Dark Sector Review for PlayStation 3

System: X360, PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Digital Extremes	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: D3 Publisher	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 25, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-10 (Online)	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Graphics in this title are definitely above par and feature rich and complex environments. Characters in cinema scenes look fairly good, but character detail is a little lacking in-game. The game is presented in full HD up to 1080p, and this is definitely apparent when you see the lighting and water effects. One of the best facets of this game in terms of visuals has to be the action scenes. There was one particularity memorable scene in the second level that featured a giant, hairy monster. And while the monster itself wasn't that impressive, the animation was really spectacular during this fight, and I was impressed by the fluidity and framerate consistency during this scene.

Dark Sector screenshot

Sound in this game is pretty mediocre, and features some largely uninspiring stage music and some pretty generic sound effects. The voice acting isn't too bad, but I think this title could have benefited immensely if a little more attention was paid to the sound. Some of the levels are quite creepy, especially ones where zombies are after you, but they fall short of being actually scary because the music just doesn't match the situation.

Dark Sector can best be described as a game born out of a formula. To create this game, you will need 2 parts Gears of War, 1 part Resident Evil, and a dash of X-Men. It is totally easy to rip this game to shreds based on this description. But as you play this game, something unexpected happens: you find yourself having an amazing amount of fun. Even though this game pulls largely from pre-existing material, it seems to have pulled everything that was enjoyable about these series and compiled it into a game that is unexpectedly fun. To its credit, it does produce some type of originality with the glaive weapon. But that's not enough to make this a great game. A fun and amusing game perhaps, but if you're looking for a whole lot of substance, this isn't the game for you. But if you like beheading foes in slow-mo, then you'll have a great time with Dark Sector!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Cinematic visuals look great, and in-game visuals aren't too bad either. Not as much detail as some other current gen titles, but the excellent action animation makes up for this.

3.9

Control
Very easy to use at first, but some of the complexities of the glaive take a little practice to get used to.

3.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is fair throughout, and voice acting is only slightly above average.

3.5

Play Value
This game is incredibly formulaic, but for some reason it is incredibly fun to play. The online modes are extremely simple and forgettable, but you will definitely have fun during the single player story mode.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Evolution Powers - Battle your enemies with incredible superhuman powers - like the deadly bladed glaive - that evolve and become more powerful throughout the game.

All New, all original 3rd-person action-shooter - Dark Sector introduces an exciting new world and characters to gamers as they witness Hayden's transformation from killer to hero.

Cinematic and immersive experience - Through the use of no HUD, intuitive controls, and a 3rd person over the shoulder viewpoint, everything about Dark Sector is designed with the goal of keeping the player immersed in the game at all times, focused on gameplay and not gameplay management.

Innovative multiplayer component - Dark Sector features an innovative and exciting multiplayer gameplay that will allow players to utilize the skills they have learned in the single-player game to excel in a competitive environment.

Screen Resolution: Up to 1080p (Full HDTV, Widescreen).