Standard Game - Top presentation

Now the game is here, and the expectations are met only partially. Similar to "Stalker" was just too much promised by a free, non-linear game world with individual solutions to, and now it has become a very good, but straightforward and conventional shooter.
The game is on the surface a lot of noise. A fresh underwater scenario, an elaborate stories that slowly unfolds a grandiose graphic in Art Deco style, plus a more bombastic sound with effective music and compelling voices; the presentation does everything right and ensure open mouths, and even on medium-fast systems.

Here lies behind a fairly ordinary first-person shooter. The game is created entirely linear and leaves the player little scope for development. Since a display at any time, what is to be done next, you follow only prescribed paths. The tasks are limited to "go to point A, Hole B object and use it to point C". Here, the game experience will probably be extended artificially.

Throughout the game remains to be seen more weaknesses. There is relatively little opponent types that recur quickly. Are the fights at the beginning still demanding, so it repeats, and even the Big Daddies are harmless. Later, the player is so strong that the opponents degenerated into cannon fodder.
The upgrade system with the Gene Tonics is good in the approach, but like the many special weapons in the actual game hardly necessary. Why the opponents toasting with a fireball or destroy a chemical throwers, if it goes faster with the pipe wrench or the MG. So is the diversity as tactically completely irrelevant.
The hacking of equipment is designed as a boring mini game that annoying after a few repetitions.

Unfortunately, the game does not repeat the tactical depth of "System Shock" or "Half Life 2". Although the scenario provides visual variety, but has little effect on the game. What would this have been possible: underwater level with limited oxygen supply, water leaks, you must stop under time pressure, or enemy types from the deep sea (eg squid, sharks).

So is "only" a game with terrific atmosphere and outstanding presentation.