Sony had a build of Cambridge Studios' upcoming action adventure game Primal at its press event today. The early build of the game let us get a feel for what adventuring with main character Jen and her gargoyle sidekick, Skree, will be like. The game follows the basic structure of a third-person action game but mixes in one-on-one fighting and strategy elements as well.

　　The most striking thing about the game is its graphics, which are extremely impressive. Featuring huge environments and detailed, high-polygon characters, Primal is one of the most impressive looking PlayStation 2 games we've seen in quite some time. Jen's model is extremely smooth and features a host of little touches, like moving hair and accessories such as straps on her gauntlets that sway as she moves. The environments are extremely large and feature a variety of landscapes. We played a snowy landscape at night, and we got a look at a flooded area set in the daytime that featured impressive water effects.

　　Primal's gameplay will have you exploring areas and switching between controlling Jen and Skree. Each character has unique skills that you'll have to use to get through the game. For example, Jen's ability to morph into different demon forms makes her ideal for fighting, while Skree's abilities to climb walls and possess statues let him open new areas for exploration. Deciding how and when to best use each character is key to success in the game. In terms of combat, Jen is the mistress of kung fu in the game. Each of her demon forms has unique combos and attacks that you'll be able to use when fighting enemies. During fights, the game seamlessly transitions to a 3D fighting engine that, while not quite as deep as a dedicated 3D brawler, offers a nice amount of depth.

　　From what we've seen so far, Primal is offering a promising blend of game design and technology. The game's impressive graphics and engaging gameplay seem to be coming together nicely. We'll have more on the game in the coming months. Primal is presently slated to ship early next year.