[Review - Game] Singularity [PC]

Singularity with Bonus Exclusive Graphic Novel

Rating:
When I picked up Singularity during the Steam sale, I didn’t have very high expectations. I knew it involved time travel and it was an FPS. The graphics didn’t look very amazing and to tell the truth I was ready to write my first two or three star review, I even put off playing it since my video card abruptly died. However, out of boredom, I launched the game while my significant other watched and we were both blown away. The game isn’t perfect, but it’s better than most FPS games I’ve played this year.

Pros:

• Story – Most games, and TV shows for that matter, really botch the idea of time travel and it’s effect on reality. This game actually tries to take things realistically. My girlfriend isn’t really one for sticking around for ‘horror’ FPS games but to my surprise she was avid about me finishing so she could see how the story ended, even during the parts of the game where we almost soiled ourselves. If a movie is ever made about any modern video game, we can only hope that this is one of them.
• Atmosphere – The amount of detail that went into this game, from level design to props was absolutely fantastic. Bits of paper floating around, readable things attached to a tack-board, experiment log videos, notes left by former inhabitants, etc., all of these things set the mood from the very beginning. This game is creepy and amazing.
• Weapons and Abilities – While some of the weaponry and abilities in the game have been seen before, some have not, and some are new takes on old ideas. Regardless, every time you obtain a new skill, you’re going to have a good time. You’re able to spend tech points that you collect on enhancements and upgrades to yourself and your weapons, really letting you tweak the game-play to your specific style.
• Abilities – I can’t stress enough how much fun it was to PLAY this game. The powers and abilities alone really gave it two stars. Refreshing!! I refuse to spoil exactly why but you will enjoy this game if you like the idea of time travel.

Cons:

• Length – This game was short. I think it took maybe all of 8 – 10 hours to finish this. With such a large back-story to draw from, it’s very disappointing that things ended so quickly.
• Endings – Depending on choices you make at the very end of the game, you experience one of three different endings. The Good ending while Good, is a little confusing because it’s the shortest and doesn’t go into nearly the same amount of detail as the other two. Even then, there’s a glaring plot hole that could easily be filled by a 4th ending and it’s VERY sad that this wasn’t taken into account.
• Sequal – There won’t be one. And if there is, I don’t see how it could merge with the existing storyline unless it takes place in the future. This is irritating and sad, especially for a game that did almost everything right.
• Starts Strong and Finishes Weak – In the beginning you’re learning, reading, watching, and enjoying the spooky history of the island. By the end you’re just shooting everything that moves in a desperate bid for survival (or not, depending on the difficulty). Regardless, the first half of the game is the most interesting, just because you’re drawn into the plot heavily. If the second half were as good, this game would be solid gold.
• Linear – Go to Point A. To get there pass through Point B and Point C. Some of the game locations are confusing to navigate but with one of your powers you practically have your hand held the entire time. The first-half of the game mixes things up and keeps your mind off the linear design. Even the boss fights mix things up but other than that it’s a simple “go here, go here, go here, done” second-half of the game.
• Multiplayer – I haven’t played it, but it’s there, so that’s a good thing. I like to think, that with the power sets you have in the game, playing against other people would be amazing. This isn’t my style though, so I’ll leave that for you to decide.

I would argue this game being worth 50-60 dollars, but it’s definitely a 30-40 dollar purchase. If you can catch it on sale or are looking for something with an interesting premise then feel free to snatch it up.