The Thing

"This game has changed the adventure genre forever!"

Heavily based on the classic John Carpenter horror movie, The Thing delivers squad based tactics in a survival horror game, which are a very good mix, and the game is executed well, and has much to offer to each and every PS2 gamer.

You control Blake, who along with his squad, and flown into Antarctica to uncover the mysterious disappearance of scientists. From the minute your copter touches down you are free, to play endlessly on this superb game.

You can’t however stay out in the cold, unforgiving weather for longer than about a minute (or in game terms, when the freeze bar fills up), you must take cover, oust you and your team will freeze to death. Whilst embarking on your epic journey, many items can be picked up, many control boxes and terminals will need fixing, and many Things will need to be killed.

There are many different types of Things, Scuttles can be killed with a few bullets whilst anything bigger, like a Walker will have to be peppered with bullets and then taken out with flame throwers or flame grenades. The weapon range is not huge, but there is plenty for what you need (including grenades), and ammo replenishment can be found in boxes, as can medi-kits. Other items like flairs and fuel (for flame throwers) and maps etc can be found within the huge levels.

As well as all of this, you (as Blake) are completely responsible for you team and its actions, fear levels, reliability, welfare, health etc. You issue them with weapons and ammo, or take something from them; it’s completely up to you.

Along the way, you will recruit new team-mates, and have to complete objectives. There are also CCTV cameras which you will have to use, and switches will have to be pressed, overall, there is great variation to the game play – so much to do, you’ll never get board. Blake will be able to log onto computers and cut scenes will occur every so often to update you with the storyline, or to show you what’s ahead.

Graphics 9 – In one word stunning. Very detailed backdrops, explosions, everything looks superb. So realistic, the developers were so confident of them that they even have close ups of their faces! The things look genuinely scary, straight from the horror film!

Gameplay 10 – A great squad based shooter/adventure/survival horror game. So many things to do, it’s just fun to play. Kill, mend and explore the games expansive levels.

Sound 7 – No music, but wind sounds are good, as well as doors, explosions and enemies. The characters voice acting is superb and they vary what they say, for example tell them to stay, the will say anything from ‘Sir’ to ‘get oudda my face’! Lip sync is not to good, although you don’t really notice, I’m just being picky.

Life Span 9 – Different endings add, as well as being a super game, you’ll want to re-play it over and over.

Overall 9 – A superb game in every respect, which isn’t too hard, with super gameplay and graphics to match, fans of the movie will love it. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, get it, you’ll still love it, and it may inspire you to get the movie! The game has something to offer for everyone, fans of the movie, survival horror fans and adventure game fans – some thing to offer for everyone that is why The Thing is so unique. The atmosphere the game creates is one of fear and emotion, you are in charge, you wear the daddy pants, you do or die! I recommend your immediate purchase, as this is contender for game of the year in my book!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/26/02, Updated 10/26/02