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Review of BlackSite: Area 51 on PS3

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Dec 2007
Cover image of BlackSite: Area 51 on PS3
Gamefings Score: 5
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 10 Dec 2007
Genre: First-person shooter
Developer: Midway Studios Austin
Publisher: Midway Games

Introduction

Strap in and prepare your nearest alien conspiracy theory! BlackSite: Area 51 is here to whisk you away on a bumpy joyride through a narrative that feels like it was written on the back of a pizza box. With mutant creatures, a truckload of military bravado, and questionable squad tactics, you'll either be exhilarated or asking for a refund. Let's just say this game is less Area 51 and more Area Uh-Oh!

Gameplay

BlackSite: Area 51's gameplay mainly revolves around the tried-and-tested first-person shooter formula that appears to have taken a leisurely stroll through an alien-infested cornfield. You start as Captain Aeran Pierce - a name that sounds like a rejected character from a B-movie action flick - who fights against mutated soldiers and, spoilers, a betrayal from within! But fear not! You'll be armed with an assortment of six weapons (that's right, you may carry two at a time, so choose wisely!). Don't forget, you have a couple of A.I.-controlled squadmates who are at your command. You can yell at them to distract enemies, but if you expect them to dance on the battlefield, you'll be left tapping your foot in frustration. Their morale system is straight outta a soap opera - one second it's high because you just mopped the floor with bad guys, and the next, they're sad because you took a flesh wound. Don't forget your vehicle sections too! Who doesn't love driving a military Humvee while dodging bullets and thinking, 'Hey, I'm in a video game!'? And there's multiplayer! If you enjoy being blown up by your friends instead of mutants, hop into Deathmatch or Team Deathmatch, or unleash your inner strategist in Siege mode. Just remember; teamwork makes the dream work, unless you've thrown your controller at your buddy for stealing the last health pack.

Graphics

When it comes to visuals, BlackSite struts around like it's the most fashionable kid at school, but you soon realize it borrowed its clothes from a relative. Yes, it runs on the Unreal Engine 3, bringing a decent level of graphical fidelity to the table, but let's just say the world looks like it's been through one too many editing sessions. Characters look a tad like they threw a few pixels together at a party, and environments don't exactly scream realism either. Objects destruct on occasion, but don't expect to systematically raze every wall like in your wildest demolition fantasies. It's like a toddler playing with Legos - a little messy and probably not how you imagined it after the Pinterest tutorial.

Conclusion

To sum up BlackSite: Area 51, it's a mixed bag of frenzied chaos, questionable decision-making, and tries-hard-to-be-serious but falls into the pit of obscurity. If you're looking for a deep, meaningful experience or emotional growth from your characters, you may want to look elsewhere. If, however, you want an experience that includes chasing down mutants while yelling at poorly designed squadmates, you might just get your kicks here. Pack your bags and your expectations, and prepare for a wild run! Call this game an 'average Saturday night' - it's not the best you could have, but it sure is a memorable ride, provided you held your friends close through all the chaos... and stayed away from the pizza box writing. Cheers to your shotgun blasts and squad morale!

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