A good FPS for the Xbox, with some tactical elements
I read the good 360 reviews, then played the PC demo version (which is for hardcore gamers), and this game got on my ‘most wanted list’. But since I don’t have the money to buy a 360 yet, I went for the current-gen console version, but had so many doubts before purchasing it : too many professional reviewers and gamers alike didn’t spoke well about it.
This game isn’t like the PC version or the 360 version. It’s a FPS with some tactical elements, however carries some of the advantages of being a GRAW soldier. So if you are looking for fancy graphics, or for a squad based tactical shooter, this isn’t the game for you.
But if you can live with the black Xbox graphics, and like FPS, you will enjoy this game and have a lot of fun playing it, so it’s a good purchase for $ 20.
Gameplay : good, once you get used to it. Your teammate AI might be erratic, but he is of good help. The first two night missions are bland, but as you progress trough the game, it gets better and more intense. Near the end, there is a very hard mission against an Apache chopper and hundreds of enemies, which reminds me of the last missions at Far Cry Instincts and The Punisher. These missions do not need to be so hard, because they become frustrating instead of fun.
Graphics : up to the Xbox standards, but yes, there are frame rate problems when the gunfire gets intense. Too bad the developers didn’t fix this before releasing the game, because is the single most ‘relevant’ flaw, and it doesn’t do any good for gameplay. My rating is 8, but I’m going to take out 2 points because of this.
Sound : excellent, especially if you have a home theater. However, some explosions are late. This is the best feature on this game.
Value : I’ve already finished the single player campaign, and have ahead of me the co-op missions. Also, the levels are open, and you can play them on different ways or take different approaches to the same objective.
Tilt : it is good game. If you have an open mind and can play it without comparing to the 360 version, sure, you will enjoy it a lot.
Final word : go and get a copy for yourself. If you still love your old console, have a small budget, can resist comparing it with its big brother, and are not complaining about not getting the gameplay style of old GR games, you won’t be disappointed.