PC - Sierra Entertainment
The menu system was simple and easy to use for getting into game quickly and changing settings. There was no intro movie which made loading quicker but it did lack atmosphere. This was corrected by a lengthy introduction sequence at the start of the game were the player is stuck on a monorail; there was nothing to do except watch and listen. This was good in that it set the scene but it did seem to drag on unnecessarily and a short intro move may have been a better option.
Once game play started properly it was initially just walking around without any combat ability, this let you familiarise yourself with the controls but coupled with the long intro sequence did get a bit dull.
It was easy to get around and the controls were simple to get to grips with, the goals for the player were introduced quickly and once it started properly was very involving.
It is certainly fun, the action is challenging and you are kept on your toes by hidden monsters waiting to jump out at you. It benefits from not being a straight forward rampage but makes you think from time to time, making getting through one part even more rewarding.
The graphics are well done but do not add anything in particular to the game play
The lighting adds to the tension and makes you particularly nervous about entering dark areas.
The game itself is constantly a challenge and there are always new clever ways for you to be attacked, the enemies themselves are reasonably intelligent in how they attack you but do not do anything particularly note worthy
Finding computer team mates who fight along side you is done well, as they will actually assist you and do not run off on their own, following a preset script
Immersion is first started by the extensive intro sequence but it is maintained by using well scripted elements, such as a falling lift as you hit the button, and makes you feel involved by allowing you to interact with the friendly computer characters
Also, the tense game play and challenging combat means that it keeps you immersed as you are always focused on the game.
The camera is a standard FPS first person view point, it works well and a third person view is not really necessary in the mostly internal areas.
The controls are simple and effective, similar to other FPS's and customisable. It's very hard to blame them for any mistakes and can not really be improved
The game is similar to many of FPS games but the small pieces of scripted events do add something to it and stop you from getting bored. Also the ability to play with computer characters who have real personality makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
You are left with the impression of a challenging and fun FPS that isn't repetitive. It has an interesting and involving plot which makes you want to keep on playing and find out what happens at the end.
It is an involving and challenging game but it could be improved by offering more choice to the player, rather than forcing him to react to the game constantly and forcing him down only one route.