"An incredibly great story-driven FPS"

Ok, lets set the way-back machine to 1998. A great, critically acclaimed game comes out, with revolutionary graphics, a great story for a FPS of that time, and an addictive multiplayer. Sadly though, it sells like crap and is now being sold in bargain bins for round $10. This was partly due to bad advertising and no name recognition for this game. Of course, you didn't come here for sale numbers, but my thoughts on this game. Well here you go.

Graphics---10
While weak in today's standards, it was mind-blowing when it came out. The closest thing to accurate shadows, great particle effects, and very detailed mechs. Everything in this game looked amazing. The explosions actually showed the shockwave come towards you, pieces of something blown up had nice smoke trails, and the world was full of detail.

Gameplay---10
Basically straight up action, but done very well. There are two parts to this game, on foot and in mech. They have the same gameplay mechanics, it is all just different weapons and everything is proportioned differently. While there were a few ''puzzles'', they really shouldn't be considered puzzles becuase they all took little to no thinking to figure out. What is really nice though is the fact that almost every object can be destroyed. Hate the tree or t.v., blow it to kingdom come. Objects can even be used as weapons, for instance if a mech is standin next to a car, just blow up the car to damage the mech.

Multiplayer---9
While in its day it was great, it just can't hold a candle to Unreal Tournament and Quake III Arena. It is basic deathmatch in very well done environments, and you can play in a mech or on foot. While its stand-a-lone multiplayer isn't that great, its mods are what bring it up to a 9. One mod lets you do capture the flag, Team Deathmatch, etc... The greatest mod for it though actually lets full-sized mechs go against tiny little footsoldiers. One other nice thing about Shogo's multiplayer is the fact that it is near lagless, even with all 56kers.

Sound---10
Great music. Great sounds, nuff said. Everything sounds like it should, whether it be explosions, gunshots, or just simple screams.

Story---10
While not comparable to Japanese RPGs, it was really good for a FPS of that time. Not to give anything away, but it has two endings, each taking different paths, and a nice little twist for you lucky players.

Replayability---10
While there are two endings, those are little reason to replay this. The real reason you will keep coming back is the simple fun that it has. I bought this game since it came out, and I still play it every once and a while. It is just that addictive.

Buy or Rent
Obviously, you can't rent a PC game, so I will have to say buy. It's cheap, it's fun, just get it already!!!!

Final Score---9.83 which rounds to 10!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/27/03