One of the best looking games on Xbox. First person fighter & shooter. Military Sci-Fi story. Multiple 'endings?'.
Great story (if you like sci-fi time travel plotlines). First person fighting controls, once you get the feel for them, make for some innovative game play.
"Hope is a waking dream." – Aristotle; and other tidbits are the theme of the game, like: "The subconscious is a state in which reality is just a visitor." And, "To save the future you must change the past."
Note: Any chance the game offered to continue (at what appeared to be branching story lines) I chose continue. I assume the game may force players into the same option no matter what is chosen (otherwise it would make for a fairly short game). There appears to be at least 2 such decision points in the game, with three distinct worlds (more accurately "whens").
You (Derick Cole) wake up disoriented, in an operating room. The building is under some sort of attack. With no memory of who you are, what happened, or how you got there, you meet Alex Hendrickson, a mysterious knife-wielding woman from the future. Your partner has been sent back in time to help you save the world. She won't always be with you, but shows up at the most (or least) opportune times (i.e. who's helping who?).
You discover your body is changing and you're suffering from hallucinations. Your goals: escape, find out what's happened to you, and, of course, save the future.
Most of the game you'll be fighting hand-to-hand. There are several fights where guns will be used. There are several driving portions.
There are no obvious game saves available throughout the game, merely unmarked checkpoints you'll pass through.
The research lab you need to find has been conducting experiments with T'Langen, an alien chemical substance that creates superhuman strength. It's apparent that you've been experimented on and injected with this stuff. To defeat the invading alien forces, you'll need to complete your treatments (they refer to the process as 'acceleration') to gain enough strength and speed.
There are several versions of invading aliens, T'Lan Warriors. Some can be fought with, and with some it's better to run way. Some levels you need to kill all the aliens to advance (once the guards are dead, the portal / gate will open). Some levels, the military will help you, and some they think you're one of them. You'll fight through the hospital/lab, a battle field, an alien silo/space ship, and then back again.
The first "boss" battle is really tough, but you are destine to fail (no matter how many times you restart and fight him, I tried several restarts). Your chemical injections haven't altered you enough to win. Solus (the baddest of the bad guys) is just too strong, and you have the option of continuing to pursue him, with a second chance to save mankind.
Your second time through the world… is post apocalyptic, color subdued, dream-like. You obviously lost the fight and really screwed things up. No apparent powers, not even the heads-up display. Everything has been destroyed. Object now, re-trace your steps, get to the lab, continue your injections, and reverse the damage to the timeline.
Once you think you've beaten the game, your third trip through the world starts. You're back in somewhat reality, but there are more aliens, stronger, faster, but that's OK, so are you. One hint… when they keep re-spawning at the firing range, and you slow down time to take them out, turn-around (you'll know when).
The 'unlockables' aren't too plentiful. 20 Gallery pictures and 29 sound tracks.
Good luck. Enjoy the story. This is definitely worth adding to everyone's collection.