Perfect Dark Zero...good single player, much better multiplayer.
Game play: If you’re looking for a good single player fps, you can find it in PDZ. It isn't just your typical run-and-gun though if that's what you're looking for. It incorporates some spy/action-adventure aspects into the game play, ala' Splinter Cell, with things like hacking, lock-picking, taking cover and sneaking past guards instead of merely trying to take everyone on at all times. Personally, I find this to be somewhat annoying though. It's an FPS...If I wanted to sneak around I would throw in Splinter Cell. However, I could see how it may be considered a strength in the game by others, and so, I don't think it's an overall negative contribution to the game. I also find it interesting, and irritating, that Joanna can roll, but she can't jump. It would be great if both were an option, but if I had to choose between the two, I would pick jumping, since that's what I'm used to in shooters. Regardless, that's not a big deal when considering the excellent multiplayer in PDZ. This is where I believe, this game shines. Beyond offering the conventional FPS mp modes, there are some unique (at least to my limited knowledge) modes and mode modifiers. Also, if you can't stand waiting around for people to join a match, you can simply start a game using computer bots. You can control the number of bots, their AI difficulty level, and even aggressiveness patterns (ie. attack weakest opponent, strongest, etc.)
Graphics: I'm writing this review in a time when Gears of War and F.E.A.R. are about to be released. These games make the graphics of PDZ look like garbage. However, taking into consideration that this game was a launch title, the graphics are indeed great. They are not realistic, but they weren't designed to be realistic, and the graphics serve their purpose well enough.
Sound: The guns and other sound effects sound great. The music in the single player mode can get bothersome however. It's good, but it all sounds the same, and it eventually grates on my nerves. This is especially true because the music doesn't always coordinate well with what's going on on-screen. I think Rare would've been better off shutting off the background music at times, which is a technique employed in the Halo games for example.
Value: If you're an Achievements ***** like myself (you know who you are), then you will be playing this game for quite some time. The beauty of it as well is that most of the achievements revolve around the multiplayer. To be honest, I haven't even finished the story mode, even on the agent (easiest) difficulty. The fact of the matter is that most fun in the game is experienced within the mp, at least imo. Even without achievements, you'll want to play over and over again, and the achievements just help to keep you motivated for a long time, especially because they are achievable at any skill level. It merely takes enough time spent playing (that is unless you absolutely ****). This is in contrast to the storyline achievements which rely directly on what skill level you complete the story.
The long and short of it, PDZ is a somewhat unconventional FPS, with a good single player, and a much better multiplayer. It is a game that I would most certainly recommend to anyone, whether or not you played the original Perfect Dark. If the game were to stand alone as a single player, I would probably give it about a 7.5 rating, but with the excellent multiplayer, I think it's deserving of an 8.8!!!