XIII (Xbox)
Reviewed by: DaChief
Reviewed on: 3-Oct-2005
- Summary
- Based on a Belgian comic series, first person shooter using cel-shaded graphics giving the game a well-rendered comic-book appearance and feel. You even see sound words like Rata-tat-tat, Bam, Boom and the Click of enemy soliders' feet patrolling nearby.
- Ratings
- Overall: A
- Gameplay: A+
- Graphics: A+
- Learning Curve: A
- Replay Value: C
- Sound: A
- Pros
- Cell Shading comic-book style graphics
- Comic style inset close-ups of head shots
- Ability to use every-day random objects as weapons
- Great story, even if it's the old "amnesia" bit.
- Cons
- Lack of replayability, even in Multiplayer mode
- Links
- Images
Description
In a word, AWESOME! But that's been said before, so let me embellish a bit.
Some might say, "this is just another first person shooter..." but I found this game to be more enjoyable than most; and I have to admit, I've played quite a few FPS. "Why is it so great?" That is, of course, the ever burning question; and there is so very much good to say, I don't know where to start.
First, and foremost is the cell-shaded graphics, giving the game a comic book appearance. Relatively rare in the successful gaming world, this concept is hard to describe except that the images appear drawn and colored, many scenes are boxed and inset upon one another like you would find in the funny pages of your local periodical. Bottom line is, you feel as though you are playing this game from within the realm of a comic book; however, you quickly find yourself breaking away from the two-dimensional confines of the printed page, and leaping into a three-dimensional comic saga with a spectacular storyline.
Second, I have to comment on the story itself. Your character awakens without knowing who he is or what he's done, stricken with amnesia. Whatever he did in his former life, it must have been significant; because the whole world is instantly hell-bent on killing him. The instant sense of fear and paranoia creates a narrative hook that reels you into the game from the moment it begins. Slowly, the scenario unfolds, revealing a plot as deep and mysterious as the code name of your character, XIII. Well written, each stage or level draws you into the next, and when you think you have it all figured out - or the game is almost done - you get another surprise; and many more hours of game play follow.
The only bad thing I can say about the game is the lack of replay value. A game like this would never leave my shelf if it had a random level generator. Playing head-to-head or multiplayer was fun; but only for a brief time. There was nothing new or amazing that set this game apart from other multiplayer FPS.
Next, are the unique aspects of this game - rare or unheard of in other FPS titles. There was the ability to pick up a variety of every-day objects and turn them into both melee and missile weapons. Drink bottles, ashtrays, candy dishes, brooms and all manner of mundane items strewn about the landscape could be employed with deadly force should your ammo run low.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing features of the game is the comic-strip headshot. Careful aim with a throwing knife or a silent but deadly zoomed crossbow bolt to the head produced instant gratification, as the impact sequence was displayed in three consecutive inset still shots. Bam-bam-bam! Even the sound effects are riveting. Walk up to your slain opponent, and you'll even find the shaft of the crossbow bolt sticking out, right where you hit him (or her). Gruesome, yes, a little, but done with class - and less gore than you might expect (perhaps a result of the cell-shading, but the blood seemed less graphic in this game than others).
Lastly, there are a handful of skills you learn (or should I say remember) as your amnesia slowly clears. The use of stealth is a must in this game, as is lock picking. Along the way, you remember how adept you are with using two weapons at the same time, although this is a bit wasteful when it comes to ammo - it can be useful in a crowd.
Without a doubt, this was a pleasant respite from the constant barrage of repetitive FPS on the market today. It was quick and easy to learn, and the many weapons were pleasant to experiment with (Bazooka ROCKS, but doesn't the bazooka always rock in these games?) Nonetheless, this game manages to escape the restrictive confines of its genre and explode onto the XBOX with profound impact. Buy it, trade for it, steal it --- whatever it takes, but get this game and play it TODAY. (P.S.: I recommend you save those crossbow bolts for the really tricky shots).
Some might say, "this is just another first person shooter..." but I found this game to be more enjoyable than most; and I have to admit, I've played quite a few FPS. "Why is it so great?" That is, of course, the ever burning question; and there is so very much good to say, I don't know where to start.
First, and foremost is the cell-shaded graphics, giving the game a comic book appearance. Relatively rare in the successful gaming world, this concept is hard to describe except that the images appear drawn and colored, many scenes are boxed and inset upon one another like you would find in the funny pages of your local periodical. Bottom line is, you feel as though you are playing this game from within the realm of a comic book; however, you quickly find yourself breaking away from the two-dimensional confines of the printed page, and leaping into a three-dimensional comic saga with a spectacular storyline.
Second, I have to comment on the story itself. Your character awakens without knowing who he is or what he's done, stricken with amnesia. Whatever he did in his former life, it must have been significant; because the whole world is instantly hell-bent on killing him. The instant sense of fear and paranoia creates a narrative hook that reels you into the game from the moment it begins. Slowly, the scenario unfolds, revealing a plot as deep and mysterious as the code name of your character, XIII. Well written, each stage or level draws you into the next, and when you think you have it all figured out - or the game is almost done - you get another surprise; and many more hours of game play follow.
The only bad thing I can say about the game is the lack of replay value. A game like this would never leave my shelf if it had a random level generator. Playing head-to-head or multiplayer was fun; but only for a brief time. There was nothing new or amazing that set this game apart from other multiplayer FPS.
Next, are the unique aspects of this game - rare or unheard of in other FPS titles. There was the ability to pick up a variety of every-day objects and turn them into both melee and missile weapons. Drink bottles, ashtrays, candy dishes, brooms and all manner of mundane items strewn about the landscape could be employed with deadly force should your ammo run low.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing features of the game is the comic-strip headshot. Careful aim with a throwing knife or a silent but deadly zoomed crossbow bolt to the head produced instant gratification, as the impact sequence was displayed in three consecutive inset still shots. Bam-bam-bam! Even the sound effects are riveting. Walk up to your slain opponent, and you'll even find the shaft of the crossbow bolt sticking out, right where you hit him (or her). Gruesome, yes, a little, but done with class - and less gore than you might expect (perhaps a result of the cell-shading, but the blood seemed less graphic in this game than others).
Lastly, there are a handful of skills you learn (or should I say remember) as your amnesia slowly clears. The use of stealth is a must in this game, as is lock picking. Along the way, you remember how adept you are with using two weapons at the same time, although this is a bit wasteful when it comes to ammo - it can be useful in a crowd.
Without a doubt, this was a pleasant respite from the constant barrage of repetitive FPS on the market today. It was quick and easy to learn, and the many weapons were pleasant to experiment with (Bazooka ROCKS, but doesn't the bazooka always rock in these games?) Nonetheless, this game manages to escape the restrictive confines of its genre and explode onto the XBOX with profound impact. Buy it, trade for it, steal it --- whatever it takes, but get this game and play it TODAY. (P.S.: I recommend you save those crossbow bolts for the really tricky shots).