Platform: PC

Genre: Shooter

Publisher: Ubi Soft

Developer: Ubi Soft

ETA: Fall 2003

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XIII

Hands-On

Derived from a comic book series, XIII comes to save gamers from the usual FPS standards. Ubi Soft continues impressing gamers with its arsenal of innovative games, but XIII deserves more credit then others for its combination of cel-shaded graphics and the first-person shooter action.

Because the game is played with lush cel-shaded graphics, special attention is given to surrounding objects and especially the environment. The  hue and saturation of some of the colors are spectacular and the best seen in any FPS. The character animations are well-rendered and work well with the background making the comic book touch complete.

The gameplay showcases nothing new with the same point-and-shoot interface seen in most FPS games. However, missions range from stealth to straight ahead run-and-gun shootouts. The stealth missions are reminiscent of another Ubi Soft game that did pretty well, Splinter Cell. Utilizing the environment gives the gameplay a little more leverage, giving some scenarios more freedom. The weapons range from pistols to rifles with many other melee weapons, such as knives and bottles available as well. Some weapons feature a primary and secondary source of fire that is done very smoothly. Because of its fast pace, both types of fire are done very swiftly with no delay.

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The enemy AI responded decently with tactical movement, covering themselves when fired upon, and calling others to help. The AI is also responsive to subtle movements in stealth situations (reminiscent of Splinter Cell once again) such as taking cover when hearing loud footsteps.

In terms of sound, the most looming is the dialogue. Unlike other games, the dialogue is sometimes featured during a heated battle and captured within a bubble (a la comic books) revealing bits and pieces of the mystery behind your identity. Weapon and other sound effects were in full support, though similar to most FPS games.

Overall, the game is coming along nicely living up to the expectations of awaiting gamers. Those who think that cel-shading makes the shooter feel “childish” are completely wrong. XIII is one of the most refreshing titles hitting store shelves in the coming months, changing lanes from the usual FPS with a dose of beauty and intense action.

- Eric "element" Lahiji

(August 13, 2003)