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Combat wise the "glaive" (i.e. Next, the mechanics of game play/combat are for the most part solid. is "smart enough", they flank, they run from grenades, they change positions. Melee is weak and often times misses target when they are certainly within striking range. Similar to a film, shot composition/camera orientation wise this game rivals that of an actual movie. Overall Dark Sector is an excellent "slept on" title that action fans should find rewarding. Most obvious are Dark Sectors environments, textures, lighting()., and graphics; they are superb. If you are even somewhat interested in this game I suggest you check it out, and at the bargain price of btw $10-$20 new it offers excellent "bang for your buck".
The combat itself varies from "cover based" (Mass Effect, Gears of War) and "walk based" (Resident Evil, Deep Space). Whoever directed this game obviously worked hard to ensure that the camera highlighted the excellent environments. Dark Sector is most definitely a diamond in the rough, however this diamond could have used a bit more polishing prior to release. the supped up ninja star, krull, boomerang)is actually quite fun to use. The shift between these two combat types provides some nice variety, and for the most part they are well executed.
When the game is flowing along I felt myself quite immersed in the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of this game. By the 4th chapter you can purchase a secondary weapon (shotgun/assault rifle) while convenient, as there is less need for depending on your fallen enemies weapons, I would have preferred the strategic element of artfully utilizing/acquiring weapons. It is especially rewarding when targeting multiple foes along the same "line" then watch it soar through the air and watch limbs from multiple enemies go a flying. First allow me to highlight the games strengths.
You can not crouch, though not a deal breaker this does hinder the efficiency of combat and how you use cover. Similar to other games of this type it is easy to be confused as to where to go next, without the help of a walkthrough/strategy guide you will get stuck. Though this is not much of an issue to me, as thankfully none of the cut scenes are very long and you are quickly back into the game. The enemy A.I. Paths of progression are not linear, often times you will have to figure out how to simply move on in the game, can be a headache.
The "glaive" can also be controlled mid flight, where the camera tracks its trajectory and you can steer its course to take out as many enemies as possible, a unique and rewarding experience. The story is vague and suffers from a muddled plot. Three and a half stars. Similar to Resident Evil you have to run to a safe distance and then engage. The game is set in a decaying, industrialized not to distant future that takes equal cues from biotech-anime and the recent film "Children of Men".
Now Dark Sectors flaws. You can also use the "glaive" to pick up weapons from fallen enemies at a distance, which you can only use for about 30 seconds then the weapon self destructs, this timed element of using your enemies weapons is very strategic and requires some thought when in a heated fire fight. Though not affecting game play, the water/lighting effects may be the best I have seen on the 360. Very cool.
unpolished. It won't disappoint. For all purposes of this review, I rate this game 5/5. I disagree with most who say it is a Gears of War clone. I bought my new and factory sealed copy for only $7.99. The graphics are very, very nice. But there seems to be something missing.
And for only $20 bucks, it's one of the best reduced-price games for the 360. There is a lot to this game.
But aside from this game being an obvious clone, that never stopped other clones from being great games, e.g: Saints Row 1 & 2. Guns, glaive, melee or all three.
For your money, it is well worth the buy. Despite this though, it is an extremely fulfilling and diverse experience.
5/5. I found the gameplay style to be a lot closer to Resident Evil 4.
And the way the game plays and the fun you'll have playing it is pretty solid.
I'm not a big fan of the game, but that is not the shipper's fault. I got the game very quickly and am really pleased with the shipper.
But then I got to figure out the glave- Once I had that down some of the tougher spots became really easy. At first I thought I hated it. Id recommend the game as fun and visually excellent. Though parts of it are cliche` and parts are just amazing- The story is very cool. I really enjoyed this game.
While the game can be completed in under 8 hours, you'll find yourself eagerly awaiting each new ability, and enjoying using those abilities in combat.There is little to no replay value in this game however, so it's a good thing that the price point has fallen so low.Definitely worth one play-through though, in my opinion. Dark Sector's mediocre graphics and paltry story can be overlooked for its concise, linear gameplay, and engaging combat.
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