Innovative gameplay, and GREAT storyline
but about the game. Very different than most FPS. you actually feel like you are the character trying to escape from prison and less like a person just playing the game. Much of the action in this game is without guns except the very end. So you will be relying on using your fists, knifes and clubs. which at first is a little difficult to control because the types of punches and swings you take are determined on which direction you are moving, but toward the middle of the game, you will be able to do perfect knock outs and instand kill counter attacks at will.
moving along,...this game is kinda like a role playing game (rpg) and involves doing lots of optional missions which help to keep the game fun. the missions and the overall main mission of escaping are not straight forward and require you to do alot of "remembering" of how to get back to place you once were, and looking for special items and passages. which can really slow the game down especially after the middle. so much so that i had to use the game guide, that can be found on gamespot.com, to get me through some very tricky parts atleast 5 times or so. at one slow part of the game.
but luckily right before the end the game picks up again to the best it has ever gets, and gives you a very unexpected finish, that makes this game so unique.
Make sure to play this game all the way to the end and dont skip through the cut scenes. Use the online guide if you have to , to get to the end.
the graphics are the best you will ever get from a regular xbox and at times is compareable to xbox360 (on a regular tv)
using guns and other weapons feels REAL, and not arcadish, even better than playing as a mercenary in splinter cell multiplayer. there is no large aimer in the center of the screen and no HUD showing your ammo in clip. you have to look at the little screen on the side of your gun.
you even see your legs if you look down at times, which adds more the realistic feel.
the use of shadows and stealth is very important in this game and can only second to splintercell in this region.
but even so, sometimes this game can get really slow because you often get LOST and have no clue where to go next but just consult the game guide online for all that, to keep your game play smooth.
NoTE: if you found it difficult to follow movies like the MAtrix, Lord of the Rings, war of the worlds or other movies that envolve lots of plot to build up the story, you will probably not really like the story line that much. but for the rest of us you will love it. (better than the halo 1 ending for sure in my oppinion)
I strongly Recommend going down to your gamestop and picking this game up before its gone. Becuase its only 4.99 , you cant beat that. Defineitly on of the best, innovative games i have EVER purchased.