[Timgt5]

Another review of interesting, yet overlooked game called XIII

Developer: Ubisoft
Platforms: Xbox, PS2, PC
Type: FPS
Rating: M

XIII is without a doubt a rather unique shooting game both for its graphic style and deep storyline. It was a commercial failure, people at the time did not get the concept.

The Premise: The game takes place in an alternate 60's universe. The opening scene is the assaination of president William Sheridan, in a scene reminesent of the Kennedy assasination. His brother vows to run for president and bit by bit an elaborate conspiracy is revealed. Your Character simply known as XIII awakes after being washed up on a beach with amnesia. He must recover his memory and get to the bottom of the conspiracy. It's a deep story with a lot of twists and turns and unfortuately sets up a sequel that never materialized.

The gameplay: This one is a first person perspective shooting game, made by the same people who produce Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, though this one has less emphasis on realism and is more "arcady" in actual play. The mechanics are rather fluid and the controls simple to learn, In addtion to using guns, XIII can interact with the environment. He can pick up objects like chairs and use them as weapons. He also has a grapling hook to help reach those touch spots. Over all, well done here. There is a multiplayer mode, but it feels rather "tacked on" here.

Graphics and Sound: The game eschews the trend toward photo-realism by cell shading. This process in essence creates the effect of a moving three dimensional cartoon. The images are sharp and very detailed. Cartoon effects such as words to descibe certain sounds or impacts( bam, rat ta tat etc..) are utilized and when sniping a seperate panel pops up with a close-up of the kill. Its all executed smoothly. There are a wide variety of environments, indoor and outdoor depicted in the game. Among games of this type its rather unique. The sound effects are also well done and the soundtrack is very solid and appropriate to the setting and action. The voice of XIII is supplied by actor David Duchuvany( who better to play somebody caught up in a government conspiracy) His ally, Major Jones is played by rapper/actress Eve, and general Carrington is played by Adam West ( AKA TV's Batman) The dialogue is well written and performed.

Kids Corner: Do not let the appearance fool you. Despite the cartoonish look, the game is rather violent and graphic in its depictions. The ideas are a bit adult in nature as well and its a rather dark plot. There is a minimal amount of swearing and no nudity.

Overall: It's shame that this was so overlooked when it came out. This game had a lot of interesting ideas and took a different path. The good news is if you are interested this game can be bought for 10 dollars or less. Its off the beaten trail, but great in its own way.

Below is some of the gameplay footage:

[mandazzle]

Interesting. Looks like something me and my cousin would defenitely be interested in.

You mean "my cousin and I" :-P

[tr56]

i heard it's like a cartoon