C-12 - Final Resistance

Sony Computer Entertainment brings us a title that looks familiar, but has enough differences to stand alone. It's true; C-12: Final Resistance looks and plays like Syphon Filter and Metal Gear Solid. That's a good thing, as you'll know what to expect. 

Set in the post apocalypse future, you play Lieutenant Riley Vaughan, a human that has been modified (bionic eye!!) in hopes to beat the alien enemy that has been turning humans into Cyborgs. You traverse the various levels killing whatever gets in your way-- using the finest weapons that are obtained as you survive. This game reminded me a lot of Escape From New York. That's another good thing. 

The game is gritty, and sets a great mood for the vengeful Vaughan. The music is eerie and the shadows are plentiful. While most hidden corners are nothing to worry about, just knowing they're there is enough to heighten your paranoia-meter. Rest assured, you are never alone or without resources. You are in constant communication as you traverse; being fed your mission data by the folks sitting safely in their command center. The bionic eye they fitted on you serves many purposes. It helps zero-in on targets, and also provides information on objects you view. Cool. Much more useful than the Six Million Dollar Man's!

The game is well balanced in it's requirement for you to discern when to use gun-blazing force, or tread with caution. It is not a run and gun operation. There are puzzles to solve, and you have to understand what Vaughan can do in order to finish a level. Levels? There are six levels/missions to complete. Most of your time is spent feeling out the areas for the terrorizing sniper baddies that hide in the upper regions, or sometimes just stand in your way like taunting juggernauts. 

I found myself wanting to return and try again (and again) after failure, which was refreshing in a shooter of this genre. There were some buggy items (ok, some puzzles really gave me a fit!!), but overall it was a intense game that made the best of the Playstation's abilities. It's no surprise that it comes from Sony. It seems most developers are just producing minimal games for the old Master of systems. It's nice to see a game that pushes the system to it's limits once again.      

Gameplay: 7.5
Lots of fun though not terribly new. It is gritty and surreal enough to give some good chills and keep you coming back for more. Some of the puzzles were a bit "odd", but once solved, very satisfying. 

Graphics: 8 
Great graphics with just a few glitches like "floating" objects that should have been grounded. Good shading and fire effects were very nice. 

Sound: 8.5
Very good music and environmental sounds, but there were some odd wavering volumes at times. Overall, the music enhanced the game greatly. 

Difficulty: Hard
Not just the puzzle-factor, but there were some genuinely difficult areas to navigate (shopping mall!). The camera makes things topsy-turvy and more difficult than they should be at times. Knowing your items and weapons is the key to success.

Concept: 7 
If you've seen Escape From New York, you know what it looks like. If you've played Metal Gear Solid, you know how it plays. Given this type of game, originality is rare, but it holds it's own.

Overall: 8
Maybe I am just starving for this kind of action, but I thought it was one of the best Playstation (action) games to come along in a long time. I can find a lot of things wrong, but it would be forced. Overall, it's very fulfilling and a challenge. The graphics are very good, and the music sets a appropriate mood. If not for some camera issues and a bit of "unfair" attacks here and there, I'd rate it higher. Now, someone tell me where I can one of those bionic eyes!!