The phrase ‘good console FPS’ can seem like an oxymoron at times, but classic titles such as GoldenEye on the N64 and the Halo series have proved that it can be done. While it doesn’t push the envelope, Snowblind is good example of what a console FPS should be.
You play the bio-augmented Lt. Nathan Frost, a regular soldier turned military super weapon thanks to a wounded-in-the-line-of-duty-but-saved-by-experimental-surgery story that would make Robocop blush.
Despite a clichéd story and dialogue that could have been written by a pro-wrestler, the actual game is good fun. Developer Crystal Dynamics, known for its Legacy of Kain series, has done an excellent job of appropriating the best elements of modern FPS games and tying them all into a single package.
Everything you have come to expect from a solid shooter is here: realistic physics, detailed environments, intelligent AI, vehicles, team combat and, of course, a large assortment of weaponry.
Levels are well designed and, despite being linear, give the impression of depth with areas to explore and alternate means of passage; though this is usually limited to the sneak and hack approach or the guns a-blazing approach.
Snowblind is definitely action-oriented. Group firefights are particularly chaotic as your team spreads out to engage enemies coming at you from all sides. It gives the impression of a real battleground. Certain parts of the environment are also destructible and there’s nothing quite like seeing the seemingly impenetrable wall you just ducked behind brought down by a couple of rounds from a rocket launcher.
Aside from the usual assortment of guns and grenades you also have access to various augmentations that gradually become available throughout the game. The augmentations are generally aids to combat, granting you such abilities as reflex boost (bullet time), bullet shielding or invisibility.
For a game that focuses so heavily on action, the controls are relatively complex. Every button on the PS2 control pad is used, even the left and right stick buttons, which you may have previously forgotten about. With augmentations, primary weapons, secondary weapons and miscellaneous items to choose from, cycling through your inventory of death can be a bit of a chore.
The only other annoyance is that there is no way to record the messages you receive in-game. In the heat of battle, it’s often easy to miss important instructions or tips. It would have been helpful to have a log of messages to keep track of your progress.
Though the story is hardly compelling, and the weapon selection system could use a little work, if you can get past these shortcomings then you’re in for a real treat. Project: Snowblind is proof that there are still good console FPS games being made.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012