Graphics: The graphics are fairly good. Characters, while not precisely photo doubles of the actors, are both well-crafted and recognizable for who they are. They’ve also done a really accurate job of recreating scenes from the show, though allowances must be made for the placement of interactive props and obstacles.

Interface: The left and right thumb sticks allow you to move and look around. The Y button is primarily used to interact with and investigate objects. There are tabs in the Quest Log that help to keep track of all the details as you proceed through the story: quests in progress, memories (blank to start), help (also blank when you begin) and quests completed. The log is activated with the small back button, and the B button is used to exit. The A button is used to talk and interact with people. While the rest of the interface is stupid simple, the memory camera doesn’t come with much instruction and is clunky to negotiate until you get the hang of it (around the time of your second or third memory). You use the X button to enter and exit camera mode, the bumpers to focus, the triggers to zoom and the A button to actually take the picture. Only one saved game is permitted per profile, so avoid the headaches of redos and don’t let anyone play on your profile.

Gameplay: Navigating the island can get frustrating at times, especially at night. Obstacles you can’t see often result in multiple circuits of the area and numerous instances of backtracking and retracing steps until you find the right route. This was probably intended as an additional puzzle, but it involves more luck than skill. The storyline, however, is enough to hold one’s interest for the four to six hours it takes to beat the game, as it adds a new element Lost fans will find appealing without handicapping newcomers.

Sound FX: Where the voice acting isn’t performed by the actual actors from the series, it usually comes pretty close, particularly in the instances of Kate and Locke. There’s quite a bit of depth built into the background that includes everything from wind, to creepy noises, to a barking dog. Some of them are directional to the point that you can use them to follow the noise to its source. (The barking dog actually sounded like it was outside of my house in the side yard.) If you linger too long in any one spot, however, you’ll notice the loop in the sound. Certain noises will repeat with such frequency that they quickly become tiresome, so keep moving as much as you can.

Music: “Barely there” would be an adequate description. There are a couple of minor themes reminiscent of the show, but for the most part, the only sounds you’ll hear will be those of the jungle and things coming to get you.

Difficulty: Taking the frustration factor out of the equation when trying to navigate without a map, the game is basically stupid simple. Just do what you’re told and follow directions. The critical thinking skills required might challenge your average fifth grader (what number comes next 1, 15, 7, 21, …), but most players will be disappointed.

Overall: I was initially really excited to play, but after discovering that I was done in a meager four hours, disappointment set in. The linear puzzle format results in zero replayability. While the relatively low retail of just under $30 is enticing for a 360 game, this is more of a rental title for a single weekend afternoon than one to permanently add to your collection.