XIII

"Belgian Comic Book + FPS = Genius!"

XIII was a Belgian comic book published many years ago. It's no kiddy comic, as it contained blood, violence, some bad languauge and a complex storyline. Sounds like the makings of a great FPS eh? The problem is that there are too many good FPS games out these days. There's Halo, Timesplitters, Metroid Prime, Area 51, Doom III and many more. It's hard to get attention to a good game without some sort of gimmick.

Cel-Shading is a technique usually used in kiddy games to make it seem more like a cartoon. No previous FPS game had used Cel-Shading...until XIII. Seen as the game originated as a Comic book, cel-shading really compliments the game. Anyway, on with the review.

*STORY*

The story of XIII follows a man who wakes on a beach ,having lost his memory. He is hunted down by mercenaries and the FBI and has no clue to his identity apart from a key to a safe in Winslow Bank and a tattoo of the roman numerals XIII(13). The FBI eventually capture him, and he is arrested for apparently assassinating the president. Photos show it was definitely him, Steve Rowland, but Steve Rowland had already been killed. Who is our main character? I'll let you find out, but it's a great story, if not a little complex. The only complaint I have is the cliff-hanger ending. Surely a XIII 2 is on the way?!

10/10

*GRAPHICS*

As I mentioned before, XIII uses cel-shading to make it seem like a living comic book. This is done very well but it is not the only comic book like feature.
Comic book panels come up in the corner to show action happening off screen, preventing the need for constant cut-scenes. Panels also come up if you shoot an enemy from long range, showing the true extent of the damage. Rather than having subtitles, other character's speech is shown in bubbles, but unlike subtitles, these bubbles change in size, depending on your distance from the character speaking. This is useful when trying to work out where enemies are, especially seen as they sing quite alot! Sound effects are also shown in text form. If you shoot a rocket launcher at something, the word 'BOOM' will come up across the screen. The same goes for other noises, including enemies footsteps. The sound of footsteps works much like the speech bubbles, changing in size depending on distance. A very cool feature indeed.

10/10

*GAMEPLAY*

This game plays a dream. Perhaps not as fluent as Halo, but excellent none the less. The speed of movement and the crossheir are perfect, allowing accurate shooting and precise movement easily. Levels are vast and detailed, allowing interaction with most objects (filing cabinets, draws, doors etc.). There is a vast array of weapons, which all handle uniquely and change the speed of movement. Carrying an M-60 will slow you down considerable compared to a handgun. The only problem is that of grenades, which have to be equipped individually and are quite irritating to use. There are also quite a few gadgets that can be used, from radio-mic. to grapple hook, all of which add a great deal of variation. All the levels have a different feel to them, but sometimes a lack of detailed objectives or advice can lead to problems.

9/10

*OVERALL*

XIII is a great game, and a great experience. No gamer should miss out on this often overlooked gem of an FPS. Now that this game is available at a bargain price, there really is no excuse not to buy it.

9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/24/06