service.

Too Human isn't a failure, but it's too bad many of the game's notable attributes such as a cool story and RPG-like upgrades are overshadowed by so-so fight sequences and nagging camera issues. Sure, this sci-fi adventure keeps afloat — but it wades in a sea of mediocrity.

Contact Marc Saltzman at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.