Lucas Arts creates some terrific game physics in this terrain changing new third person shooter set in the 22nd century. East coast/West coast tensions reach a new level as Pacificans seeks to separate from the United States. Players have Jet Brody, a talented officer in the Atlantic Alliance, a group seeking to quell the Pacificans “rebellion”. Epic environmental catastrophes physically split the U.S.A. in two with “two distinct paths of evolution” – genetics and cybernetics.

This game strives to be a different third-person shooter where the hook isn’t just a gimmick. Players can raise and lower the terrain – a decent mechanic to distinguish this game from similar games. The weapons come fast and furious starting with the standard entrencher, which is attached on Brody’s arm, lowers or raises the terrain. This weapon combines with four different types of grenades to produce the game’s featured mechanics prompting players to notice their physical surroundings much more than normal. Once players master these mechanics they can create some entertaining scenarios to dispatch enemies and objects.

Other weapons like the nifty subterranean torpedo launcher (detonated upon reaching target or by player command), multiple sticky grenade launcher and Pacifican explosive rhino really pack a punch. Players can use their melee punches against close range enemies with normal strength shields. Players can carry two weapons at a time and use “dragon’s breath” turrets to really tear up the land.

The terrain physics create a lot of emotion in motion. Players can move/jump off terrain levels while firing the entrencher, just make sure there are no static objects (steel ceilings, etc.) while performing these often acrobatic moves. Certain areas prompt players to raise the terrain with corresponding arrow icons, so the freedom shape your own environments becomes very appealing (more curves and ramp formations in possible future installments including more vehicles would be a exciting, risky game element).

The game could be better if developers allowed more than one progression tactic, especially not relating the terrain changing physics. For example, one bridge related progression point is only achieved through changing the terrain (lowering a rock pillar located in the middle) even though jumping off objects to reach bridge, physically possible in other situations, is not allowed here. Health issues directly relate to the terrain mechanic as well. For example, if Brody stays in open areas, then his health goes down quickly. Solution: raise the terrain for a shield up for protection then the health shield recharges while in cover and avoiding fire. Enemies will often shoot from far distances with surprising accuracy plus they constantly destroy cover.

The multiplayer modes include quick or custom matches with leader boards for bragging rights. Game types include the standard free for all, team free for all, capture the flag, one flag capture the flag, kingmaker and team kingmakers plus the multi defending break-in (team kingmaker variation) and balancing act excavation where teams increase their spike count while destroying the enemy’s tally.

Multiplayers may likely find less time to mess with terrain with everyone attacking you plus players don’t get any command options. Terrain changing also gives your position away, so unless you have a group with you, it’s better to quickly find a spot and stay on the offense using the always effective elevated position strategy, especially when using the rocket launchers. It really helps to know the map to have any chance with a coordinated attack, otherwise the gameplay slips back into the familiar shoot ‘em up theme.

A stimulating game full of high production values (voice talent, music, etc.) and replay value. Players must invest to find success. The creativity of manipulating terrain on the fly and discovering enemy tactics requires constant effort, which yields entertaining rewards (***1/2, rated T for violence, Playstation 3 and XBox 360).

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 10:34 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Video games.
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