Expendable

"Solid shoot 'em up ."

Introduction:
To be honest I wanted Jedi Power Battles, it sounded like my cup of tea, mow down Battle Droids with light sabers all while listening to classic Star Wars music. Instead, I got expendable, and while I am disappointed I didn't get the other game, I am still glad got this one. Expendable is a game in the vein of classics like Contra and Smash TV. You are an expendable unit whose sole purpose is to push back the invading enemy and eventually fight them on their home world. The story doesn't really matter, what does is that you destroy whatever comes your way. Even if you accidentally kill a hostage it is dubbed a "Mercy Killing" so you can shoot anything that comes your way, and shoot it you will.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics get the job done, nothing amazing, yet at the same time nothing crappy. There are lots of explosion and other bits of what is now dubbed as "eye candy" to enjoy such as exploding aliens. All of this happens with a very solid frame rate, only a few times does the frame rate ever slow down, and that is when there are tons of enemies and explosions going off on screen at once. Other than that the graphics have no problems, nor are they anything to write home about. I say this in comparison to other games of today, while being lenient a bit when realizing the game is almost 5 years old.

Sound: 7/10
The game has good sound effects, and an unoffensive music track. Explosions, laser blasts and flames shooting out of a flame thrower all sound like they should, and the music isn't bad either. Though you probably won't hear it too much as you will be busy mowing down the alien hoards. The developers handled the sound quite well, they made sure it sounded right and made sure it was there, but at the same time made sure it took a back seat to the on screen action.

Gameplay: 7/10
Truly the meat and potatoes of any game. No matter how good the graphics and sound might be the game is nothing without good gameplay. Fortunately for Expendable, it hits the nail right on the head with solid shoot 'em up action. In the game you can get a multitude of weapons including lasers flamethrowers and chain guns, and use them to blow your enemies to smithereens. The gameplay is pure action with a minimum of switch throwing and key card gathering. I feel they added just enough "puzzle solving"(mind you I use this term EXTREMELY loosely) to keep the game well paced. I think the "grab the key card" elements provide nothing more than a quick breather from the action, and in that sense they server their purpose well. All this is well and good, but Expendable goes one step further and adds two player mode. This way you and a friend can slaughter the alien masses together, and nothing says friendship like firing lasers while back to back with your buddy.

Overall: 7/10
I never like giving games bad ratings, simply because if I don't like a game, I don't usually play it long enough to even write a review for it. The only exception I have ever made to this is RoadKill(read my review on that if interested). I feel that most all games are good, and in their own way can provide enjoyment to someone. Fortunately I don't have too much to knock Expendable for, all I can say is that it is a solid game and if you come across it, would make a great addition to your collection. It isn't epic, it isn't Halo 3, and it isn't KOTOR, but what it is can provide loads of enjoyment, especially when played with a friend.

OOOWWWW Have Mercy!!!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/07/05