Score: 82
Overall User Average: 8.13 / 10 (81.9%)
Gameplay User Average: 8.07 / 10
Graphics User Average: 8.67 / 10
Sound User Average: 8.47 / 10
Rib
Date reviewed: November 24, 2005.
Overall: Gun and run shooter with a really cool and deep history. XIII is first of all a popular comic book and the translation fron comic book to game is a success.
Gameplay: Run and gun shooter. First person. The 3 really interresting things about this game is 1-Voice acting, 2-Cell shading and 3 story line.
Graphics: It has it's very own feel. Developper take care of respecting the original soul of the comic book. It is a nice twist from all the look alike shooter
Sound: Sound is immersive when action starts. Voice acting is really well done. Another little thing, you can play this game in english or in french since it was developped in Montreal by UBISOFT.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Whisper
Date reviewed: June 4, 2005.
Overall: This game was quite a fresh installment into the FPS genre. With a way different feel than others, it was one of my favourite rental-games of the XBOX. It's a shame the game didn't do well and is quite underrated.
Gameplay: The game offered up excitement, some challenging instances in levels, and a decent storyline. Playing as Moulder, errr.. XIII will keep you into the story. However this game does just follow the FPS formula, so it is quite predicatble.
Graphics: I give them credit for going a different route in the graphics department here. The cell-shading is quite beautiful.. and gives it a true comic book feel, which I'm sure they were going for. I definently couldn't play all games like this.. but for this game the cell shading just seemed to fit. Well done.
Sound: The gun sounds are a bit strange, but everything else is fine. I like the voice acting from Moulder. If you pretend to be playing X-Files.. the game is more fun.
Suggestions: Don't ruin your game with a crappy sequel. If you're going to make a sequel, go ALL OUT and make both games famous.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
SamSmith
Date reviewed: December 10, 2004.
Overall: quite good, but it could have been a bit better... very ingenious, and inventive... but often lacks when it comes to gameplay.
good for short-term fun... but not a long term game.
Gameplay: gameplay is unique... and the developers must be congratulated for that, but it is often confusing and the areas in which it gets it right could have been expanded upon.
not bad at all, but not really where the game shines.
Graphics: xiii is a really beautiful, and completly unique game... and it manages to make you feel as if you are in a comic world... THUMP!! SLASHH THWUMP!! you get the idea, words like this that appear on screen dont make it look stupid, but actually add to the games unique feel.
although it is slightly blocky, it does not subtract from the overall high quality visual style.
sure it wont be treating your xboxs graphics card to a workout, but it will be treating your eyes to a feast of convincing, unique and immersive visuals.
Sound: effects are nice, music is okay... and everything falls nicely into place, but there is no real innovation in this area... no complaints,but it could have been expanded upon.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 60 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 70 %
BG_Master
Date reviewed: February 7, 2004.
Overall: as you probably know, its a cel-shaded (made to look like a comic book) shooter.... the story is the most immersive i've ever seen in a game... xbox live is good, which an advantage over the current halo (though soon we will have halo 2), and plain old split-screen is good.... basically, the reason you buy this is if you want a great one player story that is fun, challenging, and immersive...
Gameplay: well, it plays like any other shooter, except with a story that is a least 10 times better... good guns, enemies are the way they are supposed to be, realistic, what else could you ask for (besides a master chief)?
Graphics: visuals... um, well, they are comic book graphics (like a lot of games are doing nowadays, sadly) and they look great... they maintain the comic book look and still have a fully 3D environment, and they don't look stupid like i thought they might...
Sound: the sound.... well, the voice acting is really good, david dcouvney (how do you spell that?), eve, and whoever did carrington and the police guy did a good job... the music got quite annoying actually, but it was cool, so i'm giving it a 5 anyway
Suggestions: none.... not a one... this game is flawless imo...
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
HostilePolygon
Date reviewed: February 7, 2004.
Overall: Read the other posts. Another FPS this time cell shaded. Basically a conspiracy against you as you are accused of killing the President. Average. I just wasted 2 hours (on realistic mode) playing the same !&%$@#* level OVER and OVER. The same game feature is the WORST I hav ever come across. You see each "level" has checkpoints. You get through to a check point, then you die, you start back at that checkpoint. Fine. HOWEVER even if you save the game 5 feet from the END of the level when you return at a later date you start at the BEGINNING of the DAMN LEVEL; which could be HOURS behind where you had "thought" you saved. Who ever designed and agreed to use this saving design should be shot and then flogged! Makes the game a total waste of my time. Oh, speaking of a waste of time, you can't even FAST FORWARD/SKIP those damn cut movie scenes!!! ANOTHER WASTE of my time when I've seen the scene 30 times in the last 2 hours!!!
Gameplay: Basic FPS. Basic weapons. Though using, shovels, shards of glass as throwing stars, etc. is pretty darn cool, aiming with those can decide whether you end up with 50% health after the ordeal or are flat out gunned down. So, its pretty much a waste to use things like that later in the game. Switching weapons is WAY TOO SLOW. RELOADING is too slow, especially when you're already being gunned down from behind and in front of you. Switching weapons is un-intuitive is HOT situations. Grenades never are thrown when you switch to them in the heat of battle and once you do, you'll usually forget to "prime the fuse" and it'll miss its mark.
Graphics: Cell shaded goodies. This must be the reason why I keep playing this average game.... yeah, that's the reason... Basically you just gotta see a cell shaded game in action to appreciate it.
Sound: VERY average. Though I do like the 70's feel of some of the tunes. Makes you feel like your in James Bond film or something like that.
Suggestions: GOD, Ubisoft, PLEASE read this!! You have GOT TO FIX THAT SAVE FEATURE TO SAVE THE GAME WHERE I WANT IT TO SAVE!!!! Also, add a LOAD GAME menu option instead of "MAIN MENU"... Oh, it might be nice to make the MAIN MENU a little more OBVIOUS as to what the heck each window actually does. Oh, better yet, make the CONTROLLER 110% custumizable like RED FACTION. Then we HARD CORE gamers can really set the controls as to our liking; instead of having to CROUCH EVERY WHERE as I try to quickly MOVE AWAY from getting mowed down; realizing that I can't since I'm squatting and moving slower than a SNAIL!!!!!!
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 40 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 50 %
genocidalgopher
Date reviewed: February 3, 2004.
Overall: I played this game for a long time, it's really a great game. The only flaw is the difficulty in it. Some parts in the game seem impossible. but the stunning visuals and audio make up for it!
Gameplay: the gameplay is horrendous! The best thing is the interaction with the environment, you pick up practically anything and use it to your advantage. there was really nothing else that was &quoot; (sort of speak).
Graphics: The main reason i bought this game was because it was a cel shaded FPS. which is something that you won't be able to see a lot. Personally i like the cel shading look, it's diffrent, and it makes the game look great!
Sound: The sound was awesome too, i noticed that there were a few glitches in the sound, where it would repeat a couple times, but it only happened to me around 6 times.
Suggestions: The developers could have went through the game and have made sure there was no one inside walls and trees and things like that, i noticed that in a lot of the cut scenes there were people just floating inside walls, it really makes the game loose interest after awhile. but everything else was great!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
peejay
Date reviewed: January 17, 2004.
Overall: May not seem appealing to the typical gamer who likes to play shooters, but XIII packs a large punch in a small package. This game will not dissapoint no matter what kind of shooter games you like.
Gameplay: The gameplay is great. There are many types of weapons such as a M60, 44 special, minigun, and a rocket launcher just to name a few. Being a guy who doesn't really play alot of single player, the single-player of XIII is really something special. There is a great story that leads you on as if you're in a movie. The story really reminds me of the movie "Paycheck." The levels are pretty well-sized with alot of places to explore. Not only does XIII have an outstanding single-player, but the online multiplayer is also breathtaking. The maps and variety of guns is definetly a change of pace from games like RTCW, Counter-Strike, and Ghost Recon. I'm estimating there's about 10-12 different maps and the gametypes include ctf, deathmatch, team deathmatch, ladder (?), and sabotage (?). As you run around the maps, there's always an abundance of weapons, vest/helmets, health packs, and ammo scattered in little different areas. Something I didn't really understand is the amount of people that it allows in a game. It allows anywhere from 4-8 players with the average map allowing 6 players. Only about 3 maps allow 8 players. I guess it may be because alot of the maps aren't big enough to support 16 or so players like other games.
Graphics: I can't find enough words to describe the beauty of this game. When I first found out I had won it in the XBL Holiday Giveaway, I was happy that I actually won something on the last day, but I was thinking, "Dam, I won that sorry comic book shooter game." I now regret ever thinking that. I had preferred Counter-Strike but I was stuck with XIII. Well after renting Counter-Strike I've found it doesn't even measure up to the greatness of XIII. But it does have more support because of it's name. ANYWAYS... The cell-shaded maps of XIII are simply beautiful!!! It brings an "arcady" feel to the game. I know most people won't even bother messing around with a cell-shaded game, but XIII is definetly worth it.
Sound: The sound is average. Nothing really all that special. I like in the single-player, when you're going on a shooting rampage or just doing one of the more "action-packed" parts of the level, it gives you the catchy music. Then once you pass the part, of course the music stops. The voice-acting is well-done also.
Suggestions: If you make a sequel, be sure to include guest support and downloadable content.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 80 %
themoosearmy
Date reviewed: January 9, 2004.
Overall: XIII envelops it's user into a comic book version of the real world. You take control of the character XIII. You must battle to regain your identity as well as stop your enemies from destroying the very political system of our country. Oh, and did I mention you killed the president?
Gameplay: Being an avid Halo player, the controls were not unfamiliar to me. The standard two-stick layout and trigger control. No major gripes here.
Aside from conrols there's also "skills" that XIII must uncover to unlock his full potential. This is a great feature, it gives the game more depth adding to the subplot as well as RPG-like characteristics (although they aren't that hard to find).
Another great feature is the "alternate fire" (left trigger). Each weapon has its own specific alternate ability. The 44 special for instance can turn you into a Clint Eastwood style shooter while the Assault Rifle totes a gernade launcher.
One thing that gets to the nerves quick tho is that the game is VERY centered around where XIII is looking, you must be looking directly at the WOOD of the door to open it, this makes opening bar-doors and dooors with lots of windows very annoying which drops the rating down a bit.
Graphics: OUTSTANDING GRAPHICS. I am and always will be a fan of cell-shaded graphics. It really puts something else on the game when the words "BAM" appear above the enemies head when you get a headshot. Also, after a successful sniper hit, 3 comic cells appear that show the demise of your target. The multiple perspective cinematics are like a moving comic book. Some of the best graphics I've seen since LoZ: Wind Waker.
Sound: This is where the game lacks a lot. Not much to say except they really need to re-record the weapon sound effects. They are pretty terrible. And by terrible I mean it would sound better if the 9mm sound was that of your uncle playing the saw fiddle. The character voice overs (celebrities David Duchovny (sp?), Eve, and Adam West) are superb as well as the others.
Suggestions: New sounds, please, and stop the bad guys from saying ALERT! ALERT! all the time. Other than that, hope you make a sequel because the story is great!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 60 %
TrueAddict
Date reviewed: January 5, 2004.
Overall: Its a really good game, if you put aside a few facts, like it needs work on the cell shading, and a few more. (i would only (NEVER) Get bored if i played online all the time.)
Gameplay: It would get a 5.0, if it werent for things, like the A.I. being better shooters the the Main Character himself(13) Most of my Time went into the Online Multiplayer.(no X-Live= 2.0)
Graphics: One of the downfalls in this game. While cell-shading was a good idea, it didnt work out to well.
Sound: The sound is pretty good in this game, has real time bullet sounds explosions, ect, one of the greater points n this game
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 90 %
thunder0810
Date reviewed: January 3, 2004.
Overall: XIII is a mediocre FPS. XB has way better FPS to offer Halo, Serious Sam, Wolfenstein all beat it. its hard, it doesnt pull off Cell Shaded all that great & it wastes David Duchovnys talents. while im not trying to diss it all the way its still fun at points. but the most fun you might have would be over XB Live. trust save your $50 for any other FPS.
Gameplay: its plays like any other FPS but the Gun scope is very small compared to games like Halo. which makes it harder to get someone.
Graphics: while games like Jet Set Radio Future pulled off Cell Shaded XIII didnt do that great of job. Cel Shaded is in the game to make it fell like a comic book. but for an FPS your surrondings look very bland at points.
Sound: most voice overs sound weak & David Duchovny could have done better. Maybe he'll do better in the upcomming X-Files game.
Suggestions: easier & better multiplayer maps.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 60 %
mentat
Date reviewed: December 27, 2003.
Overall: XIII is a great FPS for xbox that is completely cel shaded in an attempt to make the game look like a comic book graphic novel. It succeeds with flying colors. Basically you've lost your memory and must regain it inorder to find your conspiritors and get revenge on them.
Gameplay: It looks like Halo has and forever set the standard for how a FPS should handle and play. Like Halo XIII feels comfortable and plays smoothly especially when it comes to control, firing and weapon switching. Although the grenade tossing could have been a slight bit faster. The games many missions are great but XIII really shines on Xbox Live. I've probably spent more time playing that than the game itself. Very very fun.
Graphics: Awesome, I was just about to annouce cel-shading games banned from my library forever but hope has been restored with XIII. Light and shadows reflect in a comic book style manner. I am very imppressed with the graphics and do get a feeling like I'm playing a comic book/graphic novel. I guess cel shading does work. Go figure.
Sound: Pretty standard weapons firing sounds and explosions although Adam West's v.o. sounds cool. David Duchovnys v.o. sounds like he charged them a huge amount for each word he says because he hardly says a word. Unless he talks more later in the game. I like the music and how it's not always present so it sets the mood when it does start and it's easy to forget it's there. Also the xbox live feature of being able to hear the voices through the TV is pretty cool and a good idea.
Suggestions: Definitely make a sequel and dont be stingy with those downloads.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Yellowlab
Date reviewed: December 22, 2003.
Overall: I have some issues with XIII, but overall it was an enjoyable and unique first person shooter. I liked the style of it. The Xbox Live play makes it very fun and lengthens the life of the game past the single player experience. I didn't like the frequent stealth levels in the single player game.
Gameplay: A nice variety of weapons, and some good levels. Some very unique elements for the stealth levels, like visual clues ('tap...tap') to help you locate the bad guys when you can't see them, but as I said they overused the stealth levels in the game as I would have liked to see more straight up shooting levels. Also, many times I felt very confined to the certain path, and it did not even give the illusion of being very open ended at times. I liked the Xbox Live deathmatches, and have used this game on Live more than any other lately.
Graphics: This game looks teriffic, and makes the comic book look come to life better than any other game. In particular, I liked the comic book panels that come up when you shoot someone in the head, or they fall off a cliff...very nice touches.
Sound: They utilized professional voice acting (David Duchovny and Batman), which was a nice touch. The guns sound good (but not great), and all other sound effects were serviceable.
Suggestions: Less stealth missions more FPS style levels.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 90 %
BlindSniper
Date reviewed: December 7, 2003.
Overall: X111 or thirteen, is a cel shaded first person shooter with many cool features. The game fully supports xbox live so you can play on that for hours and hours. The single player mode is very fun! With a greeat storyline this game keeps you hooked. It also allows you tp play via system link or just multiplayer.
Gameplay: Having a halo like control system, the game delivers a great punch! I love the controls. Same old trigger shooting and moving with analog obviously with the left thumstick as strafe and the right as look around. Anyways, single player mode is very fun and features a great first level to play on. In the game you have lost your memory and you are slowly regaining it. The storyline is great and pretty easy to follow. BUT! xboxlive is pretty strange. Don't get me wrong it is still cool on xboxlive but it seems like you have to pump like at least 3 clips into a guy with an assault rifle before he goes down. These guys are like super guys! but an easy bazooka to the face takes them out easily.
Graphics: A cel-shaded first person shooter type game does NOT appeal to me. I am not a huge fan of the cel shading unless it is with comic humour type games. But, this game actually looks pretty good. Cel shading makes it look kinda goofy with messed up faces and chizeled jaws and stuff. It is a pretty neat effect having the onamatapea effect used in the game. Such as BOOM and tatatatatata and other words pop up when using various weapons. The environment looks pretty good with the celshading, I like the breaking glass effect.
Sound: Having VERY good voice acting in my opinion, this game is really great. I like the sound sof the guns and enemy voices. Really great job! I dont hgave much to say about the sound though.
Suggestions: I don't like this game too much but its still cool. So I won't give any suggestions.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
sinfulgothic
Date reviewed: December 7, 2003.
Overall: It is a first person shooter. You collect weaponry to help assist you in your mission to figure out your true identity, as you have lost your memory. Then, to seek revenge against those that screwed you over.
Gameplay: At first, in the one player mode, the game starts off a bit slow, but picks up the pace in later missions. Some good controls can be found here with the exception of having to look down/jump during crucial moments to pick up certain items. Going up and down ladders could also have been a little tighter, but overall it's pretty solid. The Xbox live function is great, very little slowdown versus multiple opponents.
Graphics: What can I say? This game is beautiful. Some people are all anti cel-shading, but I can't see why. The visuals in this game are stunning. Great attention to detail has been made to make this game feel as if it were a comic book. When you kill an enemy that is far away, you will see numerous boxes open up so you can see the close up of a shot to the head, or watch them take a fall with a visual depiction of "whhamm!"
Sound: David Duchovny from X Files fame plays the voice of Thirteen. Adam West (awesome) from the 1960's Batman show plays the voice of Carrington. This adds respect factor plus a few notches, but aside from that, the sound is actually quite decent. The whole game has this sort of 1960's spy theme music going on, which can be a bit annoying at times, but being in tune with the game's theme I suppose it works fine because there are no rela flaws with it... When playing on Xbox Live, you have the option to hear the other players voices through the TV (finally) - and there are numerous interesting voice masks to be found, but - too bad they didn't give you an option to test out the voice masking to see how it sounds before you use it, because even if you put all voices through the TV, you will never be able to hear your own voice through it.
Suggestions: Make it so you can test the voice mask you are using in Xbox live before selecting so you can hear what it sounds like. Get Adam West to do more voice work.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
This major free update, which has already been successfully launched on Steam, brings a new layer of depth, strategy, and innovative gameplay mechanics to the immersive world of Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.
Thrustmaster’s best-seller is back with a new look featuring the official license of Microsoft Flight Simulator. This complete, precise and easy-to-use hands- on throttle and stick (HOTAS) is the ideal companion for Microsoft Flight Sim 2024
Amazon Games released a new trailer on what players can expect when they first experience New World: Aeternum, including background on the history of the game.
