"13 can either be your lucky or unlucky number"

It all started when I got viewtiful joe for christmas and decided to exchange it for something else (Joe is not my type of game). I saw XIII and thought that is seemed interesting at the time so I got it. I had trouble right from the start.

Graphics (7/10): I'm not a fan of the cel-shaded games but XIII uses the graphic style greatly. My only problem with it is when your close to a person, you can really see the jagged edges.

Controls (8/10): Its no different then the other FPS games. Just be warned though that you can mistaken these controls for another game. For instance, Z is to crouch in XIII, in MOH Rising Sun, Z is to throw a grenade. I made that mistake many many times.

Gameplay (8/10): Some might call this element repetitive but its all in how you kill the people. Either let it be judo chopping them or sniping them from a roof. Its also very hard to find ways to sneak past guards without being caught in certain levels.

Story (9/10): The president was assassinated and the FBI think you did it. They even have a photo of you holding the rifle in the window. You then find yourself on a beach with amnesia and everyone wants you dead. I better stop before I spoil it for you. All I will say is that there are 20 conspirators and you find out that the tattoo on your upper chest tells you that you are one of them, you're number 13...

Multiplayer (8/10): I personally liked the multiplayer alot because of the AI. You find that the computer, instead of holding still while shooting you, likes to move around alot. The AI also will retreat if it thinks you will kill it soon. I have never seen this sort of AI in a FPS game before. It surely makes it alot harder to kill. There might only be a few modes of play but the AI makes it difficult and very fun.

Difficulty (8.5/10): Just to tell you, I am not the stealthy type. The game was first played on normal. I told you, I had trouble right from the beginning. The game has a pumped up recoil system to make it even harder. Enemies seem to know how to shoot a shotgun and kill you from a mile away. Most of the bosses are easy but you run into a select few that are practically impossible. Explosions seem to really hate you also. You could be standing 20 feet away from the explosion and still have it to lots of damage to you.

Overall (7/10) NOT AN AVERAGE: I would have to say that its a really good game for some multiplayer and the story should keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rent or Buy Rent: This is very hard choice since some could take longer then a week to beat it because of the difficulty. The multiplayer is very good. I also couldn't find this in video renting places. If you can find it then rent it and hope and pray that the difficulty doesn't get you down.

Graphics: (7/10)
Controls: (8/10)
Gameplay: (8/10)
Story: (9/10)
Multiplayer: (8/10)
Difficulty: (8.5/10)
Overall: (7/10)
Rent or Buy: Rent

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/07/04