Kane and Lynch: Dead Men
Jan 16, 2010 19:07:08 GMT
Post by Cztheron on Jan 16, 2010 19:07:08 GMT
2007 was, indeed the Year of the Gamer. Released were multiple sci-fi games like Mass Effect, BioShock, and Halo 3, shooters like Call of Duty 4, and historical games like Assassin's Creed, most of which scored outstanding reviews. However, it had also seen the release of a game rare to the gaming world, a third-person over-the-shoulder heist action title. Despite an original premise, the game has had mixed and generally poor reviews. So the question is, are Kane & Lynch getting bum raps?
Obviously, a game's greatest asset and selling point is its visual prowess. The opening cut scene of the game showcases the facial detail and animations, both of which are good, and in pre-rendered cut scenes, almost compare to Call of Duty 4's. Character model detail is high, with textures and detail sharp and clear. However, players may be disappointed by simpler environments and object models, such as cars and furniture. Details is lower, as well as the lighting and shader affects. The game's poor visuals can largely be attributed to the outdated Glacier engine used to power the game. While the graphics are by no means cutting edge, they do not retract from the ability to enjoy the game.
Lighting and shader affects are lacking, particularly shader affects. The level of shader detail in Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty 4, and Crysis is nowhere to be found in this title, which has a steady dull light in every corner of the environments. The level of detail of Kane and Lynch's body models is also largely absent on the models of NPCs.
Game play is good if not excellent. Players who come into the game expecting it to be a shooter, however, will be disappointed. The game is a third-person, over-the-shoulder action game, and the combat elements are what one would expect to find in a title of this sort. While the process of aiming, shooting, and taking cover has a frustrating learning curve, it will feel natural and intuitive after the first few missions in the game. Some weapons are lacking in balance. The system of grenade use is slow and ponderous, and the more powerful weapons such as the M249 are largely useless at anything greater than short range. The game's AI is a constraint downside to the game, with enemies often taking cover in front of you or failing to shoot you, and allies often run in random directions in the heat of combat. The weapons often feel underpowered, although select few are remarkably - and unrealistically - accurate, especially the pistol at long ranges, while others do little more than make noise.
Kane & Lynch's story and characterizations are the meat and potatoes of the game, the real reasons to buy it. From the beginning of the game, til the end, the plot drives each level, and sets it apart from shooter games. What this game has that other recent games don't, is, largely, believability, and Kane & Lynch's story would put a Quentin Tarantino movie to shame. Characterization is fleshed out as well also. It becomes impossible not to care about characters in the game, even the psychopath Lynch, as the story unfolds throughout the game. Rather than being pieces of game play, each character represents a major part of the plot. The game also presents a difficult moral choice at the end of the game, the achievements being titled appropriately "Damned if you do" and "Damned if you don't".
So to answer the question, Kane & Lynch has gotten a bad rap. While there's nothing here for players addicted to cutting-edge graphics like in Gears of War, or players who prefer non-stop action ala Halo, players who are willing to dig deeper will appreciate this title. The story, coupled with the game play, brings a game unlike any other. White-knuckle moments are scattered through the game, like when the player is forced to take down a mining dump truck attempted to run over friendly characters on a construction site. Voice acting is also impressive. The game's mediocre graphics and weak AI are the flip side of the coin, the former making the game significantly less impressive, the latter often becoming frustratingly annoying in combat.
With the sequel planned to arrive late 2010, I recommend getting your paws into this, somewhat flawed, gem.
Kane and Lynch: Dead Men 8/10
Obviously, a game's greatest asset and selling point is its visual prowess. The opening cut scene of the game showcases the facial detail and animations, both of which are good, and in pre-rendered cut scenes, almost compare to Call of Duty 4's. Character model detail is high, with textures and detail sharp and clear. However, players may be disappointed by simpler environments and object models, such as cars and furniture. Details is lower, as well as the lighting and shader affects. The game's poor visuals can largely be attributed to the outdated Glacier engine used to power the game. While the graphics are by no means cutting edge, they do not retract from the ability to enjoy the game.
Lighting and shader affects are lacking, particularly shader affects. The level of shader detail in Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty 4, and Crysis is nowhere to be found in this title, which has a steady dull light in every corner of the environments. The level of detail of Kane and Lynch's body models is also largely absent on the models of NPCs.
Game play is good if not excellent. Players who come into the game expecting it to be a shooter, however, will be disappointed. The game is a third-person, over-the-shoulder action game, and the combat elements are what one would expect to find in a title of this sort. While the process of aiming, shooting, and taking cover has a frustrating learning curve, it will feel natural and intuitive after the first few missions in the game. Some weapons are lacking in balance. The system of grenade use is slow and ponderous, and the more powerful weapons such as the M249 are largely useless at anything greater than short range. The game's AI is a constraint downside to the game, with enemies often taking cover in front of you or failing to shoot you, and allies often run in random directions in the heat of combat. The weapons often feel underpowered, although select few are remarkably - and unrealistically - accurate, especially the pistol at long ranges, while others do little more than make noise.
Kane & Lynch's story and characterizations are the meat and potatoes of the game, the real reasons to buy it. From the beginning of the game, til the end, the plot drives each level, and sets it apart from shooter games. What this game has that other recent games don't, is, largely, believability, and Kane & Lynch's story would put a Quentin Tarantino movie to shame. Characterization is fleshed out as well also. It becomes impossible not to care about characters in the game, even the psychopath Lynch, as the story unfolds throughout the game. Rather than being pieces of game play, each character represents a major part of the plot. The game also presents a difficult moral choice at the end of the game, the achievements being titled appropriately "Damned if you do" and "Damned if you don't".
So to answer the question, Kane & Lynch has gotten a bad rap. While there's nothing here for players addicted to cutting-edge graphics like in Gears of War, or players who prefer non-stop action ala Halo, players who are willing to dig deeper will appreciate this title. The story, coupled with the game play, brings a game unlike any other. White-knuckle moments are scattered through the game, like when the player is forced to take down a mining dump truck attempted to run over friendly characters on a construction site. Voice acting is also impressive. The game's mediocre graphics and weak AI are the flip side of the coin, the former making the game significantly less impressive, the latter often becoming frustratingly annoying in combat.
With the sequel planned to arrive late 2010, I recommend getting your paws into this, somewhat flawed, gem.
Kane and Lynch: Dead Men 8/10