Gunman Chronicles

"Half-Life Engine: Yes Half-Life Gameplay: No"

Redwolf obviously worked close with Valve to learn the details of the Half-Life engine, and it shows. However, they should have also worked with Valve for AI and gameplay as well, because that is where this game falls.

Graphics wise, this game is pretty good. I for one, like the half-life engine. Redwolf pushed the engine to its limits. Not to mention they overcame the great quake 2 barrier as I call it. The quake1 and quake 2 engines(of which half-life is a hybrid of those two) have one major flaw, they are not very versatile for ''outside'' levels. Meaning, most of the levels(in quake/quake2/half-life) are mostly inside. Now half-life did a pritty good job at getting outside with the ''surface'' levels, but upon further inspection on replaying the game, you'll notice that even the surface levels are rather linear. Especially compared to the Unreal engine, just pick any level in Deus Ex. I bring this up to mention that the levels in Gunman, especially the Jungle and Desert levels, you have a non-linear feeling while playing them. Plus all the levels are great in detail, so when it comes to graphics this is a great game.

Unfortunatly nothing else really stands out. The story line is rather good, but is not shown to its fullest as the game itself is rather short. The ending is pretty good, but leaves a few unanswered questions. What happens is you eventually befriend an AI similar to System Shock 2, you are enemy's but given the situation at hand, you have a mutual interest. In this game, however, the AI doesn't betray you once you help it come to power.

Sound is also something that I'm mixed about. While gameplay sounds, and explosions are done well, the voice of the AI sounds like its a wannabe Shodan or Xerxes from System Shock 2, no joke. It basically sounds like some female that is pissed off because her husband left her and wants revenge. Sound rather non-awe-inspiring? That's because it isn't.

Gameplay, again, could have been a contender, but falls short. THe weapon customization is very unique, and its quite cool.....at first. Yes I was thrilled to be able to choose various setting for my pistol, but when it came down to it, I left it on Rapid fire, unless I changed it to sniper. The one weapon that required big time modification was the chemical gun. A more acid mixture is better against flesh, while a more base mix will be better against droids. Sound good? It would have been except for the fact that you don't get the gun until late in the game, well after you and the AI controlling all the driods become friends and you never need to alter the mixture except putting it on full blown acid, so that it doesn't hurt any of the driods fighting with you.

The other gameplay issue is the character AI and npc interaction. If you expect anything like Half-life, you will very disappointed. They is no interaction between friendly NPCs except for the scripted parts. Furthermore, the AI in general is rather bad.

One good thing I like, that brings this game from a 5-6 to a 7, is the final battle. It is actually a shame this game didn't sell to well, so this type of battle may never be used again. The AI does the actual fighting with the final boss, you just have to cover it from other attackers. Not to mention the build-up to the final battle is rather well done.

In conclusion, this is basically Half-life on budget. If you want a basic FPS with nothing too special, go for it. IF you want something like Half-life or Deus Ex, look else ware.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/16/03