Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Bodycount for the PS3, developed by Codemasters and released in 2011, is a first-person shooter that aims to deliver fast-paced action, explosive gunplay, and a no-nonsense approach to combat. While it attempts to capture the essence of arcade-style shooters, it falls short in several areas, making it an experience that is entertaining in short bursts but lacking the depth and polish of more refined FPS titles. Heres a comprehensive review:
Gameplay
Bodycount focuses on offering a straightforward, action-heavy shooter experience, with an emphasis on destructible environments, fast movement, and explosive combat. The game is broken into linear missions where you engage in intense gunfights against waves of enemies.
Pros:
- Explosive Action: The gunplay is satisfying with a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, pistols, shotguns, and explosives. The shooting mechanics feel responsive and pack a punch.
- Destruction: The game offers environments that are destructible, allowing players to blow apart walls, barriers, and cover. This adds a fun element of chaos to the combat.
- Fast-Paced Combat: The action moves quickly, with enemies constantly appearing, forcing players to keep moving and react swiftly.
- Variety of Weapons: Theres a good selection of weapons, each offering a distinct feel, from heavy machine guns to sniper rifles.
Cons:
- Shallow Gameplay: The core gameplay loop becomes repetitive very quickly. While the action is fun initially, the lack of depth in mechanics and mission variety means the experience loses its appeal over time.
- Limited Tactics: While the destructible environments are fun, theres little room for strategic thinking. The gameplay is largely about running and gunning, with little opportunity for tactical planning or stealth.
- AI Issues: The enemy AI is often predictable, and enemies tend to rush towards the player rather than offering a variety of tactical approaches. This can make encounters feel monotonous.
Story
The story in Bodycount follows a mercenary who is part of an elite group known as the "Bodycount" that fights in a global conflict against a shadowy organization called the "Target." While the premise could lead to an engaging narrative, it falls flat in execution.
Pros:
- Basic Plot Setup: The storys premise, while generic, sets the stage for action-heavy gameplay. The motivations behind the conflict are easy to follow.
Cons:
- Forgettable Plot: The narrative is weak and fails to provide meaningful depth or character development. The protagonist is a blank slate, and the lack of engaging dialogue or story progression makes it hard to stay invested in the plot.
- Repetitive Dialogue: The dialogue between characters is minimal and doesn't add much to the experience.
Graphics and Presentation
Pros:
- Visuals: The environments are reasonably detailed, with decent character models and animations. Explosions and gunfire look impressive, adding to the overall excitement of the combat.
- Destruction Effects: The destructible elements of the game are a highlight, with buildings crumbling and walls splintering under heavy fire. The visual impact of these moments is satisfying.
Cons:
- Generic Environments: While destructible, many of the environments feel dull and uninspired. The game often relies on repetitive locations such as warehouses, urban areas, and military compounds.
- Lack of Polish: There are occasional texture pop-ins, and the overall visual quality doesnt match the level of polish seen in other FPS games of the same era.
Sound
Pros:
- Sound Design: The sound effects for weapons, explosions, and ambient noises are solid. Gunshots sound powerful, and explosions create the expected cinematic impact.
- Voice Acting: The voice acting is serviceable, although the script doesnt offer much to work with.
Cons:
- Repetitive Audio: While the sound effects are generally well-executed, they can get repetitive, especially in longer play sessions. The dialogue also lacks depth and can feel monotonous.
Replayability
Pros:
- Weapon Unlocks: Players can unlock new weapons and gear as they progress, providing an incentive to continue playing.
- High Score Chasing: The game includes a ranking system, encouraging players to improve their performance in missions.
Cons:
- Limited Modes: Theres little to do outside of the main campaign. Without any substantial multiplayer offerings or a variety of game modes, the replay value is limited.
- Repetitive Gameplay Loop: Despite the unlockables and achievements, the core gameplay becomes repetitive after a while, diminishing long-term engagement.
Verdict
Bodycount for the PS3 is an arcade-style first-person shooter that delivers fast, explosive action, but it lacks the depth and innovation required to make it stand out in a crowded genre. While the combat is fun at first, the repetitive mission design, shallow story, and predictable AI prevent it from becoming a memorable experience.
Overall Rating:
- Gameplay: 6/10
- Story: 4/10
- Graphics: 6.5/10
- Sound: 6/10
- Replayability: 5/10
- Overall: 6/10
If youre looking for a simple, action-packed shooter to enjoy for a few hours, Bodycount might provide a bit of fun. However, those seeking a more nuanced and engaging shooter will likely find the experience lacking.
