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BlackSite: Area 51 (PS3) Review
Developer: Midway Austin
Publisher: Midway Games
Genre: First-person shooter
Release: 2007
BlackSite: Area 51 is a science-fiction military shooter built around the mysterious Area 51 and an alien invasion. It combines conventional firearms with extraterrestrial enemies, squad commands and a cinematic campaign. The game has an interesting premise and some enjoyable combat, but its short campaign, repetitive encounters and technical issues prevent it from reaching the level of the genre's stronger releases.
Gameplay & Mechanics
BlackSite follows a fairly traditional first-person shooter formula. Players move through linear environments, fight human enemies and aliens, collect weapons and progress through scripted objectives.
The weapon selection includes conventional military firearms such as assault rifles, machine guns and shotguns. Alien enemies provide some variety by requiring different approaches in combat.
One of the game's more interesting features is its squad command system. The player can give basic orders to AI teammates, allowing them to attack targets or move into different positions. This adds a small tactical element to otherwise straightforward firefights.
The game also features a morale system that affects the behaviour of squad members. Keeping teammates alive and maintaining their confidence can influence how effectively they fight.
However, the core gameplay remains fairly conventional. Shooting is competent but lacks the weight and refinement of more polished shooters from the same period.
Strengths
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Straightforward and accessible shooting
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Interesting alien enemies
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Squad command mechanics add some tactical variety
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Good selection of conventional weapons
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Mixture of military and science-fiction combat
Weaknesses
Campaign & Level Design
The campaign takes players through locations connected to the Area 51 conspiracy, beginning with a military operation before expanding into a larger extraterrestrial conflict.
The environments include military facilities, desert locations and areas affected by the alien invasion. The combination of military and science-fiction environments works well conceptually.
Unfortunately, the campaign is quite linear. There is little opportunity to explore or approach encounters creatively. Most levels involve moving forward, eliminating enemies and triggering the next scripted event.
The relatively short campaign is another weakness. There is enough variety to keep the experience moving, but it ends before many of its ideas can be fully developed.
Story & Themes
The story begins with a military unit being deployed to investigate an incident connected to Area 51. The situation quickly develops into an alien invasion, forcing the soldiers to fight both human opponents and extraterrestrial creatures.
The game's subject matter gives it an appealing science-fiction atmosphere. The Area 51 setting, government conspiracies and alien technology provide plenty of potential.
The narrative, however, is fairly straightforward. Character development is limited, and many of the game's plot elements are presented through conventional military-shooter storytelling.
The story is more successful as a backdrop for the action than as a compelling narrative in its own right.
Graphics & Presentation
For a 2007 PS3 title, BlackSite has a mixed visual presentation.
Some environments look reasonably detailed, particularly the military facilities and larger outdoor areas. Alien designs are also distinctive enough to give the game its own identity.
However, the visuals are inconsistent. Textures can appear muddy, character models are relatively basic and environmental details are sometimes sparse.
Technical problems are also noticeable, including occasional glitches, animation issues and inconsistent performance.
Strengths
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Atmospheric military environments
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Distinctive alien designs
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Good lighting in some areas
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Effective explosions and combat effects
Weaknesses
Sound & Music
The sound design is reasonably effective, particularly during combat. Gunfire, explosions and alien sounds provide enough impact to make firefights enjoyable.
The voice acting is more mixed. Some performances work well within the military setting, while others feel somewhat forced or generic.
The soundtrack provides appropriate support for the game's science-fiction atmosphere but is not especially memorable.
Modes & Replay Value
The primary focus is the single-player campaign. Unfortunately, its relatively short length significantly limits replay value.
There is multiplayer functionality, but it lacks the depth and longevity of the major competitive shooters released around the same period. The game's limited player population can also make finding matches difficult depending on when and where it is played.
There are few incentives to repeatedly replay the campaign beyond experiencing the action again.
Pros
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Interesting Area 51 premise
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Enjoyable mixture of military and alien combat
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Squad command system
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Distinctive science-fiction atmosphere
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Straightforward controls
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Some entertaining set pieces
Cons
Final Verdict
BlackSite: Area 51 is an interesting but ultimately underdeveloped science-fiction shooter. Its Area 51 setting, alien enemies and squad mechanics give it enough personality to distinguish it from a conventional military FPS, and there are some enjoyable firefights and set pieces throughout the campaign.
However, the short length, repetitive gameplay, inconsistent AI and technical problems hold it back. The game feels like it has the foundation for a much more ambitious science-fiction shooter but does not fully develop its ideas.
For PS3 owners interested in military shooters with an extraterrestrial twist, BlackSite can still provide a reasonably entertaining few hours, but it is best approached with modest expectations.
Score: 6/10
