(Singleplayer, Difficult)
3 ends the Resistance series high in terms of gameplay but disappointing in terms of setting illustration and plot execution. The strategy of Fall of Man and the intensity of 2 are combined to give players the most entertaining and exhilarating combat of the series, but the mystery of the Chimera is never solved, or at least significantly illuminated, and the game's presentation is not on par with past entries, especially in regards to story. Despite its failings, Resistance 3's incredibly fun battles and guns alone make it worthy investment of FPS and Insomniac fan's time.
Flaws
- Major The plot is jumpy, characters and events awkwardly pop in and out and make inefficient use of their brief appearances. From Dr. Malikov's arrival and all the way to New York City your entire roadtrip's events seem to be just arbitrarily thrown into the mix, and sure unforeseen obstacles that are for the most part unrelated to your primary goal happen on adventures like these, but lots of the time they feel more like filler on your journey to NYC. The dialogue and cutscenes aren't bad, they are just not given the proper amount of time to allow the player to build a connection with the story and characters.
- Major Plot does little to sufficiently explain virtually every single thing of importance in the game, the setting is strong and as such produces numerous questions but if any of them are answered they are usually done half ass in intel; motives, background, and lore is presented but is hardly utilized after. Really the indifferent "closing of the book" on the Chimera makes me wonder if all the questions about their origins and purpose raised in Fall of Man was inadvertently done and never meant to be expanded on.
- Major Lack of variation in the action doesn't make the game stale thanks to the stupendous gunplay, but it certainly makes it less enjoyable than it could be. Though the game has a marvelous shooting formula shooting is just about all that you do and unfortunately maps and enemies don't do much to surprise you so the experience generally feels the same throughout. Even though new enemy classes and strains have been added all of the Chimera lack the tenacity and tactical prowess they once had so even though different classes make you make adjustments you will quickly become accustomed to this, and only the thrill of annihilating them keeps it from feeling repetitive.
Strengths
- Major Insomniac was still in charge of development so of course Resistance 3's weapons are some of the best that you will use in any game you have ever played, and they are by far the best selection in all the Resistance games. I wouldn't go so far as to say the weapons make the game, but I will definitely say they are the foundation and their use is the cornerstone of all all your entertainment, and once more you are able to hold all of these destructive devices at once allowing you to switch up your playstyle on the fly whether for practically or to toy with each legendarily crafted tool of destruction.
- Moderate Plot premise is interesting and voice acting is good, and while some of the missions on the way to NYC feel tacked on each provides a genuinely interesting environment, populace, and backstory.
- Moderate All characteristics of the game contribute to the tone of desperation and view of the gruesomeness in war and survival.
- Moderate Gun upgrades not only encourages you to appropriately experience each weapon, but they also help keep the game fresh by altering the function of the gun and adding new ways to provide mayhem for your foes.
- Moderate The expanded journal is even better than Fall of Man's and provides an interesting insight on the world regardless of the information is consequential or not.
- Moderate Unlockable gameplay options, difficulty, and extras coupled with the weapon advancement system give the game a good replay value.
- Moderate Though some of our favorite Chimera did not return in this installment, the new strains and the now more diverse hybrids add fun new challenges to battles.
- Moderate Art style is wondrous, though there aren't many gargantuan Chimera this time the other strains are still a savagely beautiful sight.
- Moderate Blending of new and old school shooting mechanics is near perfect.
The gameplay of Resistance 3 feels like what people were wanting all along from 2 and I'm glad that Insomniac nearly perfected it at this IP's end, but they also tragically never elaborated on the origins and current happenings of the Pure Chimera or their rivals and so long as Resistance is remembered by me I will always recall my teased curiosity; Those only concerned with Resistance's gunshow however will be ecstatic to know that Resistance 3 offers everything they loved about the series and then some. From the first game on Resistance solidified itself as one of the best first person shooters out there, the second managed to be one of the best games in general, and the last game has shown everyone the epitome of FUN shooters.