Resistance 3 successfully combines the strengths of the first two installments to gratifying effect in this fresh yet familiar title. The game retains Resistance 2's big boss battles and diverse environments, as well as Fall of Man's lone and silent everyman as its protagonist. As the weapon wheel is also back, you pack a diverse arsenal through the vast majority of the campaign. With some new additions (including a few unexpected toys) at your disposal, every battlefield offers the chance to apply different tactics. Visuals: While the graphics are nothing to write home about, I will say that in terms of detail, the game is done competently. More importantly, however, the atmosphere, weather, and dynamic lighting are all incredible and make for an immersing visual feast. The art direction has grown up from the simple and charming Fall of Man, through Resistance 2's rich palette, to create some stunning locations. The retro vibes are more eminent here than the first two, to boot. Gameplay: The "levels" (it's more of a streamlined journey) are still linear in the traditional sense, but far more expansive and intricate than Fall of Man or Resistance 2. Furthermore, it's an incredibly diverse and well-paced game to play through. There is a lessened variety of enemies than featured in Resistance 2, but there is more gore to compensate for that. Unfortunately a few story and gameplay points will feel very familiar, re-purposed from the last two installments. More than once you'll feel as though you're back in Half-Life 2 though, once or twice a little Uncharted, and even some Killzone 2/3 vibes during other parts. Depending on whether your glass is half full or half empty, you'll enjoy these parts. Beta?: There are a couple of bugs, but nothing that intrudes on your gameplay or stops the game altogether. Being minor, I'm sure it's fixed, but I skipped the updates so I could get into the action. Music: Hardly any recognizable melodies are recycled in the score, but the background music is never melodramatic blockbuster-esque (like Modern Warfare or Halo), and definitely has character. Again, like the environments, the music is subtle and extremely atmospheric. Online: Unfortunately I'm not a multiplayer style of gamer, so I can't help you out there, though reviews generally describe it as being quite different, but fantastically done and maddeningly addictive. Overall, the campaign is certainly worth a couple of playthroughs. This isn't a difficult or ground-breaking game, but the smooth gameplay, diverse locations, ridiculous atmospheres and varied arsenal make it a refreshing and satisfactory game in a market saturated with soul-less, movie-esque FPS titles.
