kill.switch
is a game that seemed so basic in its concept that I really didn't think I'd
like it because in a sense it's all been done before.
Take a game like
Splinter Cell
and Metal Gear Solid
and give it a more arcade-style feel so you can run about with an easily visible
cross-hair for easy targetting, but don't add any of the panache of
Max Payne 2,
for example, and you have something that seems like it was rushed for release,
but which still manages to be a surpsingly entertaining game and worth a rental at
least.
One thing that is new, is the Offensive Cover System which allows you to keep cover
while still launching frontal assualts on the enemy without being exposed to counter-fire,
or in English, this means you can hide behind a pillar, or similar, and lean out to fire
off a few rounds before turning back, so you avoid being shot full of holes.
I wasn't sure about enjoying this because on first starting up, the graphics see
jaggies galore appearing onscreen as you run about environments which break no new
ground and are fairly drab.
Add to this, sound effects which are nothing to write home about (guns and grenades
and some thumping music in the background as if to exhibit some tension),
plus controls that aren't exact and the camera can be awkwardly positioned at times
depending on where you are in relation to the scenery, but for all its faults, it
does make for an interesting and engaging play.
Other bad points are that it includes those typical baddies who stand near explosive
oil drums, just waiting for you to throw a grenade so they can pretend to run away.
However, at least if you just shoot them a couple of times in non-fatal places they
don't die immediately so it's a bit more realistic in that respect, and it's also
a plus that if you die yourself then the level reloads instantly, rather than some
games which stupidly reload the current level in when it's already there!
It's also rather linear and you'll certainly follow a roughly-set path to get to
your objective for the level.
So, if you think you've been there done that and don't really want more of this type
of game, this won't change your view but you'll still get some entertainment out of it.
Just forget the '90s happened and think of it as a third-person extension on the '80s
arcade actioner Operation Wolf and you'll do fine.
As an addition, this game also comes complete with an exclusive demo of SOCOM II:
US Navy Seals and exclusive footage of Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain.
On a personal note, I did try to play SOCOM and install the PS2 online kit, but
could never get the Network Adaptor to work with Pipex's ADSL Xtreme Solo service, so
if anyone has any advice, please email me.
GRAPHICS SOUND EFFECTS AND MUSIC PLAYABILITY ENJOYMENT
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B
37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier.
PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
Since Jan 2011: Intel Quad Core Dell XPS 8100, i7 CPU 860 @ 2.80Ghz, 8Gb RAM, nVidia GeForce GTS 240, Windows 7
Since Nov 2005: Intel Pentium D 830 3.0Ghz, 1Gb RAM, 128Mb nVidia GeForce 6700XL, Windows XP
Since Aug 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.66Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb GeForce4 MX440 graphics, Windows XP
Since May 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.6Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb ATI Radeon 9600TX graphics, Windows XP
Since Jun 2002: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, 64Mb ATI Radeon 8500LE
Since May 2000: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, Voodoo 3 3000 AGP
I wasn't sure about enjoying this because on first starting up, the graphics see
jaggies galore appearing onscreen as you run about environments which break no new
ground and are fairly drab.
So, if you think you've been there done that and don't really want more of this type
of game, this won't change your view but you'll still get some entertainment out of it.
Just forget the '90s happened and think of it as a third-person extension on the '80s
arcade actioner Operation Wolf and you'll do fine.
