3.9.06
Condemned: Criminal Origins
Condemned XBOX 360 – 2005
This game is awesome. I just finished it. I would say the melee combat system is just as good, maybe slightly better than Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. You feel the hits and the impact; you see the blood splash and stain your weapon; the sounds of contact are powerful and the violent screams intense – all things Oblivion boasted about with its real-time melee combat system but turned out not that impressive after so many hours of gameplay. Blocking is more solid too than Oblivion and somewhat more challenging. In conclusion combat is very satisfying, especially after a bad day at work. It's not just about cracking moderate AI skulls, you also get to search for evidence with special equipment.
The story is a little confusing and fucked up but you can't help but be absorbed. You play Ethan Thomas (voiced perfectly by Greg Grunberg), an investigator in the FBI's Serial Crimes Unit (SCU). He is set up for the murder of two police officers by Serial Killer X who has been using him to get access to other serial killers. There has been a highly significant increase in violent crimes and, oddly, a large increase in bird deaths in the same areas. At the end of the game, much remains unanswered and let's hope there is a sequel. Unlocking the reports helps explain stuff a little if ye can find all those metal pieces.
The story is a little confusing and fucked up but you can't help but be absorbed. You play Ethan Thomas (voiced perfectly by Greg Grunberg), an investigator in the FBI's Serial Crimes Unit (SCU). He is set up for the murder of two police officers by Serial Killer X who has been using him to get access to other serial killers. There has been a highly significant increase in violent crimes and, oddly, a large increase in bird deaths in the same areas. At the end of the game, much remains unanswered and let's hope there is a sequel. Unlocking the reports helps explain stuff a little if ye can find all those metal pieces.
The environments are very detailed and highly atmospheric with occasional disturbing flashbacks and images affecting your character, Ethan. You will hear heavy breathing and objects being knocked to the floor by hidden crazy enemies. (I bet it's amazing with the supported 5.1 surround-sound.) You will be drawn in and most certainly scared if you lose yourself in the deep dark places you must wonder. There is a wide choice of weapons, both melee, such as pipes and crowbars, and guns. Also a cool taser for your pleasure – actually it's a fucking life-saver. There are plenty of achievements to unlock too.
Not for the weak-hearted and those that hate video game violence stay away! However, the people you are killing are crazed maniacs or deformed half-dead things so it's cool. Not like that gun-glorifying gangsta lifestyle Saints Row shit. This is an excellent game well worth the time and effort to complete. 7/10
Not for the weak-hearted and those that hate video game violence stay away! However, the people you are killing are crazed maniacs or deformed half-dead things so it's cool. Not like that gun-glorifying gangsta lifestyle Saints Row shit. This is an excellent game well worth the time and effort to complete. 7/10
