The first thing that comes to your mind after first playing Condemned: Criminal Origins would be something along the lines of "Wow, this is awesome." Unfortunatelly your ending thoughts will be something more like "Hey, this game is pretty good." Not too bad, but repetition killed its greatness.
In Condemned you will play as an FBI detective who is framed for the killing of two fellow officers (Which happens in the first level). Your job is to use your forensic tools to find the real killer and prove yourself innocent. Along the way you will use firearms and other random objects (Usually random objects) to battle your way through the streets, subways, and buildings of the city while collecting evidence along the way. Here's the breakdown:
Gameplay: While the gameplay will get repetetive by the end of the game; it is still enjoyable and tolerable. Most of the time you will be fighting phsycotic criminals that will literally rip pipes (Among other things) out of the wall to beat you with. The good news is - so will you.
The action is broken up every once in a while when your "instincs" show you there is evidence near. You will then use your forensics to find clues that will lead you further. I actually welcomed this feature as you will want a break from the killing every so often.
As far as AI goes...The computer will work together and do things like break the lights, distract you, or just plain freak you out. In fact, the scripted sequences in the game are executed very nicely. If you look through an opening in a door you may see a man running up the stairs, than just as you go to look at him over the stairs railings he may pop up right in your face trying to get you. But, the enemies will eventually get easy to predict.
One thing that bothered me with the gameplay was the length, I beat it in only 12 hours. However, that does make it a perfect rental game. Don't be like me and beat it in 2 days then return it for half the price...
Graphics: The graphics are wonderful, great lighting, great character models, and a very spooky environment. It's nothing breathtaking, I would actually expect a bit more since most of the action will take place in small halls, alleys, and rooms. But I give Condemned the benefit of the doubt - it does improve over the Xbox.
Sound: Sound is nice as well, you will hear different footsteps for the various things you will step on. The sound of a 2x4 smacking a guy in the head sounds pretty real to me. >:)
I hardely noticed the music with all that was going on so I can't really comment on it.
Story: One of the best parts of the game, in my opinion, had to be the story. I absolutely loved the twists and your involvement to the main story. It made me feel like I was really doing this for myself and I was really a part of it.
Overall this game is a rental, but a great one at that!
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