Console: Xbox 360
Date Released: April 20th 2011
Date Reviewed: January 16th 2012
Reviewer: Thomas
PROS: * Full on retail title for only 15 dollars * Multiple game modes and all new 5 hour campaign * 32 player multiplayer with or without bots * Inexpensive downloadable content CONS: * Most multiplayer matches will partially have bots in them instead of human players * Collision detection for knife kills is a little spotty * Campaign is a little short and fairly easy to get through * The story is “been there done that” in a typical sci-fi fashionSection 8 was one of my favorite games that came out a few years ago. At the time I didn’t have Xbox Live, but Section 8 featured a fairly robust offline bot filled multiplayer. It also did many things that I felt was a boon to the multiplayer experience itself. However, the game failed to really connect with a large audience and thus I wondered if the future of the series was in jeopardy. Timegate Studios decided to put out the sequel, but only as a Xbox Live Arcade title and only for 15 dollars. I was pleased and surprised by the their decision and happy to report that it delivers more so than the original ever could.
Presentation : A
Graphics / Animation / Sound
For a 15 dollar title it doesn’t get much better than this. Using the heavily modfied Unreal Engine 3 this game looks great. The lighting, effects, particles, and the various maps are very nicely detailed. From volcanic regions and snow covered mountains to sereneplateaus all of the maps are large and vibrant. The music of the game is fitting for a sci-fi shooter and while it won’t earn any huge awards it does it’s purpose and is enjoyable to listen to. The animation of the power armor suits that you wear is handled nicely and is above average for this type of game. The power suits and weapon models are highly detailed. Timegate surprised me with such a wonderful looking game for such a low price. It looks alot better than the original which came out at a full 60 dollars.
Single Player : B
Game mechanics / Length / difficulty
The original section 8 had a story mode, but it was really just a long training mode for each of the multiplayer maps. There was cinemas, but it still didn’t have much of a story and felt rushed into production. To me, it seemed like they were merely an after thought. This is not the case with it’s sequel. While it won’t win any awards for it’s narrative it is a better story and the characters from the previous game return. They are voice acted and much more thought out than the original. Other than some minor tweaks to the aiming mechanism and a few other enhanced touches, the gameplay is identical to the original. Section 8 has always played similar to other first person shooters but is very different in feel. There will be some aclimation to how it plays if you are used to Halo, Call of Duty or any other mutiplayer game on Xbox 360. The game itself is not too difficult and can actually be beaten on Normal Difficulty within about 5 hours.
Multiplayer : A
Game mechanics / features / Online features
I gave the Multiplayer an A simply because its so different than anything else. Being able to spawn in at 15,000 feet and either hard landing or hitting the air brake to smooth out your descent is nice. This method completely eliminates spawn killing or spawn camping. The only thing an opponent can do is place an AA cannon in a location to prevent players from spawning in that area. The balancing factor is that these AA cannons can be destroyed from a ground assualt.
Section 8 has always seemed very well balanced. The loadouts can change the field of battle and what worked once against an enemy, may not the next depending on what additions the opponent made to their armor. These additions include better protection, enhanced shields or faster boosting. Loadouts can be customized and renamed to your liking and along with some unlockable armors and medallions, this can give your character a signature look.
The different weapons also have a variety of different types of ammunition to unlock such as EMP rounds, which do extreme damage to shields but low damage to armor. These different types of ammo also help depending on what you’re fighting or who you may encounter in multiplayer. Each battle is very different from the next. There are tanks, hoverbikes, mechs and other drop-ins. You are able to call these drop-ins to the battlefield for support which keeps the gameplay diverse and at times challenging. You can boost (speed run) in third-person view to reach areas of the map quicker or hit your jump jets for not only a high ground advantage but also a quick getaway. Using either one of these methods keep the experience highly mobile and highly fun.
There are several multiplayer modes of play including Assault, Conquest, Skirmish, and others that will keep you busy for quite sometime. There are many Unlockables, Perks, Medals and Awards to obtain from doing a variety of things on the battlefield. You can also win matches by completing DCM missions that pop up randomly as you play a match, such as escorting a VIP to a location on a map. Earning points is more important than a Kill/Death ratio, but the game still tracks that for those wanting to keep a grip on it.
For 15 dollars this game can’t be beat. Especially for the sheer amount of content that you get for the price, not to mention the DLC map packs. (Which are only priced at 200 MS points) Timegate Studios is currently working on more maps and Secton 8 Prejudice has a fairly robust community of players. The biggest problem however is with 16 players on either side if there are not enough human players, the game populates the match with bots. You are able to search for games without bots, but this may hinder your ability to find a match quickly. Sometimes there will be up to ten bots and sometimes only two. On occasion there will be only human players, the good news is that it never effects your ability to unlock items.
Replay Value : A
Lasting appeal / Bonus Content / DLC
For all the game modes, new maps available through DLC, and everything else you get for 15 dollars this is a must own game for fans of sci-fi shooters. From offline bot matches to online wars not to mention a horde mode, its a win/win situation for Section 8 Prejudice. This game is different than most multiplayer games out there not to mention one of my favorites. I hope to not only see more maps and content, but a third game in the series would also be nice. There is enough content here to keep you occupied for quite a while if you decide to download this amazing 15 dollar Sci-Fi FPS. Section 8 is simply awesome!
Overall : A
