There's several reasons why I recommend people to play this game. I have to admit I didn't get this game when it came out, despite having heard of it, but several years later when I stumbled across it in a games store. One of the main reasons is Jade. She's not like your average female game protagonist, which is exactly why I like her. Her clothes aren't skimpy (the skimpiest you get is her tanktop, which isn't all that bad), she's not pretentious or shallow and can manage herself just fine. The story and atmosphere are also very nicely done, despite their shortcomings. The art style used in combination with the music and sound makes the game very enjoyable - the game never loses it's power. As with about every game I played, there are a few lesser points to the game. The controls sometimes feel a little choppy (I played the PS2 version, this might not apply to the PC and other consoles) and the enemies have little variation in them. There's also some occassional lag (again - I played the PS2 version) that can bother your stealth advances. Another thing to keep in mind is that this game is pretty intensive on the stealth part. The balance between stealth and just enemy beating action is sort of 50/50, but the stealth can be so challenging that it turns some people away from a game that's otherwise very brilliant. I have to admit I felt that the end was a little weird and lacking (it promises a sequel it never got), it doesn't make the story bad in any way. In fact, it leaves room for speculation, something that's not a bad thing in and of itself. In short, I recommend this game. It's weak points are made up for by the stronger ones and the experience is too interesting to pass upon. Give say: it a try! :)
