This game will provide you with hours of action packed fun, unfortunately just not enough hours.
The story mode is shallow, but the cut scenes are funny and some will crack you up. It's simple: someone killed your father and you are out to avenge him. The story mode is also pretty short, but the "El Macho" minigame and replayability of levels in order to improve your highscore and unlock goodies will occupy you for a couple more hours.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of this game is very action packed and unique compared to other shooters. Unlike other games where stealth or precision is emphasized, Chili Con Carnage is focussed on racking up combos while doing insane moves in an arcade-style format. Basically, in each level you try to earn either a gold, silver, or bronze medal. To boost your score you need to do crazy moves like wall bounces or headshots while suspended in slow motion in the air (like the kind of stuff you see in the Matrix). Every time you kill someone, the combo bar to the right of the screen gets some juice and you have to try to kill as many people as you can before the meter goes down in order to rack up maximum points
The controls in the game are quite unique as well. There is an auto lock on system that automatically locks on enemies and you can press L to lock onto objects. R locks onto enemies' heads and with the perfect timing you can pull off a headshot. Square is to shoot, X is to jump, and triangle is to use a special move.
Graphics
The graphics in this game are great. Explosions look amazing, and character models and effects are very good as well. The graphics are tip notch for PSP and are as good as many PS2 games.
Sound
The soundtrack in the game fits perfectly, as it is a good blend of mexican music and hip hop. The shooting and other sound effects are very good and there is little where they could have improved in the area of sound.
Value
This game is a great value as it is only $20. It may not be worth the full $40, but for $20 it is definately worth picking up.
Tilt
Chili Con Carnage is a solid game that got little attention. The core gameplay is very fun and addictive and there is little to be done to improve it. Overall
There are extra characters to play with in the "El Macho" minigame and in two player "Hangman" (2 people, 1 psp), or Ad-hoc with 2 psps. In addition, there is unlockable concept art that keeps you playing for more. Unfortunately, the story mode is shallow and is a little short. You will play each level multiple times though in order to try to open all the unlockables.
Pros
-fun, fast-paced gameplay
-insane moves
-no noticable drop in framerate, even when there are many enemies onscreen
-great graphics
-great sound
-plenty of unlockables
-a two player mode on one PSP (you pass the PSP)
Cons
-there should be more moves to keep gameplay fresh
-story mode is too short
-one difficulty level and few options
-no simultaneous Ad-hoc mode