VIDEO GAME REVIEW

'BlackSite: Area 51' is no threat to rivals

Despite some ambition, 'BlackSite: Area 51' feels mediocre.

By Omar L. Gallaga
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

"BlackSite: Area 51," a video game developed locally by game studio Midway Studios Austin, has ambition to spare. The action game is a single- and multiplayer first-person-shooter game with a bit of squad combat tactics thrown in and even some political overtones.

Unfortunately, the game's bland level design, lack of variety in weapons and enemy types, and uninspired gameplay make it feel like a game that might have been notable a year or two ago. Instead, it is against a strong current crop of competing games, including "Halo 3" and "Call of Duty 4."

Players take the guise of the Aeran Pierce, who goes from spotting aliens in Iraq to commanding a squad to deal with an alien threat in Nevada. The game takes much too long to get interesting, and some of its seemingly endless driving levels are frustrating to muddle through.

The game's touted political commentary is limited to government conspiracy theories, throwaway dialogue from stereotypical characters and levels with names such as "Mission Accomplished" and "Homeland Security."

There are a few good moments in the game. Blasting aliens is fun in later levels, and the graphics aren't shabby. The soundtrack sounds at times like something out of a '50s horror movie. But mediocrity and a lack of polish hurt the game in the end. "BlackSite: Area 51" isn't bad. It's just not a compelling enough title to steal thunder from other, better, action games.

— Omar L. Gallaga