XIII

Still as fun as I remember back from my Xbox days. One bonus of playing this game again in 2021, I finally realised one the main characters in this game is voiced by Adam West, worth playing it again just to discover that fact alone

It's XIII - a game that, I feel, was ahead of its time. This FPS has everything: great graphics with incredible presentation, snappy controls, good guns and shooting, good challenge, GREAT stealth mechanics, good level design and missions, actually engaging plot with interesting characters, great sound and music - I just don't know what this game DOESN'T have. It even lets you take people hostage or pick up stuff like chairs and use them for a 1-hit stun - and believe me, this is hella satisfying. It's just a thing of pure beauty. Arcadish in feel, but what a great feel it is when everything works and looks so great. Absolutely one of the best, don't miss out on it if you're a fan of FPS games.

A hyper stylised first person shooter with cell shaded comic book style graphics and a plot straight out of a Hollywood spy thriller. There’s plenty of gadgets and game mechanics available, ranging from stealth and hiding bodies to grappling hooks and hostage taking, but it’s all a bit basic and rough round the edges. Add this to the range of weapons, tools and exotic locations and you’ll see there’s plenty of variety available, even if the actual game play is simple first person shooting and sneaking. The graphics and level design are relatively basic and linear, but there’s plenty of them and they are full of action and stylish set pieces. The simple AI, weak stealth sections and archaic save system can make playing difficult and prevents the game from reaching its lofty ambitions, but it’s still great fun.

Removed from the Cel-Shading and overall comic book feel, what you get is an average shooter/stealth game. The levels are varied, the weapons feel bad to amazing, depending on which one you use and the story is quite cool. The amazing graphics make me give this an extra star, not just because they are amazingly well done, but because they improve the feel of the game massively.

Having spent 11 hours immersed in the world of XIII, I can confidently say that this game is a unique blend of style and substance. The cel-shaded graphics immediately stand out, giving the game a comic book feel that is both visually striking and immersive. The art style is not just a gimmick; it enhances the storytelling by making you feel like you're part of a graphic novel. Gameplay: The gameplay is a mix of first-person shooting and stealth mechanics. While the shooting mechanics are solid, they can feel a bit dated compared to modern shooters. The stealth elements add a layer of strategy, but they can be hit or miss depending on the level design. Some levels are brilliantly crafted, offering multiple paths and creative ways to take down enemies, while others can feel linear and restrictive. Story: The story is one of the game's strong points. You play as a character with amnesia, trying to uncover your identity and the conspiracy you're entangled in. The narrative is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. The voice acting, featuring David Duchovny and Adam West, adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the characters. Sound and Music: The sound design is top-notch, with crisp gunfire, ambient noises, and a soundtrack that complements the action perfectly. The music ramps up during intense moments, adding to the adrenaline rush of firefights and chase sequences. Challenges: One of the challenges I faced was the AI. Enemies can be either too easy to outsmart or frustratingly difficult, with little middle ground. This inconsistency can break immersion at times. Additionally, the controls, especially on consoles, can feel clunky and unresponsive. Overall Experience: Despite its flaws, XIII offers a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s era of gaming. Its unique visual style, engaging story, and mix of action and stealth make it a memorable experience.