Interesting start to a cool series!

User Rating: 8.9 | SiN Episodes: Emergence PC
I have to say that before I saw this game I had never even heard of SiN! But I saw the game nonetheless and was highly anticipating it and the inclusion of the original game served to sweeten the deal. I downloaded the game from my steam account a couple of weeks ago and have now completed it twice!!! This game was much better than I had expected and it just goes to show that games built on the source engine aren't all clones of Half-Life 2. The graphics are in many ways similar to those of half-life 2 which is to be expected, it's very obvious that it was built on source engine technology. While the graphics are similar to HL2 they are by no means without merit. There are some good looking textures and some interesting enviroments. I also particularly like the way the grenades sparkle when they explode. Later in the game when you're in Supremacy Tower there are some lovely looking 3D cityscapes which were quite amazing to see. Ritual have certainly done well with the graphics. The gameplay is again quite similar to that of HL2 but with some differences, unlike HL2 you are more likely to die if you try to run-and-gun through the game, instead you are better off taking cover behind whatever items are convenient at the time, while there are only three weapons they all pack a hell of a punch, the depleted uranium rounds for your magnum are particularly satisfying. Also the ability to fine tune your aim is a welcome addition which adds a little more depth ant tactic to the way you play the game. Should you headshot that guy and finish him fast or hit him with a sew rounds and risk more damage?

The story too is worth mention in that it's not just a derivative FPS aliens invade story line but actually fairly complex considering most FPS story lines. The sound is fairly standard FPS fare with some sounds that may or may not have been re-used from HL2. The voice acting is solid throughout the game which makes a difference from some of the tacky acting from other games. The sounds of shouting from soldiers in the distance is always pretty cool to hear..

All in all a solid start to a series that will hopefully keep on improving with every new episode. I'm certainly looking forwards to the next game!