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XIII Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)
Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 @ 01:39:52 am E.S.TAt first glance, XIII is easily dubbed a very unique looking game. However, to call this game merely unique looking would be an understatement. XIII is the first game of its genre to successfully use cel-shaded graphics. The description ‘unique’ not only applies to the visuals, but several other aspects of XIII as well. XIII has proven to be diverse in nearly all aspects. Although nearly every area of XIII’s presentation is unique, there’s no better place to start than with its visuals.
XIII is based on a French comic, and visually, that fact is conveyed very well. The cel-shaded graphics help XIII to look like the comic book gone 3D that it truly is. Of all XIII’s visuals, the character designs stand out as being exceptionally well done. Each of the characters looks as if they are from a three-dimensional comic, as they should. To add to their delightful appearance each is intuitively designed. Only one snag in the character models keeps them from being exceptional, and this was the over use and repetition of the same characters. Throughout every level, you’ll run into identical characters more than a handful of times, which eventually starts to take away from their exceptional design.
Now that's some fancy shooting.
In contrast to the character designs, the game's various environments leave something more to be desired; the environments sometimes appear just a little bit too true to life to feel as if you were truly playing a comic book. Although this does not really hold the game back in any way, it does take something away from excitement of playing a comic book-styled game. Something particularly interesting about the environments of XIII is that not only do you hear sounds, but in a sense, you see it as well.
XIII’s sound is really quite amazing. Unlike the rest of the games in the FPS crowd, the designers of XIII chose to use jazz-styled music for the game’s soundtrack. The background music alone is pleasing and fits the game well. However, the sounds of the people and environment around you are what truly bring the game to life. Standing near a corner, you’ll be able to hear the approaching “Tap, Tap, Tap”, of the guard’s footsteps. In addition to this, you’ll see an approaching “Tap, Tap, Tap”, in comic-book-style lettering. This law applies to the sounds of weapons and happenings around you as well. This creates not only an engrossing feel, but creates a whole new aspect of gameplay as well.
The control scheme is definitely one of XIII’s strong suits. Gadgets and weaponry are selected using opposite ends of the control pad, making the jump from pistol to grappling hook a much quicker move. In addition to this, all commands on the control pad are easily executed without having to take your finger off the trigger or navigate any menus. Like many FPS games, you’ll have to cycle along to select a specific weapon, but this is not an uncommon feat in such a game.
Bringing out the big guns.
XIII’s gameplay is a blend of both the good and the bad elements of the FPS genre. Its major strong point is the variety you experience throughout the game. As the maps are all quite unique, the gameplay you’ll experience on each one of them will vary as well. The feeling of such variety keeps the game from feeling stale. Also, the gameplay is structured in a way that you’ll want to use the right weapon for the task at hand. Due to the fact that particular types of ammunition are found less frequently than others, a certain element of strategy is added to the overall gameplay. While the bulk of XIII’s gameplay is a positive experience, certain aspects of the combat are somewhat sub par, namely the enemies who seem to be oblivious of your being, until you reach a certain area, at which point they’ll ruthlessly open fire on you. However, not all of the combat found in this package is poor. It also features an auto-aiming system which requires you to use some skill, an element of combat which seems to have been missing from many of the recent shooters. As a bonus, XIII features a multiplayer mode which is offered online as well. Although it is nothing special, if you have a handful of buddies willing to play it certainly makes for a good time. Looking at the complete package, XIII leaves a bit to be desired in terms of gameplay, but should definitely catch the eye of a typical FPS enthusiast.
To wrap it up, XIII is a unique FPS worthy of a rental at the very least. Although this is not the greatest shooter to roll along this year, fans of the genre should be sure to check it out. With sleek visuals, amazing sound and some unique gameplay you’ll want to get your hands on XIII at least once. Review By: Kent Mackowiak - 1141 Reads
XIII Review Scores for PS2 :
| Gameplay |
| 7.5 |
| Graphics |
| 8.5 |
| Sound |
| 9 |
| Replay |
| 8 |
| Overall |
| 8.3 |
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