"Probably
the most difficult genre for game producers to become successful in has to be
the FPS arena. While many would argue that RTS are much more diverse, the
competition that surrounds the FPS genre is simply astounding."
Intro
Let's get one thing straight developers (read into sarcasm), gamers
appreciate a good storyline within shooters, but really we just want to blow
things up. Keeping pace with other pseudo hybrid FPS, Enclave tries to
incorporate an engaging storyline. But, in reality what it boils down to is a
simple matter of good vs. evil. The good guys beat the bad guys, but now the bad
guys are fired up and ready to trounce the earth... yawn. Heck, who am I
kidding?
Now that we blitzed through the obligatory storyline, what really makes the game
tick is the somewhat unique gameplay. Enclave is truly a hybrid FPS and you have
to give it to Conspiracy Entertainment for trying to "reinvent the
wheel". I'm a total pushover when it comes to small-time developers for trying
to make a mark on the world; so with said they already have that up on, let's
say, an I.D. or Electronic Arts.
clears throat
Outside from my personal political views from within the gaming P.R. garbage,
Conspiracy Entertainment was one step away from really pillaging the entire
industry. As much as I wanted to proclaim this as the "next best thing to Halo",
there are a few factors that really just made the game a slight disappointment.
The real hook of the game is the intuitive gameplay mechanism. Picture a classic
FPS intermixed with elements of an adventure action game. It seems many games (like
Resident Evil and Eternal Darkness) are leaning towards this sort of
interaction; which is a nice change of pace. You have your standard inventory
system, as well as good old fashioned blow-em-up. The game does have a Max Payne
meets Hexen feel, and you are given the option of choosing one of twelve
characters. The character choice, as well as the medieval environment is
honestly rewarding; yet painfully difficult. The game is not for the novice,
which will surely test the patience of any experienced gamer. This is mostly due
in fact for the "once a level save" routine. Gamers are spoiled little brats who
just have to save their game every ten seconds... I actually liked
the difficulty, but did think there could have been alternative saving options.
It would have been nice to find a "power-up save" option.. a la Resident
Evil/typewriter ribbon.
Aside from the intense challenge, Conspiracy Entertainment didn't help us along
the way in regards to control. The original control scheme should be
customized, for it is the most sloppy setup I have seen in a while.
Unfortunately, there are only two control schemes, and neither fully allows the
gamer to experience the game the way it should be. Once the controls become
tolerable, the overall physics are respectable and realistic. Other small
glitches like damage induced from falling off a block or ladder needed to be
readjusted. The same goes for miserable artificial intelligence. Gameplay is
basically limited to a "hit and run" mentality. I found little strategy or
intelligence was needed in order to combat the onslaught of enemies.
As far as gamemodes go, I totally dug the "choose your path" option. You can
play as either the "good" guys or the "bad" guys. The bad guys are of course
cooler, yet the good guys are much easier managed. Where Enclave strays from
your typical FPS, is the customization allowed as far as equipment goes. You can
acquire a full range of weapons and armor which pits you more into an RPG roll
rather than a vanilla first person shooter. Since Enclave is more of a
"thinking" FPS, there are times where literally nothing is happening and
you have the chance to equip your person with the items and weapons needed to
match the upcoming enemy/situation.
Hexen 2002
Without hesitation, the aspect that really draws buyers in is the brilliant eye
candy. While screen shots alone can't save any game from shelving; in this case
it does the game fair justice. The good far outweighs the bad, and the ambience
of the visuals is simply a masterpiece. From the opening frame, you are sucked
into the medieval ancient world. I'm a sucker for fantasy and the whole chivalry
aspects and was treated to all of the above to the hilt. Environments are large,
looking and just oozing with detail. Blood and gore compliment the character
modeling like peanut butter and jelly. As good as the graphics are, however does
come with somewhat of a price. At first glance all seems to be flawless, but
after further examination you will notice some glitches in the matrix. The
largest flaw, visually, has to be the cookie-cutter type animations sequences.
The animations seem far too pre-generated and lifeless. If the developers would
have spent a bit more time on the animations, the graphics could easily be one
of the best the XBOX has seen.
The lowest point in the game has to be the lack of ingenuity of the soundtrack.
The audio is bland, boring and just plain bad. While I appreciate the whole
renaissance flavor, it is way over the top and seems to be a remake of the old
Castles game back in the 80's. Sound effects, however, are crisp and
precise and the timing of the events is magically intermeshed with the gameplay.
Most will take notice the sound effects, and although the musical score was drab
the effects almost make up for it...
66 Says:
I don't want to say rent the game, but those who will purchase this might be a
bit disappointed. Probably the hugest no-no will be the lack of in game saving
and will really frustrate 99% of the gaming public. Honestly, the game was so
close to becoming a huge hit that it really depressed me. I think if the
developers would have spent simply one more month on ironing out the details
they could have earned a place in XBOX history.
For those who enjoy a challenge, intermixed with a variety of gameplay elements
should find the game highly rewarding after completion (about 10 hours).
In fact, after beating the game I felt better than usual and really felt that I
achieved something... kind of like when you found that first warp zone in
Super Mario Bros.. The challenge, will in fact, draw hard core gamers and
make this an underground success. Unfortunately, as with all game platforms it's
not the devoted who make or break a company. It is, however, the zombie-like
drones that see fancy eye candy and read poorly written reviews and gravitate
like sheep to the slaughter to their nearest retailer, who actually makes the
publishers money.
7.2
