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Brute Force |
by Chad
6/2/2003 |
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Review by TerpsX [TA]
After waiting for what seems like an eternity, Brute Force finally hit store shelves last week. Brute Force has been hyped like nothing else, with many pushing it as “the next Halo”. Despite the fact that it does not live up to this title, it is still a fantastic game that is worthy of being in any Xbox gamers library. The reality of not quite living up to it’s hype does not mean anything in the long run; Brute Force is still a great game. It is a 3rd person shooter that borrows a lot of gameplay elements from Halo, and what you end up with is a fun, worthwhile experience.
Key Points:- 4 characters in the squad who each possess a special ability:
Brutus: Spirit of Vengar, which lights up enemies in a thermal-like vision……useful for using in blurry/foggy areas, also slowly regenerates his health
Tex: Any 2 guns firing at once
Hawk: Invisibility, when used with the powerblade can kill enemies with just one slash
Flint: Auto-targeting, allow you to mow down enemies in a matter of seconds - Play across 6 different worlds/environments
- Mission based gameplay with Main and Secondary objectives
- 18 missions in total
Story/Presentation - 7.5
The menus are easy to navigate and offer many options and stats……but no one really cares about the menus. The main thing about Brute Force’s feel is it’s resemblance to Halo. The controls are almost identical to those of Halo, with the exception of the controls for the squad. You will recognize many things like the Holding X to pick up weapons or open doors, along with the look of the targets (especially the sniper which is identical) and the feature of the reticle turning red when on an enemy. Due to the points previously mentioned, it feels a lot like Halo in 3rd person. The thing that really sets it apart for me is the management of a whole squad and the extremely different environments.
 
The cut-scenes between missions are VERY nice, look incredible, and offer some real cool Mission briefings. The in-game cut-scenes, however, are not as impressive. They really just give you a little help through the mission. Overall the presentation is very nice, smoothly linking mission to mission and helping you enjoy the story a bit better. However, the story in Brute Force is nowhere near that of Halo, as it offers barely any dramatic moments, and can feel non-existent at times. In the end, it does its job: nothing special, and nothing particularly bad or annoying.
Graphics - 9.5
Crisp, clean, beautiful and smooth graphics. The visual elements of Brute Force are some of the best of any Xbox game we have seen before. The game also displays beautiful cut-scenes and some very nice detail. There also seems to be absolutely no problems with framerate during single player, and barely any difference in Multiplayer. The only downside here is some less-than-spectacular textures here and there, and the not quite as good in-game cut-scenes. Bottom line: these graphics are Splinter Cell quality and easily surpass those of Halo.
Fun Factor/Extras - 8.9
This is the main boast of Brute Force. While the gameplay is by no means revolutionary or groundbreaking, it is fun as hell. There’s nothing like going into a firefight with double Mini-guns, slicing up people without them having the slightest idea, or shooting down 5 straight enemies in 5 seconds with 5 shots. These can offer some very fun gameplay situations. Having many weapons and grenades at your disposal (way more then Halo) is definitely something not to complain about. The game also includes some very nice extras. Picking up enemy DNA along the missions is very cool, and adds incentive to play missions over. The DNA allows you to play as your enemies during multiplayer. Another nice feature to add replay value is the cash based system that is implemented to judge how well you did on a mission. Each level has a maximum amount of cash that can be earned. (Standard earning the least, then hard, and with Brutal earning the most……depending on the amount of kills and secondary objectives completed)
Gameplay - 8.2
Ok, so here’s where it’s at. It’s nice to hear what the graphics are like and what kind of unlockables there are, but in the end the gameplay is what makes a title worthwhile. This holds true in Brute Force, as the gameplay is good, but has its small downers along the way. The gameplay is based on a squad of four in a third person perspective which is executed very well, although it takes a little getting used to. After the initial adjustment it really is not a downside to the gameplay. While the squad-based gameplay is not as well executed as in other squad based games, it really leaves it up to you and how you play it. If you go through the game with Brutus and Tex simply tearing apart enemies and taking the occasional medkit along the way (with Flint and Hawk merely spectators) you most likely will not enjoy the game to its full potential. You will probably make it through, but you’ll have about half as much fun.
 
Hawk and Flint are where it’s at, their abilities are probably the coolest to use, and when used right, are incredibly effective. Sure, it takes a bit more time to hold the squad and make it happen, but if you play the game the way Digital Anvil envisioned it being played, you will like it. It is a small fault that it is possible to make it through with just guns blazing, but I would emphasize small. The AI of your teammates is pretty good; not fantastic by any means, but they do their jobs. Your teammates are easily smarter then the Marines in Halo. For example, they will pull back when they are being hurt, take medkits, find cover, and will always follow your orders correctly.
The main fault I’ve seen with the AI is Flint. She is not very good with her sniper, often missing. However, this does not stop you from always choosing Flint if your gonna. The enemy AI is almost as good, as they will find cover, attack you hard if they have numbers, pull back if not, and act depending on their race. For example, the mutants are often quite suicidal. The mission objectives vary nicely, as there are objectives anywhere from assassinations, finding artifacts, destroying key enemy technology, or helping rescue friends.
The environments play a big part in your enjoyment level throughout the game. I found that the levels on the Seers’ planet were easily the most un-enjoyable of them all, almost like the Flood in Halo. The idea of being able to go on to play in the fun swamps against the rocket-whoring feral colonists always got me through the Seer levels. That, or the grassy, hilly environments you would often find the Red Hand populating. Or the environments of flammable waste (which caused some very interesting gameplay situations) that the mutants populate. Overall, the single was nowhere near Halo. It really didn’t have an epic feeling, but at times could be very, very fun.
With that said, when you have 3 other friends on your side, it’s almost a totally different game. Not having the hassle of feeling like you had too many killing machines on your side really changed things. When setting the difficulty to brutal or hard, the gameplay was very compelling. The co-op gameplay is fantastic; I would even go as far as saying I enjoyed the Seer levels when we were playing co-op. The only little problem I found with Co-op was it seemed as though your character was cut off a bit from the split-screen, and the view seemed a tiny bit different, but I’m not going to complain about that. It doesn’t take away from the gameplay, and most wouldn’t notice it. And I sure as hell did not notice any “framerate issues” that other reviewers have mentioned. I found it ran completely smooth.
 
Now for the multiplayer. There are 2 modes, Squad Deathmatch and the default Deathmatch. The squad deathmatch is decent, but only really fun if you have at least 4 people. I found it rather lame just going me vs. a friend while handling three other squad members in the midst of battle. If you have a couple more people, it can be a rather useful team deathmatch-like option. It is also pretty cool playing as different squads. Deathmatch is really what I’ve gotten more a kick out of, as it is just classic gameplay, not much strategy, but very fun. There is a major assortment of weapons, grenades, and power-ups scattered around the maps. With each player having their own special ability it causes some very interesting situations. There are two additional weapons in multiplayer; roller grenades (probably the coolest addition in the game) and Brute Power, which are pretty cool. There is also the obvious addition of having a huge assortment of characters to play as, which overall adds some nice flavor to the multiplayer.
There are about as many maps as there are in Halo, though the Brute Force maps tend to be a bit smaller. The maps closely resemble levels in the campaign. Overall, if you can get some buddies together, the multiplayer is very fun, and well worth playing. It may not be as classic as Halo, but it will keep you playing Brute Force for a while.
Online Gameplay - 7.0
Sure, there may be no XBL, and that’s a disappointment, but you have to remember this game has been in development for a while. Brute Force does have XBC, which is a reasonable alternative, especially for those that don’t have friends around very often to play co-op with. Brute Force is most fun in co-op, and it is system-link enabled for co-op as well. The multiplayer is just as good over XBC as it is with your friends, with up to 4 or 5 players you can usually play without lag. The hassle of XBC is a problem, and having no voice ability is major a letdown after XBL, but if you can look past that, Brute Force on XBC is very fun.
Lasting Appeal/Value - 8.5
The single player is rather short, but with the cash based system that is just urging you to get 100%, you will find yourself playing levels a couple times over, especially in co-op or system link co-op. It is another Xbox game with great multiplayer that will keep you playing, especially if you can get yourself on XBC.
OVERALL - 9
Sure, Brute Force has its problems, and if your one of those gamers that has to pick apart every little thing you may not like it. If you’re a regular gamer that plays games for the sheer enjoyment (not for the sound quality or the voice-overs) then you should like it. You may even love it, like I do. Either way, it is a big boost to the Xbox library. I would place it as one of the top 5 games on Xbox, coming in at number 3, after Halo and Splinter Cell. It is a fun game with great enjoyment to offer, especially in co-op. It is well-worth a buy. If you have your doubts, rent first, get hooked, and then go buy it.
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bosco4l4u
Heckler
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i have the game and i agree with your review 100%.
a lot of people dont really like it because they expected moreof a halo type game.
the multiplayer is a little lack luster but once you get the hang of using each characters strengths its fine.
big o
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DETHDADDY
X365 Member
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I got the game the day it came out , I like it and I don´t. It definitly isn´t the hype that was bestowed upon it. I didn´t get the same feeling , the same nervous chill when I turned the corner , started a new area ...etc. The game is good , but overall , it wasn´t worth the wait! I think they should have pushed the release date back again and included XBOX live. XBconnect is lovin it!!! Live probably would have put this game over the top.
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Mr.Big Black Box
Heckler
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I bought this game the @!*% day it came out, and I LOVE IT!
It is not HALO but it does not need to be.
The review above it right on, GO OUT AND GET THIS GAME!
I have told many people about this game and have said it is HALO and SPLINTER CELL rolled into one.
I have been doing like he said above, I went through the levels the @!*% time guns a blazing! Then replaying the levels as HAWK and FLINT to slow the gameplay down and put a STELTH feel to the game!:-) Try it I think you will like this one!
ONLY ON XBOX!!:->
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superKulit
Heckler
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Very informative and analytical review. I was expecting a fanboy type review ("OMG!1,000/100!!!!BEST.GAME.EVAR!!!!!"), but I´m wrong. Keep up the good work!
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*Grampa Game*
X365 Member
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C´mon man!, the graffics do use the vertex shaders well to display changes in lighting, and the particle effects for blood, smoke, and fog etc are also a good touch, but the subtle graphical touches applied in Halo hang together better as a whole than they do in brute force. (the elegant yet economical graphic design of Halo just can´t be touched, by any game yet)
overall however the graphics in brute force do convince, and are very pleasing to the eye. (like a pretty woman)
I personally thought the squadDeath-match(while controlling the other 3 characters yourself against another player doing the same) to be full of many unpredictable situations, like when your opponents´ Bot "caps" you from behind and kills the Bot you were using,..as you assume control of another character, you could easily find yourself on the other side of the map, suddenly poised to exploit an excellent position. the so called lame bots can be very dangerous once they "become aware that you are within their proximity", and will quickly capitolize on your lapse of attention by rewarding you with a quick but merciful death. Death can certainly from out of nowhere in this game.
But at least we do agree on one thing,.. that this game is flat out fun!!
and the seer level is my least favorite as well. (LOL)
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BrootFoors
Heckler
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I prefer the L-SHOT sniper gun. one shot kill.
I think this game is the funnest when played with 8 players system link. Squad DM or regular DM.
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Jorge Alexander
Heckler
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I think this game kicks ass and it might me as good as Halo. What I dont understand is how someone can rate the game 100 and then another company rates it at 60.
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Moot Force
Heckler
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I bought this game the @!*% day it was available and all I can say is thank god that gamestop has a return policy on opened games. The graphics were OK. Nothing to write home to mom about, and nothing that was worthy of so many delays. What happened to a grand 3d world to explore? This game was so linear, they should have made it a 2d game similar to the @!*% contra on nintendo. The storyline, if you can call it that, was just ridiculous. I wasn´t expecting Halo. Nothing can compare to that plot, but at least give us some sort of story. The fact that you don´t even need to use any of the other characters was extremely disappointing. I just expected more, not simply from all the hype, but from over a year and a half of xbox development. This game should have been one of the launch titles. Buy Wolfenstein! It´s worth your money.
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alijohn
Heckler
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"While the squad-based gameplay is not as well executed as in other squad based games, it really leaves it up to you and how you play it. If you go through the game with Brutus and Tex simply tearing apart enemies and taking the occasional medkit along the way (with Flint and Hawk merely spectators) you most likely will not enjoy the game to its full potential"
hey can you just explain that to every other idiotic reviewer ever? seriously though, i think this review is SPOT ON
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Ckron
Heckler
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This is the MAJOR problem with Brute Force, the ability to let dim-wads play it in the @!*% place!
Look folks, it is simple to master, yet it is hard to master the simpletons you may play with.
On Brutal, it is this easy....... Let Hawk stelth kill as many as possible, go to Flint for sniper cover, get Brutis´ claws drenched and recover, then send in Tex to mop up! Rinse and repeat as nessasary!
I just wish I had three other people near me who could understand this! Yet I only have one, so my co-op experience was best at single player on Brutal.
I do love this game, and it might satisfy alot of people until Halo2. But only with us getting more DL content will I be able to be quenched from the nectar of the goodness that a true virtual MasterChief-a-piece of art work that was set before us by Bungie. Until then..........
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*Grampa Game*
X365 Member
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Sound Good Ckron,.. I personally like to put Hawk and Flint at the far left and right of the screen about 75 video feet in front of the next "engagement". Then I send Brutus up the middle like the reptillian "Running Back" that he is to draw out the enemy fire.
I then move in with Tex right behind him to exterminate the foul villianous scum while they have their immediate attention on my lizardlike decoy,.. Hawk and Flint usually snipe the incoming Horde before they have enough time to do any serious harm to Brutus, he can regenerate anyway (and Brutus doesnt just stand there with his claw up his arse, he´s busy softening up the opposition)
again I´ll pick off the straglers with Tex, and the next time I may use the Stealth and snipe approach Ckron mentioned above. (depends on the lay of the land)
planning my assault was the only way I could get thru a level on Hard without losing a teammate. but sometimes I just go "toe to toe" because the carnage is so satisfying,.. "plumes of Blood, a cloud of dust, and the concussive force of the recoil of my shotgun as another foe crumples to the earth". I can almost smell the smoke just thinking about it.
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Ckron
Heckler
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We all have our different approches. My wife and I are on the last level, and there are still many ways to play it. It is a great game, and I just hope us non-BB/XBL people will still get the aditions!
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phil
Heckler
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what is xbox connect?
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DETHDADDY
X365 Member
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Hey Phil , go to XBconnect.com , you will see the second light of XBOX ruling the world!!! (hahahaha)
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*Grampa Game*
X365 Member
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Wow! your wife plays with you!(Ckron).. at my age Its hard to find a female that can even hold a controller for 15 minutes, much less play games. LOL. (and most youger babes just want to play THe Simms, or Barbies Horse adventure)
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*Grampa Game*
X365 Member
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OXM has announced that they will be providing downloads for the new splintercell level "Kola Cell" in their next issue. They also indicated they will provide downloads for many other games that were previously accessible thru XBL only,. So I don´t see any reason why they wouldn´trelease the Brute Force download when it becomes available, it only helps to boost sales, and I think they know that.
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doodx
Heckler
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this game was good not great but i also liked the many ways of attack. i gave this game an 8.5 the.5 for co/op
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Heckler>>>>
Heckler
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This game owns!!!! i bought it for the multiplayer but it has a great single player as well.Buy this game, love this game, invite friends over to play and you will have as much fun with it as Halo multiplayer.
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tyson
Heckler
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i think this game was a big let down after such a huge delay the game could have been so much more
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Maltez
X365 Member
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I just went out and bought this game. I don´t see what the big fuss is about. This game has to be the biggest dissapointment on Xbox so far. True, the graphics are really good but that´s all. I have not seen the need to use anyu other character then Tex so far. I´ll probably be returning it tomorrow and get Soldier of Fortune II, or something.
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zzz-zAlpha
Heckler
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I agree with this review 100%!I diden,t like it much at @!*% but I started having dreams about it so the only answer was to play it and playing on Osiris sucks I almost gave up on the whole game but wanting to go to ferrix made keep going.The graphics are great it looks real because of the shading and lighting.The sound is also cool because the guns sound nothing of this world.My favourite charecter is Brutes because what he says sticks with me and Tex is a showoff.
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zzz-zAlpha
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I agree with this review 100%!I diden,t like it much at @!*% but I started having dreams about it so the only answer was to play it and playing on Osiris sucks I almost gave up on the whole game but wanting to go to ferrix made keep going.The graphics are great it looks real because of the shading and lighting.The sound is also cool because the guns sound nothing of this world.My favourite charecter is Brutes because what he says sticks with me and Tex is a showoff.
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zzz-zAlpha
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Maltez is not right. I agree with this review 100%!I diden,t like it much at @!*% but I started having dreams about it so the only answer was to play it and playing on Osiris sucks I almost gave up on the whole game but wanting to go to ferrix made keep going.The graphics are great it looks real because of the shading and lighting.The sound is also cool because the guns sound nothing of this world.My favourite charecter is Brutes because what he says sticks with me and Tex is a showoff.
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