"Boffins V Tentacled Aliens"

Where can we start. For years now, all I’ve heard is how good a game Half Life is. I saw it in passing a couple of times, even picked up the box once. From what I could tell it looked like a normal First Person Shooter with an Alien/X-Files/Conspiracy Theme. At least it sounded good. But with a low spec Computer, I never got to play the best games available. But with the Power of the PS2 and with the help of several developers, the much-loved PC Super king hits the PS2.

You play Mr. Gordon Freeman, a scientist at the black Mesa research facility an underground Lab Complex financed by the stereotypically ruthless U.S Government. AKA Area 51. Your job as a researcher is to extract the power from alien organisms for some reason we’ll come to eventually. One day though there is an accident and a terrible viral strain is released turning the feeble boffins into Aliens replete with tentacles, Claws and anything from Predator to Aliens. This puts Gordy in the position of Mr. Cleanup where he has to escape the facility, the Extra Terrestrials and the attention of a human cleanup squad. You are the garbage, though.

Obviously, it was intended that you take on the role of Gordon Freeman. The game doesn’t start with an FMV or an intro Movie of any kind. You see Gordon through his own eyes as his Hover Bus takes off an lands him in the core of the facility. Okay, Okay, so we can assume the role of a normal guy. Good Eh? No. This Bus ride is longer than Titanic. It just goes on forever leaving you powerless. In fact all you can do is watch the names of the developers scroll up and down the screen as the ride goes on and on. Or better yet leave the room for 7 minutes. Basically this is just a niggle-but why couldn’t they give us a short FMV instead of a tedious opening 20 minutes. Oh yeah, you need to go down to the corre unarmed and actually do the deed that destroys the place. I rented this game expecting a First Person Shooter. the Shooting doesn’t start for about 20 minutes into the game. I was very frustrated when the time came round to start shooting.

Visually, the game is a very accomplished piece with some decent background, nice levels and some hideous monsters that take a bit of killing. Levels are mass sprawling areas that take a while to complete. They are so big that it is quite hard to replay. Thankfully. There is a quick save option allowing you to retrace your steps quickly. There are alos a fwew more levels to keep you occupied,. Multiplayer mode id quite good, especially with 4 players. This may be the one saving grace.

Unfortunately, this is a situation where “Where did it go wrong?” Comes to mind. Unfortunately, not all PC games turn out to be PS2 Successes as this proves. There are far better offerings out there already, and this game should be avoided.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 04/30/02, Updated 04/30/02