1. Intangibles
These are the things that are normally not measured (Except fun).
Immersion: How successfully the game immersed you into the storyline. Did everything make sense? Or were there glaring [and distracting] errors.
Score: 5/5
Irrational Games brings the nostalgia of old comics to life with this game. Everything is spot on from the moment you dive into their world. Excellent!
Story: Was there a story (I rarely play anything without one)? Was it one that you shout to the rooftops about certain scenes that you remember (or would like to forget)?
Score: 8/10
Freedom Force's story is a hoot. Very authentic to the source material. In fact, it may be too authentic. I've never really liked the era that this game is set in. I guess that's why I didn't enjoy the story as much (well at least there are mods to allow you to update it somewhat).
Innovation
Did the game make you say, "I've never done that before!!!" Did the game attempt something ordinary and accomplish something marvelous?
Score: 8/8
The fact that this game involves Super Heroes and is worth playing makes it innovative. In fact, only City of Heroes shows this much potential using heroes that are not straight from comics. Well done.
Dialogue
Nothing's better than good dialogue in a game (and nothing is worse than bad dialogue).
Score: 2/2
Every word from this game has been crafted to fit this era. It shows the dedication that the programmers had to getting everything right (which is why I'm excited about Freedom Force 2 being set in the 70s, "Gimme some skin on the black hand side on that, baby!!!)
2. Gameplay
Gameplay refers to how fun the game is to play (not look at).
Control Scheme
Don't you hate it when you play a game that puts the button you need in the worst place (and only lets you use the DEFAULT scheme).
Score: 3/5
One of the main reasons I don't play on PC more often is that I can't stand using the keyboard as an interface device. I was playing for months before I figured out how to perform a continuous attack (couldn't ever find the key that it was mapped to). I was so hoping that this game would come to XBOX (maybe some day).
Responsiveness
How many times have you died and had your friends laugh at your ineptitude, all the while your pleading that you mashed the jump button?
Score: 6/8
Again, I hate keyboards! I found it difficult to react to everything that was going on, while hunting for the keys on the keyboard. At least this game has a useful pause button (and its on the easy to find spacebar). That made it bearable.
Level Design
Were the levels and puzzles well thought out, challenging (but not inane)?
Score: 8/8
The levels in this game are superb. With help markers early on to get you into the swing of things. Stock characters are automatically placed in your party when a level requires their abilities. Well thought out.
Balance
Did you waltz through the opening enemies, reach the boss only to discover that you needed to level up for 5 more hours to defeat them?
Score: 2/3
The balance for Freedom Force is totally up to you. You can play a well balanced game with the stock characters or cheat and make up an uberman that can literally wipe out whole levels, single handedly. The choice is yours.
3. Technical Merits
This category deals exclusively with the look and sound of the game (not the feel).
Graphics
Is this game so pretty that you seek out (and wear) art from the game?
Score: 7/7
Absolutely gorgeous. One of the best reasons to own this game is that it allows you to make up super heroes that don't look iditic or stupid. The character designs are , again, authentic to the age that they come from. Great.
Score
Could the soundtrack accompany you on long boring torturous journeys (and make you feel at ease)?
Score: 7/7
As with everything in this game, the music works well with the era. Overly dramatic with a lot of "Duh duh duuuuuuuhs." Too funny.
Effects
How many times did you scream, "Holy Guacamole, look at that!!!" during this game.
Score: 7/7
The powers in the game make nice little effects, buildings fall down and cars go boom. Who could ask for anything more. The stock animations are pretty good from the get go and the mods let you tweak them to come up with uniqueness. Awe inspiring.
Vocal Acting
Great voice acting = a quite memorable game experience.
Score: 4/4
Finally, this is the area that Freedom Force really shines. These over the top performances take you back in time. I laughed so hard while playing this game. Irrational Games should be commended.
4. Enjoyment
The all important question, "Was this game fun?"
Thrills, Chills, Wahoos!!!
Did the game make me jump up and down on the couch, did I turn the lights on or did I yell even one, "Wahoo?"
Score: 7/10
The game was fun and the cut scenes are a laugh riot. The perspective; however, toned down the awe factor. Yes it is exciting to watch a super hero chuck a car at someone, but when you have a super level a building, the perspective should show you how awesome a sight that would be. This game's tactical nature causes this problem, but it is exacerbated by their use of the in-game engine for the cut scenes. Take a look at the trailer for City of Heroes and see how this could have been. But all in all, the game was fun.
Replay Ability
Is this game even more fun the next go round?
Score 5/5
The modding of this game gives it endless Replay Ability. You can play the entire adveture as your favorite heroes (or villains) from today (Wolverine, Goku, Captain America) you name it. Try the Avengers mod, you'll love it.
Multiplayer
Can you invite friends over to play (or have a jolly romp over the Internet)?
Score: 3/5
There is potential to be had here, because the game can be played online. However, I didn't feel the urge to team up and fight on the net. There wasn't a story based necessity for this (ala Phantasy Star Online) so I didn't.
Co Op
Even more fun than just playing together, Cooperating is the ultimate in playing TOGETHER.
Score: 1/5
Again, there's potential here, but, not much (on PC). Wouldn't it be cool to team up with a bud and take out evil (I get to be Batman, my wrif gets stuck with Wonder Boy). Pretty difficult with one keyboard and online co op didn't appeal to me. Are you listening Irrational Games?
Total Score: 83
This game is great as just a game and if you love super heroes and comics, it's a must have (you can count on one hand the number of quality super hero games out there, so go out and grab this).
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