Backwards Compatible Installment 3 There is enough fun to be had in these bloodstained halls to make it
----Already in progress
Over the course of the game, the player takes control of a rather generic protagonist whose mission is to evaluate and uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a scientific research team that had been stationed in Antarctica.
Upon arriving at the research base, he finds that the research team has been killed off by an alien life form. Through out his trek, he begins to learn about the unusual abilities this new enemy has, and just how deadly it can be.
----See No Evil
In terms of graphical performance, "The Thing" is nothing special. Character models are somewhat bland, and the sight of people's mouths moving during cut scenes are certain to coax more than a few chuckles out of the player. Given the age of the title, this should be no surprise.
There are some good lighting effects to be found, however. Setting off a flare paints the walls around the character red, which is a nice touch, and the beam emitted from flashlights has a reasonably realistic look. The snow-swept exterior, a sight you will see from time to time throughout the game, is dark and foreboding, and lends itself well to establishing the dark mood of this title.
-----Hear No Evil
This game falls into the "ok" category in terms of audio. The sputter and fume of flame-throwers is well done, as are the sounds of your enemies howling. The voice acting is decent, though the main character spends most of his time in the "over-the-top" range.
A few areas do fall flat in this are however, as the plodding of you footsteps can get a little grating, and the discharge of the machine gun sounds a little on the weak side.
-----Playing With Fire
Where some players might find themselves frustrated by the game is in the gameplay itself. For the most part, "The Thing" is not your typical run into the room with guns blazing shooter. There is a measure of cerebral involvement to the combat, a fact that will become apparent the first time you rush a "walker," one of the larger, more evolved (and therefore deadly) versions of the aliens.
For example, when you first wield the flame-thrower, you will find that the weapon immediately fires at the ground unless you physically aim it elsewhere. Lighting the floor on fire might at first seem as some terrible and unforgivable glitch, as if you are not careful you'll burn your tootsies, but it is actually an intentional design.
You'll spend a lot of time retreating from these baddies, and the only thing that keeps them off you is a wall of fire. This take on combat, though it seems to be a weakness early on, is actually one of the game's strengths. Contrary to most titles, you are not the baddest kid on the block , and the enemy doesn't need an entire army to finish you off. It just needs one of its bigger members to catch you napping.
Fortunately, you won't be fighting alone, as throughout the game you will find squad mates to help you out. A medic to heal you, an engineer to fix broken panels, etc. The only drawback to the squad is that they are fairly moody, and if they become too frightened, they will disobey orders or curl into a ball and become useless. That, and they tend to wander on the dumb side of the street from time to time.
-----Oh The Places You'll Go
In terms of where you will fight, "The Thing" is surprisingly varied and well constructed. While many games fall into the trap of sending you through a series of cubicles or an endless forest, this title takes you through a slew of locations. It's a surprising touch, considering it takes place in Antarctica, but it is a welcome addition to the game.
However, as you go through these levels, you will undoubtedly find an area of serious frustration. Namely, the save points. Idiotically placed, these little boxes with blinking red lights are your only link to saving your progress. There is no auto save, and no option to save whenever you'd like. This wouldn't be such a big deal if the save points were well placed, but they're not, and you will find yourself backtracking often before you feel safe enough to advance.
----All in All
Though there is nothing earth shattering it its execution, "The Thing" takes a noble stab at being different, and there is enough entertainment to be found to make it worth a look. It's worth at least a single run through the crumbling, blood stained halls.