Geist

"A great game that is getting bad publicity for it's graphics..."

When I first heard about this game nearly a year ago I knew I had to get it. The whole concept of the game sounded fun and interesting and I couldn't wait for it to get released. Anyway, on with the review...

Story: 8/10
I've never been one to base my purchase of games on story, though the story to this game isn't overly complicated and rather interesting. You assume the role of John Raimi and you infiltrate the Volks Corporation to find information on a mysterious virus they're experimenting with. Upon try to escape you are shot and your soul is ripped from your body with a giant machine, leaving your main goal to find your body.

Graphics: 8/10
I almost decided to leave this out of my review considering my standpoint on graphics. This game's graphics can be below par at points, but it's not like they're terrible or anything. Occasionally the framerate slows, but not for more than a few seconds, and even then it's usually hard to notice. I say if you're considering not buying this game for these reasons alone, you're missing out.

Sound: 7/10
A lot of people seem to be giving this game grief over it's music. I personally like the music, yes, all of it. The only thing I'm disappointed in is the sound effects. A lot of the guns don't sound like they really would in real life. This game also pulled a Zelda, meaning Raimi is a mute, and characters you talk to only say one thing like "Yes, Raimi" and you have to read what they really say. The sound effects and voices are the only thing I really have to complain about.

Gameplay: 9/10
Ah, the most important part of a game, how fun it is. Let's face it, possessing an explodable crate then detonating it is fun, especially when you see a nearby soldier fly through the air in slo mo. :) I must say I was not disappointed with this game at all, partially because of the challenge it offered, but mostly over the "fun factor" of it. The first level is slow, almost uneventful, and boring, but stick it out past that level and you won't be disappointed. The fact that the game is really linear is a tad annoying, but you have to remember, there are limits to programming still. You wouldn't want the game to be one disc per level, would you?

Multiplayer: 10/10
Another great plus to this game, especially if you have 3 other people to play against. Plus this game has bots so you don't even need anyone else to play against to play this game. The levels are awesome, especially Office, which thankfully is the first one you unlock. Honestly though, the multiplayer is one of the most fun multiplayer modes on any game I've played.

Rent or Buy:
I personally would say buy it. If you get past the first level and you don't analyze the game and just play it to have fun, then you'll love the game.

Final Score: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/05