Your Opinion? I want it.

[Jim]

Ok, so I thought I'd be the first to post in the PlayStation 3 section of the forums and have a question for all you forumers.

What is your intake on the PS3 version of Dark Sector? As in the multiplayer, storyline, weapons or anything else in the game, I'd like to see the feedback from others, instead of just my own. Feel free to answer, Thanks!

[BloodStainedVendetta]

Here's my review of the PS3 version...

Dark Sector was the first next-generation title announced, but was the wait truly worth it? Read my review and find out for yourself.


http://img2.putfile.com/main/3/9016094086.jpg


Story:
The story of Dark Sector focuses around the main character, Hayden Tenno. He is a man that has done many unjust things in the past, but ends up becoming a savior through his actions. Dark Sector is a superhero tale.

To get to the nitty gritty, Hayden has to stop a virus from spreading. I won't go too deep into it, because I don't want to spoil much, but there's really not that much to spoil. Dark Sector's main problem is its storytelling. It's paper thin. The player will have to piece together everything if they want to know the what's going on, which can be annoying.

Digital Extremes really needs to learn how to do storytelling better. Pariah had the same problem and failed ultimately because of it. It's not that the stories bad, it's that the storytelling is weak and will leave gamers wondering just what's going on.


Design:
The level design is very solid. The environments are mapped out perfectly for the gameplay in Dark Sector. I hate to compare it to Gears of War, because that's been happening far too often, but the level design is very similar. The cover spots on the maps are placed in all the right spots, so that Hayden can take cover and become a more efficient killer.

The character designs are also one of the games positives. Hayden is a very well created main character, and he's not the typical hero. Although, his animations look odd and Chucky-like in some of the cinematics. It's a small complaint, but I hope they get rid of that in a sequel. The enemies are all top notch and there's a varied selection of them. You'll never feel like you're fighting the same foe, because they'll constantly be switching it up.


Gameplay:
Dark Sector is a 3rd person shooter/action game. The gameplay is the best part of Dark Sector. Hayden is easy to control and using cover is very simple. In Dark Sector, when you sprint towards something, you won't automatically stick to it and get locked in a cover position. You'll have to press the sprint/roll button again when close to the object you want to use as cover.

Throwing your Glaive, or using one of the many weapons you have in your arsenal is the real joy in Dark Sector. The guns feel right and the Glaive controls very well, even when in Aftertouch mode. On the 360, you'll control the Glaive in Aftertouch mode with your analog stick, but on the PS3 you have the option to use the SIXAXIS motion controls. The motion controls work well, but I still found the analog stick to be easier when gliding the Glaive through a more complicating obstacle. It'll all be down to player preference when choosing which way you'd like to use the Aftertouch feature.

You can also use your Glaive to snatch an enemies weapon, but his weapon will notice that you're infected, then you won't be able to use it. It'll work for a good 20 seconds before this happens, though.

Also, there is a weapon shop, which you can enter throughout the game. From the cash you collect in the game, you'll be able to buy and upgrade your weapons. You can also sell your weapons.

You'll also come across a lot of elemental puzzles and boss fights throughout Dark Sector. They all use the Glaive in an inventive way and make you think about how you're approaching the foe.

Both versions have Achievements, while the PS3's "Achievements" are actually called "Entitlements", but they work the same way, minus being tied to a gamer score number.

Overall, I don't have many negatives on the gameplay front. All the gameplay mechanics work well.


Presentation:
Dark Sector is a gorgeous game. From the great bump mapping of the textures, to the excellent lighting, to the great looking character models, it's all eye candy.

Some clipping will happen and some enemies will become glitched in the environment. It only happened to me about 2 or 3 times, so it's not a buggy game at all. It's actually quite polished.

The framerate is at a consistent 30fps and I didn't notice any dips in performance on the PS3 version, which I must congratulate Digital Extremes for. It shows they really tried hard and learned the complicated architecture of the PS3 hardware.


Multiplayer:
Dark Sector only includes 2 multiplayer modes, Infection and Epidemic. The first mode, Infection, will have one player playing as a fully powered and evolved Hayden Tenno. The other players will have to work together as Hazmat Troopers to take down Hayden. The player who takes out Hayden will then become the "infected" and will be playing as the fully powered and evolved Hayden. The cycle goes on and on. It's a fun mode, but it won't become your multiplayer addiction. The fun is short lived.

The second mode, Epidemic, will have 2 teams fighting each other, but this time, both teams will have their own fully powered and evolved Hayden Tenno. The teams main goal is to take out each others Hayden. This is a fun mode, but it's short lived, also.

As you can see, the online is nothing to write home about and it definitely won't keep you entertained for long.


Overall:
Dark Sector is a very good single player experience, but it's a shame the story and multiplayer portions weren't as strong as the gameplay and graphics. Dark Sector is definitely Digital Extremes most ambitious title to date. It's also their best title to date. But the game could have used better storytelling and a richer multiplayer offering.

If you're looking for a very rewarding and fun single player experience, then give Dark Sector a look. But if you're looking for your next online multiplayer addiction, look elsewhere, Dark Sector is not for you.



B-

[Jim]

Great review, I like how it covers all the bases.

[logansrunone]

What do I think about Dark Sector? I think it is a scary game (always wandering what is around the next corner), it is a fun game (meaning the use of the glaive is one of the better aspects of the game and of course I like the original thought that went into making the game), not frustrating in the way that a lot of games are made, today…I would have to give this game 9 out of 10!! Thanks for making such a great and fun game keep up the good work!! One more thing the reason for the 9 is do to the camera and the running…trying to run by pushing the X button and maneuvering both analog sticks at the same time is quite difficult. Also, if someone wants to play Dark Sector (this is what happened to me and my friend) we found that we had to save over the original game that I had played earlier so he could play a new game. He had quit at chapter 5 and I was at chapter 7 and I found that because he had quit at chapter 5 my chapter seven was still there to play, but the other chapters had been over written by his game….anyways, this was a great game…

[AshHewitt]

I just wanted to pop in here and say, congratulations on an awesome game. i really enjoy it! :)

well done!

[Brosive]

Yeah Just wanted to say great Single player. Wish the Multiplayer had more modes though (DM and CFT...at least). But yeah, good game DE...just please patch in some more stuff.
:p

[Karasu]

Hey, I just joined this forum to give my two cents on this game.


I bought my PS3, with Metal Gear Solid 4 as part of the package, so now that I have it, I can finally buy the games i've been eyeing, and Dark Sector was definitely one of them.

So far i'm only up to Chapter 7 but I am quite impressed with it. It has a difficulty about it, that makes it challenging, but not ridiculously hard either. The story was confusing, not in the fact I didn't know what was going on, but I didnt know who some of the people are. For instance, the young lady I don't know what her story is, but im sure after a second run I'll understand it more.

The graphics...are...wow. I just can't believe the effects that are used in the game, not to mention the lighting. It's gritty, dark but it shines in the light and looks so realistic when it does. You guys were inspired by games, and it shows...but in a great way. I see the Gears of War influence, but I see actually...a Silent Hill inspiration as well. I also see an anime influence. Guyver by any chance? heh I dont know if those were your intentions, but you made a game that's brutal and a little creepy at the same time, and brought your style to it.

What else, as yes sound effects are definitely a plus too. I love to hear the screams of the Russian soldiers when they get cut or they're in pain. Not that i'm a sadist or anything, its just...they didnt sound scripted or fake. It all sounds genuine to me. Even the monster screams are great and sound really painful for them when you cut their arms off or slice through them.

The Weapons are great. I like the customization. Simple, and not hard to do. The only problem is they are a bit expensive, and the fact you can't make a new game and keep the weapons you have already is...a letdown to be honest.

Multiplayer isn't bad. Pretty basic, but again...the graphics astound me. Seeing yourself as a person in the contaminated suit, with shining against the sun, and seeing the fabric going back and forth, not pixelated at all. Its all so impressive to me.


Honestly...even though I havent finished the story, I urge you game developers to continue this series. Overall, I am so glad I bought this game.

9.1/10

[shinobboy]

i thought this game was great. i wonder if it would've come out around the same time as GeOW if the sales would've been great overall.