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Dark Sector PS3 Review - www.impulsegamer.com -

Gameplay 8.3
Graphics 8.6
Sound 8.2
Value 8.3
Distributor: All for All
Classification:
MA15+
Review Date:
October 2008
Reviewer:
Tyrone Williams

8.3


Dark Sector

Dark Sector may be the sleeper hit of 2008 and is the creation of Digital Extremes, the developers responsible for Unreal Tournament. Featuring a storyline steeped in science fiction mythos, the tale of Dark Sector is quite sinister at times and actually suits the genre perfectly as it engrosses you into this interesting mystery.

Set in the fictitious European country of Lasria, gamers takes the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black ops agent who has been sent on a dangerous assassination mission. Unbeknown to him, this European country contains a dark cold war secret that will challenge the very fabric of Hayden's reality.

Features

  • All-New, Original Action Title Built from the ground-up specifically for next-generation consoles, Dark Sector offers an original storyline that absorbs players in one of the most cinematic and emotionally-gripping 3rd person action game to date.
  • Evolution Powers After being exposed to a failed cold-war experiment, Hayden will physically evolve specialised superpowers that become more lethal and sophisticated over time.
  • The Glaive A bladed disc that grows out of Haydens infected hand, this weapon will be one of the key elements throughout the game. The strength and versatility of this weapon make it truly unique and compelling.
  • It can be thrown at enemies with brutal results
  • Collect elements from the environment such as fire and electricity to use on enemies and interact with the world.
  • Contains a light source to be used in dark areas; can be used in conjunction with conventional weapons.
  • No HUD Dark Sector removes traditional on-screen elements such as health bars and ammo meters, instead using the character himself as the HUD. As the character takes damage he will begin to physically show it, ammunition levels will be displayed on guns, available weapons and inventory will be displayed on the character all serving to keep the player focused on the character and the gameplay.
  • Intuitive controls Simplified and intuitive controls keep players immersed in the action freeing them to utilise their skills in targeting and eliminating enemies.
  • Dynamic Camera Dark Sector employs an over-the-shoulder 3rd person perspective giving the player a full view of the world around him, while also showing full visual of Hayden, to allow the player to make a connection with the character.
  • Upgradeable Conventional Weapons Beyond the evolution powers, Hayden will have an arsenal of conventional weapons at his disposal that can all be upgraded and made more powerful throughout the game.
  • Intelligent AI Players will employ special tactics while encountering new and different enemy combat tactics as the evolving AI communicate amongst themselves, take cover and offer realistic responses to player actions.
  • Compelling Main Character Hayden Tenno is a cold-blooded, ruthless character who has superhero type powers and responsibility thrust upon him a true anti-hero who makes no excuses for his actions. Through the storyline, players will witness Haydens transformation into something more than he was, his fight against the powers taking over his body and the effects it has on his psyche.

The lead character is also voiced by Michael Rosenbaum who played Lex Luthor from the TV series Smallville and truly lends himself quite well to the character. The twist of the main character is that he suffers from a type of neurological condition that prevents him from feeling pain and in turn makes him the perfect the soldier, although there is a catch as you delve deeper into the game.

As you become involved in this cold war secret, so does your character's powers evolve which offers some interesting gaming twists as opposed to your stock standard third person shooter.

At times, the game is quite reminiscent of Microsoft’s Gears of War in the way the action takes place during the game which adds to the atmosphere of the title and gives you a real sense of urgency as you interact with the gaming world. Those XBox owners had it, so why not PS3 owners? The title contains enough challenges and varied mission objectives to keep you entertained from start to finish thanks to the carefully scripted storyline.

In relation to gameplay, Dark Sector plays extremely well on the PlayStation 3 which perfectly uses the controller and nothing seems too forced or complicated with the control system. The combat of the title is surprisingly refreshing for a almost first person shooter like experience as the AI at times can be quite challenging and equally frustrating. With that in mind, the AI does adapt to the way you play so you cannot rely on the same on old tactics.

Weapon-wise, the title contains a variety of different weapons which although doesn’t add much to the genre is still quite entertaining as you discover new weapons and when the odds are down, the traditional gun always works wonders. The Glaive, your main weapon is a bladed weapon that is a cross between a Klingon battle axe and something the predator would use as it can also be used to throw at your enemies for some entertaining results.

For those wanting some multiplayer excitement, Dark Sector also delivers in this aspect and although it offers your standard multiplayer options, the gaming engine and weapons available creates quite a polished result. At the time of the review, there was a lack of players, however for the servers we did find, Dark Sector had us all blasting our way to victory.        

Graphically, the title is quite impressive on the PS3 with exceptional graphics, especially the lighting effects that looks amazing. As mentioned earlier, the voice acting is brilliant in the game and match that with a great ambient soundtrack and this is one good sounding game.

In conclusion, Dark Sector is a good game and although it doesn’t offer the gaming world anything new in terms of innovative gameplay, it’s a good old fashioned third person shooter that is quite slick in terms of presentation, gameplay and story. Definitely one for gamers who crave this genre and even if you don’t, you may be pleasantly surprised.





 

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