Another extremely immersive title from BioWare. Don't overlook.
When I heard about this game coming out I wasn't to sure what to think. I was excited to be sure, but I really liked the Star Wars aspect of the dialogue. After playing it, I can understand why they chose to move away from the Star Wars universe. This game has too many artistic and erotic options to it that I think if they gave it a Star Wars title, kids would be immediately attracted to it, and beleive me... this game has a very... "mature" aspect of the sci-fi genre. More on that later.
Graphics: 9.5
The visuals in this game are pretty nice. I know I gave Halo 3's graphics a lower rating, but that was only because I didn't feel that they improved on anything. True Halo had a lot more to offer in visuals. My point is, BioWare has really come a long way from KOTOR and it shows in this game. I only give it a high ranking because for such a huge universe, the developers really put in a lot of effort. That alone deserves a high rating. Bungie really didn't develop anything new. Remember? "Don't fix it if it ain't broken" Wasn't necessarily broken, but it sure as hell wasn't fixed.
Sound: 8.0
I kid you not when I say the soundtrack sounds almost identical to Blade Runner. It was comical even, but in a way, it really fit the atmosphere. Yea.. I'll admit it.. the cheesy 80's-esque synthesizer music really added. Actually makes me want to download it just for the sheer pleasure of saying I own an antique piece of art.. (joking). What gives the sound such a boost is the voice acting. I didn't find one hint of bland dialogue in anyone's voice. Truley top notch again considering the size of the game. I mean just the conversation structure, and imagining what it must have took to complete it is amazing to me. Not to mention, Bioware incorporated Seth Green into the fray. I know.. some may say "So what?".. I say he really adds. Plus there are other recognizable voices in the cast. Such as Captain Anderson.. who you may have heard as the voice of the Arbeiter from Halo.
Gameplay: 10
Yea that's right.. perfect score here. I didn't pay any attention to the glithces BioWare forgot to smooth out.. by the time the credits stopped rolling I was ready for another go through the entire game again. Unlike BioWare's previous turn-based RPG's.. this one throws you in the action, and you get the initiative. Perfect call for a game like this. I think i may be in love with the complexity of the combat system.. so many different ways to dispose of them boogers... mindblowing really.
Here's where I suppose I'll continue my mentioning of the "mature content".
Everyone knows the big controversy with this game, and it doesn't help to ignore it. Yeah... there's sex.. kinda. Not very visible, but enough to raise the eyebrows of parents. Hell.. I might even be convinced that the adult nature of this game was a key selling point for some gamers. Can't say I blame them because you can see the amount of attention this game is getting on any google search. Smart marketing if you ask me.
And yea.. I won't lie.. I became curious about the game's content. Even played through the first time as a female (whom i am proud to say was perfectly forged by my gamer fingers.. ahem*) because I was curious about this "lesbian romance sub-plot". I won't spoil anything.. but I will definately give kudos to the developers on this aspect. If you're looking for hardcore stuff.. check elsewhere.. and besides, if it were any more risque, I think the developers would have a hard time trying to keep the gamers attention.
Appropriately introduced and executed.
Value: 9.0
Ah the ultimate question..... "is it worth my well earned 60 bucks?" I'll tell you right now if you want to fork out the dough just to create a pimp or a whore and watch em do the nasty... keep it in your pants. It's interesting, but ultimately the most soft-core you could probably get these days.
Besides, there is so much more to this game that wasting all your time and money solely for that reason is not only sad, but kinda pathetic.
The story by itself is.. rather short. I recommend not jumping from one main story plot to the next. Otherwise, before you know it... the credits appear. This is probably what pissed me off the most about the game. But you can't really get too upset because.. it has an AWESOME story. Fortunately, this is a trilogy so we will see more goodness in the future.
I actually paid 40 bucks with my employee discount, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't pay full price. Just like a favorite movie of mine, this game has a good spot on my shelf, and I will enjoy playing it over and over again for many years. Hell.. I even play the original KOTOR from time to time.
Don't miss out on this one people..
~Elliptix