bit-tech Shopping: Sega Condemned: Criminal Origins

• 480i (SDTV)
• 480p (EDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: (1)Great atmosphere is generated by creepy graphics, unsettling sounds,brutal fight sequences and the uneasy quiet in between

Weaknesses: (1)Not highly replayable (2) Very linear level and puzzle design

Summary: Condemned: Criminal Origins is a genuinely frightening game and very atmospheric one at that. The situations you are put into, the environments, vicious enemies and brutal bludgeonings all work together to create an immersive horror game. Much attention has been paid to the presentation and the visuals and horrific sounds really bring the story to life. That said, this is more or less a straightforward story-guided game. The levels are very linear and there is usually only path to follow and one way around an obstacle. Despite this lack of freedom in the gameworld, Condemned is still a great experience if you can handle the horror genre. The game is played in a First Person view, which adds to the immersion, especially since most of the fighting is of the hand-to-hand (hand held weapon, actually) variety. The fighting is very much gory and in your face. Parts of the story also unfold during CSI like crime scene investigations which are interesting but not very interactive. Like the level design, these investigations are very linear and you cannot progress until you select the right tool that is called for at the time and perform the task that is requested.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Great graphics and sound, immersive storyline, well-done horror atmosphere

Weaknesses: Short in length, no replay value

Summary: Condemned: Criminal Origins is a first-person horror action title. The main character is an FBI agent searching out a serial killer. After some plot twists, the game turns on its ear and the main character is a fugitive on the run. Through the game, there's numerous plot twists and puzzles, mixed in with lots of first-person combat, with melee weapons and firearms. The game looks good and sounds fantastic, adding into the horror aspects of the game. From beginning to end, it's a great but short horror game, though once complete, there isn't a reason to play through a second time.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 4 Weeks

Strengths: Incredible graphics and atmosphere. Great storyline and rewarding gameplay experience. Not much to complain about since it's a single player game really.

Weaknesses: Not much left after you beat the game. It's only a single player game after all. The graphics can at times be a little too shiny giving it a plastic sheen over all the characters.

Summary: At first I didn't what to expect since I heard mixed reviews about the game. I just remembered liking the "Chronicles of Riddick" game on the original xbox immensely and since this game was produced by Monolith, I figured it couldn't hurt to check it out. And here I am weeks later and I am glad that I picked this game up. Once you start in on it you'll be immediately impressed by the stellar graphics and textures (make SURE you are playing in high def or you'll be lacking some great details). Even the sound was great and drew you into the game even further and created a perfect atmosphere for a suspense game like this. The combat, though a bit repetitive, was fun and using the different pieces of background to kill the psychos in the game were great. Obviously because this was meant to be a single player experience, there's not much left after you beat the game once, besides trying to collect all the birds for little unlockables. Overall, there's a lot to like about this game and very little left out. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes their games with a great storyline, though you should be careful if you're not into graphic violence or if this game is being bought for a child.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: good graphics

Weaknesses: voice acting, short

Summary: In condemned you play as a FBI agent assigned to serial crimes. He is framed for a murder. Your objective is to find the real killer and clear his name. The game has really good graphics, sound story line. The sound effects are excellent and it can be pretty scary. The game is a bit short at 10 levels. The game also has good melee combat. Overall I recommend this game it is fun and entertaining.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Disgustingly beautiful graphics and sound effects; creepy atmosphere, enhanced by superb surround sound; engaging story; fun melee combat

Weaknesses: Repetitive gameplay and environments; minimal replay; won't appeal to those expecting traditional FPS gameplay

Summary: One of the first games developed for the Xbox 360, Condemned: Criminal Origins remains one of the system's most underrated titles. While the quality of its graphics may not eclipse those of recent 360 games, Condemned's sound design is truly - pardon the pun - killer. The game's sound effects and surround sound are first rate and provide a great reference for any home theater setup.But it's the immersive first-person gameplay that makes Condemned such a joyfully unnerving experience through and through. The first-person perspective really helps sell the dark world of Condemned. Through the eyes of the main character, you get up close and personal with ghastly enemies, dishing out brutal beatings with all sorts of melee weapons. There are shooting and puzzle-solving elements, but mostly, Condemned: Criminal Origins is a game that violently thrusts you face-first into the action and carries you like a nauseating roller-coaster ride to the end.