You Are Empty for the PC is one of those games wich's cool concept is overwelmed with several flaws.
***STORY***
The story is probably the best thing about You Are Empty. It's set in the post-apocalytic PAST, instead of future, in a "what if?" way, wich is a refreshing concept in my opinion.
The Soviet Union is trying to create a super citizen by conducting a experement to change psyhology of Russia's citizens. Of course we all know how it ends in these movies and games. The invisible beam causes mutations and the citizens have become monsters. Thankfully, your character avoids mutation by being hit by a truck prior to the experiment. As he recovers and wakes up, he has to fight for his life, find out the origin of the tragedy and stop the madness.
(OK, is it me, or does the plot seem similar to 28 Days Later?).
The story is good, but has several problems. The structure could be more detailed. There are 5 characters in the game, including yourself. Once you meet each character, you get to know him only for 30 seconds. You don't get to really know them, you don't even get to know the character you are playing as.
And to add to it - the ending is dissapointing.
The story is very well told through Black and White animations though.
***GRAPHICS***
You Are Empty isn't very heavy on graphics, yet the textures are crystal-clear. This game more focuses on atmosphere than anything else, wich is great.
Creepy music, some cheap "boo!" scares, and moody atmosphere, i can call this game as one of the most... well... if not the scariest, than atmospheric games of 2006.
The game sufferse from some bugs though.
***GAMEPLAY***
Just like the back of the box says :
"A classic FPS ..." - that's the gameplay, i'm serious. But i will explain.
Basicly, the game plays like a normal FPS with elments of Survival-Horror games : " This door is locked, i need to go the other way and find a key!" Ahhh! Monsters! Here's the key! Now i go back!". It gets a bit repetetive but it works.
The game sufferse from some bugs. Falling down 10 centimetrs and 75% of your health is down. If a creature is waving his Axe and is away from you like 3 metres, he will still hit you.
A.I. could be better. Most of the time enemies just run at you, or just stand and shoot.
There are preety intresting weapons though.
***ENJOYMENT***
You Are Empty could be a fascinating FPS IF it would have ben a little bit more in development.
This game is enjoyable and it's worth playing.
"...if not a purchase, atleast a rental!"
OVERALL SCORES:
*Story : 8 / 10 - Well told, but could use more detail. Ending is dissapointing.
*Graphics : 8 / 10 - A bit late for 2006. Very atmospheric and crystal-clear textures. Several game bugs.
*Gameplay : 7 / 10 - Classic FPS. Survival Horror elements. Finding keys can get repetetive. Several bugs.
*Enjoyment : 7 / 10 - Enjoyable game, but sometimes frustrating.
OVERALL : 7.5 / 10 - If you like First Person Shooters and Survival Horror games, You Are Empty is worth playing.
If only a little bit in development and You Are Empty could be a fascinating shooter!