Second Sight

"More mind tricks than a game of Jedi Poker."

Second Sight, this game is underrated, possibly one of the most if not the most underrated game I have ever seen. It has to be said, I find it one of the most appealing games on the Gamecube, not to mention one of the best; the only game I haven't traded in, or even thought about doing so.

Graphics: 9/10

The graphics in the game are pretty good, they are clear and detailed, John Vattic (the main character) has wonderful expression on his face, and in sections in the levels when he talks to himself, there's actually lip-sync! The Psychic Power effects are...odd, trust me, the first time your screen pulses, turns orange, and switches to black-and-white, you will be amazed. Also, for the actual powers, there are blinding lights, flickering images, and huge balls of energy that distort your TV screen. The only letdown for me on the graphical front is the slowdown. Let's face it, it can get pretty hectic when you trip the alarm in a level, and the game sometimes just can't keep up. It's not much, maybe just a little jutter here and there, but it's enough to annoy you in those tight situations.

Sound: 8/10

Wow. Just wow. Some of the effects in this game are amazing, giving powerful noises and explosions when you use your powers or shoot. The voice acting is good, giving you a real sense of the characters emotions, rather than the dull voices you hear in many games. In addition, the other characters in the game talk to you, and say different things when you walk away or use Psychic powers. The background music gives that sense of urgency, like the music in the action scenes from "The Matrix" Trilogy. The only thing about the sound is how face-meltingly annoying it can be when John keeps giving you advice on what to do next when you're trying to do something else.

Story: 9/10

One of the best bits about the game. Second Sight has a truly immersing story, it's like playing a really good movie. I'll try to explain without spoiling the plot. In short, you play as John Vattic, who wakes up in a hospital bed, restrained, knowing nothing about who he is or what he's done. You see him writhe and a glowing light envelop the metal bars holding his wrists. After escaping from his "cell" and getting in an elevator, he has a flashback. This is how the game is structured; one or two levels in the present, then a few in the past, six months earlier. The sections are different, the one in the present is much more "I can't remember!" whereas in the past things are more action based. All in all, I find the Story amazing, and I'm sorry I can't go into more depth with such an amazing part of the game.

Gameplay: 9/10

Now this is where the heart of this game really lies, the gameplay is pure bliss. The control scheme is set up just so it's easy to throw enemies around. There's also a Zelda style Lock-on system, which focuses you straight on the enemies chest, allowing you to fiddle with the aim on the C-Stick and plant a shot straight in their face. The main draw of this game is obviously the Psychic Powers; these are an amazingly wonderful part of the game. You can do practically anything with them. You can lift a guard up from 100 feet away and drop him off a cliff, you can become invisible, you can take enemies out with Psychic Powers. Amazing. The guns are good too, offering a variety of weapons that feel powerful, and of course a Tranq, just for those stealthy moments. The game can be played in different ways too, giving you an approach that varies between Splinter Cell and Resident Evil, for the stealthy gamer, there's Tranquillisers and Psychic Powers, vents and cupboards; for the not-so-stealthy gamer, there's SMGs, Sawn-off Shotguns, in-your-face Psychic Powers and breaking people's backs from behind. The only noticeable flaw is how the stealth approach is meant for the present levels, and the all-out works on the past. This, and the fact that being stealthy is inevitably going to be like Metal Gear Solid. Don't take that the wrong way, it still gets a:

Replay Value: 8/10

So many different ways to play. You'll want to play this again. And again... And again. You get a page that tells you how you did on the level, trying to get the perfect: "Stealth rating: 100%" is a tough job indeed. Although some of the levels are long, which can be boring if you don't like the level.

Overall: 9/10
Second sight is one of the best games on the Gamecube, you need to have this! Unfortunately it isn't very common anymore, and quite hard to find. But if you see this, buy it! It'll be well worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/07/05