Favorite FPS of all time
The gameplay is pretty standard, and you'll get used to it easily since every other shooter is basically based off this. One of the really different things is that you don't have heatlh, you have shields that need a 5-second period of no harm to recharge. Also the duel-wielding is very strategic, since you need to decide if you're going to use grenades or if you just wanna blast some Elite's head off with double SMGs. The plasma grenades, which can stick onto walls, are very effective since they have a large blast radius and take down shields really quickly. It also seems like there are about 30 weapons at your disposal, where you can pick them off dead enemies or swap with your teammates, the Marines. The vehicles are also very effective, though they are vulnerable since someone can hop onto your vehicle and kick you out of it (although you can just blast them in the head with a sniper to get back on immediately). Melee attacks from behind are 1-hit deaths, kinda like a headshot, and you get to see the blood spurt out from their back.
Graphics are just amazing. In cutscenes peoples faces aren't as detailed and seem blocky, but the enviorments, weapon models, and enemies are just incredible. Blood splatters are a little overrused (how does that puny little grunt have so much blood..?), but they tell you clearly if you're hitting the enemy.
Sounds are as good as the graphics. The menu themes are very ancient sounding, with monks ohm-ing and then blending into an awesome modern composition, with electric basses and violins and whatnot. In game, it's really funny to see a tiny grunt waddle around and squeaking. The guns sound realistic in a fantasical sort of way, and the plasma weapons sound like they should belong in a Star Wars movie.
Great game, must have in any collection along with KOTOR.