Truth be told, I wasn't expecting much from Midway's update of the old arcade cash cow, but now I stand humbled: Area 51 is a fine, fine first-person shooter, and one of the best such games on any system.
The plot is a hokey mishmash of every crackpot (and not-so crackpot) conspiracy theory ever devised, but it all comes together in its own odd sort of way to lay solid groundwork for the 10-12 hours of alien-blasting joy the average gamer will get out of this little gem. One of the most noticeable things that Midway got right (and, in my opinion, really seals the game's fate as a must-play) is that just firing the game's weapons is awesome and makes you feel like a badass.
There're not many of them – rocking in at a mere 6 – but all of them are joys to use. It's quality over quantity in Dreamland, and as a result, Area 51's blasting antics "feel" more intense than Halo 2. Think of the last game where the pistol was an awesome instrument of death, and not some popgun you only put up with until you got your hands on something better. Well, think no more! This is that game.
Presentation-wise, the graphics are outstanding on any system (a testament to the PS2 port team) and the kick-you-in-the-ass-and-keep-going weapon blasts help counterbalance the awful voice acting. (David Duchovny sounds asleep, Manson sounds bored.)
The addition of an online mode is just icing on a cake of awesomeness. Area 51 is the most fun I've had with a first-person shooter this year. Being a tinfoil hat has never been so much fun.
-George
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