Should you buy?
CONS
This game does not have a thick story element, and if you are the type of player that games for the intrigue, this is not for you. Cutscenes are mainly limited to the introduction of boss characters. When first introducted to pandora, the player does not feel as though he/she is a part of his/her environment. By that I mean that the lack of friendly NPC interaction leaves alot to be desired in feeling like one is a part of the goings on.
As mentioned earlier, the game leaves alot to be desired in the way of sympathetic NPC interaction. Most of the NPC encountered early on aren't voiced, and text is used to get the message across. Most of the environment is hostile towards you, so it would be best to hop in with good friends. Unless you're a sociopath and don't need human contact, it does get lonely.
PRO'S
Aquisition of new equipment is easy and fun, and is a driving force behind much of the game. The grinder would love this game, because the main incentive is behind leveling up, distributing points, and finding better weapons.
If you love to run, gun, and simply cause mayhem, this game is not heavy on cut scenes to restrain your trigger finger, and offers a wide variety of weaponry with which to kill your opponents.
If you have a good group of friends, the more the merrier; if you're the kind of gamer who buys group oriented games, this game should be among your list of considerations.
The control scheme is reminiscant of your average FPS, and should be immeidately familiar to anyone familiar with console FPS gaming. The weapons that the player has equipped at any given time will greatly impact the way that he/she will approach any given combat situation, and the change of pace depending on equipment keeps the kills fresh and enjoyable.
The RPG element is most identifiable in the leveling and distribution of points, 1 point per level for the skill tree (three paths) after the player reaches level 5. There are level restrictions on higher quality weapons, and the dificulty reaches drastic hights when the player engages enemies levels above his/her own.
If you can appreciate art, then its easy to look at pandora and know by the details that good work was put into this game. Despite the cel-shaded style, the graphics high quality, and the minor details used in the different areas of the game will easily catch the artistic player's eye.
Similar To:
Halo: Shields/Driving Controls
Other Sandboxes: Free Roam concept
Bottom Line- If you crave a good story, a turn based RPG, did not like the cel shading, are looking for a drop dead serious game, demand a diverse soundtrack, or do not like the rpg elements listed above in your FPS experience, this game is likely not for you. If you enjoy what has been mentioned above, consider purchase or rental.
Cutscenes/Story: Weak
Graphics: Strong
Gameplay: Very Strong
Replayability: Moderate
Everything mentioned in this review (excluding accounts of in game features) are subjective and cannot reflect or convey the joy/despair, that the individual player would recieve from the gaming experience.
If the reader has advice on delivering reviews to best inform one considering purchase, messages are appreciated.