Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

"This game made me forget to sleep!"

This is a truly incredible game. I haven't played a game like this in while. It will make you stay up for hours on end!

Graphics- 9.5/10

The graphics are really great. The character modeling is excellent as well as the environment. All the objects look very realistic. The blood is also realistic. The powers you have are displayed really well too. At certain parts though, the game can get a bit too dark. This game uses rag doll physics or the Havoc engine.

Gameplay- 9.5/10

The gameplay is very well laid out. All the powers are fun to use as well as the regular weapons. Enemy AI is very intelligent (e.g. when you throw a grenade back at them they run away and they respond to your actions very well). Each area has things you can use against your enemies or protect you from your enemies. There are also mini-games that you can unlock as you progress through the game.

Sound- 10/10

The sound is excellent. The sound effects of the guns, powers, environmental objects, and potential weapons are superb. Enemies say or shout things according to your actions. The sound when hitting an enemy (or shooting), makes the experience much better. If you have a surround sound system, so much the better.

Story- 9.3/10

There is a good storyline for this game. Basically you are a white male trying to retrieve your psychic powers while uncovering the truth. You may not want to do the story again after you've finished (unless you want to try higher difficulty levels), but there are plenty of other things to do. There's the training area, where you can use your unlocked powers against enemies you've fought. Plus there are other features you can use (after you unlock them).

The Powers- 10/10

The psychic powers in this game are awesome! Not only can you use them to defeat enemies, you can use them to solve puzzles and as transport. You can also use them to create alternate ways to defeat your enemies, or combine powers to win. I won't tell you them here, but these powers are really radical!

Difficulty- 10/10

Psi-Ops provides a good challenge for many players. When you achieve a new power, the game takes you to training level, or a tutorial, of how to use the new power. This should help people with problems. If you came for a challenge, look no further.

Controls- 8/10

The controls can take you some time to get used to (especially the powers). You should practice in the training area when you've still got problems with the controls of new powers and stuff. In the two player mode it will definitely take while to get used to the controls.

Overall- 9/10

This is a must-have game, so buy it NOW!!! If you don't like this game then you have a problem. Oh yeah, this game is rated M, so ask your parents to buy with you if you're under 18.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/26/05