Review: Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)

Having established themselves as a leading PlayStation 2 developer with the hugely entertaining and inventive Ratchet & Clank series, it was time for Insomniac to break out and move on. The result is Resistance: Fall of Man, a first person shooter that leads the PlayStation 3 invasion into Europe.

Fittingly we have a game that is based in Great Britain, or England to be more precise including such cultural centres as Grimsby, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester, York and London. This is a refreshing change from the staple diet of American cities or Oriental backdrops and serves a purpose within the story. England is the remaining European outpost that is resisting the might of the mysterious Chimera forces, who have broken out from Russia and infected everything within their path. With America sitting on the sidelines watching and fearing the worst, eventually they pitch in to help out our boys with their vast resources.

You take the role of U.S. Army Ranger sergeant Nathan Hale, who becomes an elite-fighting machine as the story develops. An English female resistance fighter narrates your tale and while she is certainly charismatic, Hale is a soulless killing machine who fails to develop any personality beyond a foul scorn. Initially the story feels out of place; roaming English cities in the 1950's fighting an alien invasion force, it just doesn't come together. Then more Brits are introduced and you begin learn more about the Chimera menace through restrained cut sequences, and fragments of intelligence hidden through the levels.

Those who worried if Insomniac could cut it in the competitive first person genre can put those fears to one side, as their strengths shine through once more. Their penchant for inventive characters and weaponry is evident to see, with some visually striking opponents that require individual consideration to overcome. The Chimera attack in all shapes and sizes, which will often have you changing weaponry mid-fight to become victorious. Luckily those weapons each have their own individual flavour and the accompanying grenades (the vicious hedgehog, fireball and others) can provide quick relief in the face of terrifying odds. There are moments when you will fight with alongside the resistance; unfortunately they tend to last for only a few minutes during the opening skirmish that kicks off almost every level.

Most launch titles tend to be conversions or half-baked, rushed titles that fail to take advantage of the new format. This is not the case with Fall of Man although there are some minor bugs and glitches. Everything here feels next-generation (now current it should be said) especially if you're able to enjoy the 720p output. A pleasing aspect is the size of the main story even though some levels are extremely short; others are expertly arranged with a magnificent set piece to play through. If Gamestyle did have one criticism its that we did not have more set pieces of such calibre, or that there is only one route through each level. Yet it is credit to the game and overall experience that you don't feel restrained in terms of direction - partially because of the memorable environments and weapon variety. There are of course weaker levels within the thirty or so that form the main story, the majority of these are the vehicle sections in which you take control of a jeep, tank or stalker. The jeep is extremely mobile and fun to tend and enables the story to move out into the countryside environments of Cheshire and Somerset. In comparison the stalker and tank levels are mundane and extremely slow, with Chimera forces easily picked off from a distance. Gamestyle during such sections wanted to jump out and take on the Chimera on foot, which in reflection would have been suicide but would have injected some pace into proceedings.

Insomniac certainly knows how to deliver a release that caters for all players of differing abilities. Easy mode is as the name implies, with numerous health pickups and weapon crates. Medium is a little stingier prompting you to conserve ammunition and seek out cover more often, while Hard will keep Gamestyle entertained for a while to come. Skill points are given out for completing previous hidden tasks such as killing 5 enemies through a wall with an Auger. As you collect these points previously hidden extras such as concept art packs and clank backpacks become available. Like Halo the game also recognises as you complete each level on what difficulty, thereby prompting you to return and prove you can defeat the Chimera on legendary, sorry hard.

Again we have to mention the lightweight controller, which lacks rumble and therefore the natural response to being hit, either up close or from afar. Hale will make a sound, which prompts your attention but given enemy fire can come from all sides it can be lost amidst the glorious sound of war. A quick check of your health meter will confirm if it is depleting, but in game such as this rumble is a vital component and a useful dramatic tool. Insomniac have taken advantage of the controller in other ways as the weaker or four legged Chimera prefer to leap and attack themselves to you (never a pretty sight up close) and these can only be wrestled off by vigorously shaking that controller. It is very effective and provides a jolt when it does occur.

Online does not disappoint but for offline options you have a multiplayer setting or the welcome inclusion of a co-operative mode. With a variety of online matches available and the support of the SOCOM USB headset this is quite simply gaming, or living as Sony have dubbed it. Fall of Man does support up to 40 players and selects some of the most notable and expansive areas of the main mode in which to do battle. Also supported are clans as Insomniac attempt to create something that will live on beyond the main storyline. It is a success, a wonderfully fluid experience, with captivating layouts and frantic action. While Gamestyle awaits Halo 3 online multi-player, this will do nicely.

Whether or not you can justify the price of a PlayStation 3 console, we can only recommend that you must experience Resistance: Fall of Man. Considering that this is Insomniac's first stab at the first person genre, it is an even more impressive achievement.

Rating: 9 / 10

Words by Jason Julier