-PerformanceFrom the start the game ran extremely smooth, although when I initially played the game I had an ATI card so I could not take advantage of the PHYSX features, even with an i7 930 @ 4.2GHz. I was able to add a 430 to my system which acted as my dedicated PHYSX GPU and it worked great with the 5970.
The game is still very playable without all the "fancy-ness" of PHYSX; however, if you have the hardware I strongly suggest maxing the game out as its artwork is still quite awing. As far as the controls, everything transitions over to the keyboard/mouse and I tried with the 360 controller, which worked well but later levels require a much quicker reaction time so that is when you have to break out the keyboard/mouse for that extra precision.
As always it works on my laptop, so that is enough to justify the optimization.
-GameplayThe gameplay is very unique, it is an older game, but still today the only game that could come close to the free running style of this is Brink. Whether you're playing on keyboard/mouse or using a controller you will be able to pull off the stunts fluently; although, as stated before you may find it difficult to pull off later stunts in the game with a controller if your sensitivity is low.
It is pretty straight forward as well, everything you could take advantage of will be painted red and any wall can be ran on or up to provide extra momentum for jumps. As you progress through the game you will eventually be able to use weapons if you can pull off proper commands to disarm the guards, but they have very limited ammo and will not be used much as your main goal is to get to the end of the level as fast as possible. You're a runner, not a killer.
To add on to the precision they added slow-motion to the game. I did not find myself using the feature a lot, only when I wanted to see the PHYSX take place, other than that it wasn't necessarily needed.
-StorylineThe storyline was quite interesting, you play as a runner by the name of "Faith". Your sister was framed for something she did not do and they are out to hunt you because of it. Throughout playing the game you won't find yourself asking "why is this happening" or "what is the reason for doing this?". It is all explained thoroughly and you'll find yourself immersed in the game's creativity.
Also it is told through animated cut scenes, which are extremely impressive. The cut scenes alone will have you wanting to see what happens next.
-OverallI give the game a 4/5 overall because it is a solid title, very unique and creative, it will give you at least 6 hours of gameplay. The ability to be lazy and sit back using a controller or having the precision of a mouse/keyboard is an excellent addition as well. The game is pretty straight forward as stated before and there isn't any additional content, a leveling system would have been appreciated as it could of added the ability to unlock special moves or even increase your characters running/jumping power. Those are more personal wishes than actual issues with the game though.
I strongly suggest at least taking a look at the trailer for this game or even some gameplay on Youtube as it is an epic title.
-Performance: 4/5-Gameplay: 4/5-Storyline: 5/5-Overall: 4/5Purchase the game
here and watch the trailer
here
