Area 51 isn't just a remake of the old arcade game. Just like
how they didn't simply remake the old NARC, Area 51 can be
considered "inspired by" the original. While some might want
more light gun games on Xbox, this new iteration is an FPS.
Xbox has plenty of FPS titles and Area 51 is good one, but not
on the top.
Alien Technology Graphics
The first thing that will get your attention is the opening cut
scene. Area 51 delivers impressive cut scenes. In game
graphics are also nice looking and fairly detailed. It's also
good to note that there wasn't noticeable slow down in the
middle of a large battle.
The Truth is in Your Xbox
Of course to make things interesting, you play an 'outsider'
that will see the conspiracies at Area 51 as you uncover
them. The game has you starting off with a squad but you
aren't always with a squad in the game. The problem is that
the game seems more interesting when you are with a squad.
Going solo looses some appeal. Possibly because it's too
familiar of an average FPS game. Despite the fact that the
game takes place solely in one facility, the game doesn't
get too repetitive as far as level design. The game's story
is told through cut scenes, environmental 'findings' and
also by using a scanner that you pick up at the start of
the game to scan corpses and items. Those into conspiracies
and such are sure to enjoy this as I did. Be sure to realize
that this is more of a fast paced FPS title.
Play Against Others in the Universe
Area 51 also contains split screen and online action. It allows
for 4 player split screen and 16 player online combat. The
multiplayer aspect does have much uniqueness to it with the
exception of one mode. This mode has a player trying to infect
everyone else that isn't infected. A nice thing about the
multiplayer play is that the map will scale itself to a certain
size depending on the amount of players. So a 2-player battle
won't have a whole map to play on and slow things down.
Overall, the multiplayer aspect isn't worth the purchase alone.
No Fist Fighting Here
The game features several guns and even alien ones. There
is dual wielding but is really restricted. For starters,
only the shotgun and assault rifle are dual wieldable and
they cannot be mixed. I couldn't understand why the pistol
isn't dual wieldable. The main problem is that they are
not trigger sensitive. Meaning that the right trigger will
fire both at the same time. Besides your normal weapons,
going a little bit into the game you will have some mutant
powers at your disposal. While I wasn't that disappointed,
some might be with the lacking of experimental weaponry.
What you are given, should satisfy most players at least.
Ladies and Gentlemen...Mr. David Duchovny
The sound effects in Area 51 come out nicely. The game'
story is narrated by X-Files star David Duchovny. While
he talks without any real emotion, I didn't have any problems
with this as it was reminiscent of when Mulder would tell
a flashback in X-Files. Also providing voices are Powers
Boothe and, who better to voice an alien, Marilyn Manson.
Overview
Area 51 takes you into the heart of conspiracies fighting off
infected soldiers and scientists with fast paced action. The
game has great looking cut scenes and pretty nice looking
graphics. Those that are into this, are sure to get sucked into
the game till they finish. While the game doesn't do much
outside of an average FPS title, it is worth the price of a
purchase. And while the story isn't all original, it is able to
deliver it well.
