Harrison
23rd June 2009, 03:39
So what do you all think of this game?
I've been playing the PC version with an Xbox 360 controller and have been enjoying it. The combat system can get fairly complex as you gain new abilities, but it is fun to use. Not so sure about the selection wheel system to pick an ability to use. It's a bit fiddly, but I will probably get used to it as I play more (not checked the keyboard commands, so maybe there is an easier system via the keyboard?). And the ability to run up buildings, jump and glide never gets boring. As is the ability to pick things up, aim and throw them. :)
The story is also quite interesting. A typical genetic experimentation gone wrong plot similar to Resident Evil or any number of zombie films. And I liked the taster of your full abilities at the beginning, before it then throws you back 18 days earlier to see what happened.
The open ended New York environment is also great to explore with loads of well known landmarks and features to discover. And it also gives you the chance to experiment with the controls, and to try out each new ability as you upgrade them.
Finally the ability to take over the identity of someone by absorbing them. It instantly reminded me of Messiah, mixed with the enemy alert gauge from Metal Gear Solid. It works well and is great fun to use.
The scripted story is also well done, with good voice acting, and it remains interesting. The idea of absorbing key characters within the game world to obtain their memories and find out the truth is also a cool part of the game, and for some reason (not sure) it reminded me of Parasite Eve.
If there is one thing I would say I was disappointed with, it is the graphics. I have all graphics settings turned up to maximum. The lighting and shadows look good, but the character models and walk animations are very primitive, as are many of the building textures. Windows look flat and lifeless, characters faces look plastic and like those we saw in games a few years ago, and the many characters walking around the streets seem to all walk with a strange wide gate and limp, especially the women.
It is however quite impressive how many vehicles and pedestrians they have managed to get the game engine to handle at once, with whole streets full of people walking in different directions, at the same time as vehicles are passing.
The general AI isn't that convincing either though. When you do something violent those near by gasp and shout. Some run or change direction. But a few meters away the rest are acting normally just walking along. It doesn't give the right atmosphere to the game.
However, the game isn't really about this. It is about the speed you can move and fight, and for that they have got it spot on. I loved how even with a machine gun I was able to run up a building into the middle of a group of armed soldiers and take them all out without much effort. It felt great. And I think that is really the point of the game. You could most closely compare it to playing like a non linear open, modern day version of God of War.
I haven't yet reached the point in the game where I start to gain the different built in weapon abilities such as the big blades, or the smashing hammers. But based on the brief ability to use them at the very beginning of the game, I think one you do it will make the game even more fun.
If you like action games you will love this. If however you prefer slow moving adventures or more RPG gameplay then you might not. The main game environment is a bit like a more limited GTA with locations to trigger missions and events to try and achieve.
I would give it 7/10 purely because it is just all out action and fast violent, mixed with exploration of the city and some cut scenes. Great if you like this style of game, but I can imagine it won't take that long to complete it, and I don't see much replay value. But it is worth playing for the game mechanics, and all the abilities your character has, such as taking on other's identities, and the great abilities to run up buildings and jump long distances.
I've been playing the PC version with an Xbox 360 controller and have been enjoying it. The combat system can get fairly complex as you gain new abilities, but it is fun to use. Not so sure about the selection wheel system to pick an ability to use. It's a bit fiddly, but I will probably get used to it as I play more (not checked the keyboard commands, so maybe there is an easier system via the keyboard?). And the ability to run up buildings, jump and glide never gets boring. As is the ability to pick things up, aim and throw them. :)
The story is also quite interesting. A typical genetic experimentation gone wrong plot similar to Resident Evil or any number of zombie films. And I liked the taster of your full abilities at the beginning, before it then throws you back 18 days earlier to see what happened.
The open ended New York environment is also great to explore with loads of well known landmarks and features to discover. And it also gives you the chance to experiment with the controls, and to try out each new ability as you upgrade them.
Finally the ability to take over the identity of someone by absorbing them. It instantly reminded me of Messiah, mixed with the enemy alert gauge from Metal Gear Solid. It works well and is great fun to use.
The scripted story is also well done, with good voice acting, and it remains interesting. The idea of absorbing key characters within the game world to obtain their memories and find out the truth is also a cool part of the game, and for some reason (not sure) it reminded me of Parasite Eve.
If there is one thing I would say I was disappointed with, it is the graphics. I have all graphics settings turned up to maximum. The lighting and shadows look good, but the character models and walk animations are very primitive, as are many of the building textures. Windows look flat and lifeless, characters faces look plastic and like those we saw in games a few years ago, and the many characters walking around the streets seem to all walk with a strange wide gate and limp, especially the women.
It is however quite impressive how many vehicles and pedestrians they have managed to get the game engine to handle at once, with whole streets full of people walking in different directions, at the same time as vehicles are passing.
The general AI isn't that convincing either though. When you do something violent those near by gasp and shout. Some run or change direction. But a few meters away the rest are acting normally just walking along. It doesn't give the right atmosphere to the game.
However, the game isn't really about this. It is about the speed you can move and fight, and for that they have got it spot on. I loved how even with a machine gun I was able to run up a building into the middle of a group of armed soldiers and take them all out without much effort. It felt great. And I think that is really the point of the game. You could most closely compare it to playing like a non linear open, modern day version of God of War.
I haven't yet reached the point in the game where I start to gain the different built in weapon abilities such as the big blades, or the smashing hammers. But based on the brief ability to use them at the very beginning of the game, I think one you do it will make the game even more fun.
If you like action games you will love this. If however you prefer slow moving adventures or more RPG gameplay then you might not. The main game environment is a bit like a more limited GTA with locations to trigger missions and events to try and achieve.
I would give it 7/10 purely because it is just all out action and fast violent, mixed with exploration of the city and some cut scenes. Great if you like this style of game, but I can imagine it won't take that long to complete it, and I don't see much replay value. But it is worth playing for the game mechanics, and all the abilities your character has, such as taking on other's identities, and the great abilities to run up buildings and jump long distances.