Ah, the first person shooter. A class of games that has caused more excitement and controversy than any other. A simple concept; make a game that gives the perspective of what would be seen through your eyes creating an immersive experience. While you may have to find keys or secrets to continue, the main drive of this genre is to go room to room killing everything in your path. It all began with Wolfenstein 3D, and has snowballed into titles the world over knows: Doom, Quake, Unreal. I've recently played two new games in this genre: Quake 3 and Soldier Of Fortune.
Quake 3 is the latest in a long line of games from Id software, the inventor of the first person genre. With this version Id has all but abandoned the single player mode for an all out multiplayer mayhem. Yes, there is a single player option, but you're using multiplayer maps battling bots, artificial intelligence designed to simulate an opponent. I realize that playing over the internet is the big thing, and probably the route all games will one day take, but sometimes you just want to get into a game for 10 minutes and blast away.
Grab a demo at www.quake3arena.com/demo and see for yourself. I have to admire Id Software for releasing this game to Windows, Mac and Linux users; they're hitting every player out there and bringing much needed attention to alternate platforms.
Game play has remained constant through the Quake series, with fluid mouse and keyboard commands. The big update in this version is the graphics engine, which takes advantage of 32 bit colour and high resolutions to make this a visual feast. You can now choose a character from quite a selection, varying from bikers to armored giants. This won't affect game play, as all players have the same hit area regardless of physical size. Other than that it's another Quake game; run around and shoot people with various futuristic weapons while jumping and dodging. If you're a fan this one is highly recommended.
After saying that I'd like to add that this style of game is getting long in the tooth; isn't there something else to first person shooters? Why are they always in the future, with little or no story? Why don't doors swing out on hinges? There have been attempts, albeit unsuccessful, to bring other times to this genre, such as Heretic, Outlaw and Kingpin. The third person genre has run the gambit of options and scenarios with its biggest hit being Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, which is basically a shooter with puzzles. People like this formula and are drawn to it. Rainbow Six took this genre and added heightened realism and a modern setting to let players take the role of a anti-terrorist commando in a one shot one kill world. Why can't we have this in a first person perspective title?.
What if you want a little more? That's the call Raven Software is trying to answer with Soldier Of Fortune. Let me say right away that this is a first person shooter with a fundamental plot of shoot and shoot some more. What's added is a modern setting with real weapons and a new hit system. You're a mercenary called to various locations to take down the bad guys; a simple story. What's nice is the fact it's a scenario you can identify with, taken from the local news. All the weapons in the game are real, such as the combat shotgun or sub-machine gun. A new hit system let's you shoot an enemy in the arm to, ah, disarm him. Go for a head shot and take them down instantly. There is quite a bit of blood and gore, but this can be controlled in the options menu. A warning come up the first time you play indicating this game is for those 18 and older, a sufficient warning if the parents are doing the install. Right now a demo is available at www.ravensoft.com ; the final game should be available soon.
I played through the two levels available, and was thoroughly impressed. Graphics are strong, giving a dynamic feel to the levels. The first level was taking out bad guys in the subway system ,and the second was on a moving train. A player is required to move through the levels killing the bad guys and letting the innocent bystanders escape alive. Not much more depth to it than Quake 3, but I felt more of a connection to this title. Ambient sound effects and dynamic music really helped to immerse me in the environment. I anxiously await the final product; definitely one to watch for
by Scott VanderPloeg
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