WinBack is a great game, and hard to understand how underrated it is.
When I first played WinBack: Covert Operations on the Nintendo 64 in 1999, I really didn't like it. The controls were stiff, the text-cutscenes gave me headaches, and overall, the game just really wasn't very good. However, when I just discovered this rare gem for the first time on the PS2 in 2007, it really shocked me.
Story:
An interesting one here. It definitely keeps you engaged, and has some plot twists, and even chances for multiple endings. You play as Jean-Luc Cougar, who works for S.C.A.T., a military-based organization that infiltrates terrorist activity. When the U.S. space center is overtaken by rogue terrorists, led by Sarcozian (Made-up country) Kenneth Coleman, upset over the U.S.-Sarcozian civil war. He takes control of a space satellite, capable of destroying any target, and takes out the space center and demands for the U.S. to withdraw all forces from Sarcozia. The secretary of defense does not want to, so he sends in S.C.A.T. to kill the terrorists and take back the center. However, when the team is heading for the military base in Westham, the helicopter has engine problems, so the team jumps out, and it explodes mid-air.
Gameplay:
This is a cover-based game. You take cover against anything. The controls are a bit funny at first, though. You can back up against a wall, and fire at enemies from behind it. The run-and-gun action is quite good, but it mostly demands behind-the-wall action, as running out into the open like John McClane is sure to send you back to your last checkpoint. You go through a few boss fights as well, and some can offer up quite a challenge. WinBack is a challenging game, and requires fast reflexes and good judgment.
Graphics:
Quite good for a first-gen PS2 game ported over from the N64. The textures aren't superior, but the models all look much better, and the cutscenes are directed very well. Overall, the graphics look good, but not without bad spots.
Sound:
This is where most everyone must laugh about the sound. The voice acting is quite funny. Much like Resident Evil. The characters sound quite forced, and the cheesy dialogue just makes it even funnier. The music is good, and really gets you going when you're dying.
Longevity:
Pretty long game. It will take you anywhere form 15-20 hours on your first try, due to the unfamiliar-ness of the controls. It might take about a week to beat it, and it is quite challenging.
Replay Value:
Since you can obtain multiple endings, there's replay value to be had. It is always cool to see the plot changes.
Final Thoughts:
This is a great game, and I don't understand why it has got such negative attention. I highly recommend it.
FINAL SCORE:
8.5 (Great)