Gaming Target - Xbox: XIII

Written by Leigh Culpin on September 05, 2003

Updated Look: Oooooh, roman numerals!!

Ubi Soft's been on a bit of a roll lately Ц between Splinter Cell, the Rainbow Six series (which I personally don't like but are nonetheless well thought of in many circles) and the excellent Ghost Recon games, they certainly have established their space in the tactical shooter realm of gaming. Now they're looking to expand both their realm of expertise and the areas which modern games explore through XIII.

XIII is a cel-shaded wonder Ц the demo illustrates the stunning graphics and effects that make you feel like you're in a comic strip, more than any other game since Comic Zone on the Sega Genesis. Shooting an enemy in the head with the crossbow (which has a sniper mode) will present you with three comic panels across the top offering different angles of the kill, certain gunshots will cause a written sound effects (like in the old Batman TV series, though with УAhhhhhhhФ for running, УTat tat tatФ and such for gun shots, УBOOM!Ф for explosions and such rather than УPowФ УPwiffФ and Bang!Ф) adding to the comic-book experience. You can even use human shields and XIII (the player) has a sixth sense which allows him to detect approaching enemies Ц just stand still for a few seconds and a small radar-like display pops up and relatively nearby footsteps show up on screen.

Now in case you somehow haven't noticed this game yet, it's an FPS with some adventure elements added. You'll have cool gadgets like grappling hooks, you'll experience cool comic-panel moments, and you get sweet weapons like glass shards and chairs along with the usual assortment. Oh, and I should mention that as of the demo the difficulty was pretty damned close to perfect Ц not so hard that you don't have a chance in hell yet at the same time sufficiently challenging to the FPS veteran and newcomer alike.

The story is pretty simpleЕ at least what we know of it is. You start the game off in a bed after being found by a lifeguard on a beach, and all that you had on you is a bank key. Evidently you assassinated the President, the bad (or maybe good) guys are after you, but due to some unfortunate amnesia, you have no idea who you actually are, who you work for, or why everyone really wants your head on a platter. Perhaps it isn't the most astonishingly original plot around, but there certainly is a lot of potential as far as the story is concerned and the game has the graphics, sounds and style to match.

And style is the big seller on this game Ц so much so that this game will likely warrant a purchase just to be amazed at the way the developers created every single aspect of the game in the most unique but sensible way possible. The demo is worth playing through at least half a dozen times per level (it only includes two) just to enjoy the feel that the game gives you Ц like you're a comic version of James Bond. The textures all give the most amazing mix of realism and comic-styling yet seen in any game to date, and the models, animations and effects all add to the experience to the extent that even if the game was 80% style and 20% story it would practically be worth purchasing twice over. As it is, it's powered with Unreal 2 technology, and it certainly shows Ц cell shaded or not, the game is going to be a full-fledged visual masterpiece. Furthermore, it's Live compatible, so you can get it on with the best of Сem from all over the world Ц even those in France whence the original XIII comic book came.