Dark Sector

I was disappointed with this game. I was looking forward to the release for awhile but it did not turn out well.

gears kicks dark sector's ass

Has anyone even played this game through? It sucks. It took five years to develop and still, crap levels, repetitive enemies. Oh wait, I have to kick open my next sentence. *Kick*

This game sucks and so does Game informer. 7.25 in their book. I give it a 5.5.
The only redeeming quality is the graphics and the Glaive. Which the douche in Game Informer said quote "you can call it the Krull". Idiot. Just like anyone who likes this game.

I have got to say that I disagree with the 5.5 rating. I really enjoyed playing through story mode. And honestly it really exceeded my expectations with what you can do with a single weapon. The fact that you can dual wield without a sole dependency on the Glaive was very refreshing as well. All in all you appreciate the game and the graphics the further you progress through the game. Granted there are some fairly large flaws, but if you just sit back and enjoy the "After Touch" with the Glaive this is a good time for a week or so. One last point how can you award a 5.5 to a game that has an achievement called "Double Decap Latte" come on :).

Pros:

The Glaive (Best weapon I have seen in a LONG TIME)
Everything you can do with the Glaive, Imbue elementals, Aftertouch, Area Destruction, etc...
Did I mention the Glaive
Aftertouch (Controlling the Glaive in mid-air after the throw)
Level Design (Felt a lot like Gears, dirty, grimy)
Finishing Sequences
Crunch of the Glaive/Decapitation/Severing

Cons:

Weapon swapping and upgrade application are a bit off
Boss sequences predictable
Lack of direction in certain areas
Story starts strong then wanes

--- http://theblackfin.com ---
Gamertag: TheBlackFin

@ Mitch OXM: Touché, especially on your last point.

a 5.5 rating is crazy. sure the game has flaws, but in my opinion it kills gears of war dead. I don't play online so I cant judge that. But the combat looks and feels good. and can be pretty brutal, just the way I like it. Its not a shock to me that OXM's rating is way off from my opinion. theres been plenty of games that make me wonder.

@a_goat: Ryan didn't review Turning Point. Furthermore, this is just his opinion. There are drastic similarities to Gears, which, as you point out, wasn't WHOLLY original. But Gears did exhibit exceptional qualities, which Dark Sector , as far as a lot of people are concerned, is simply leaching off of.

Ryan specifically mentions that the game is fun, he enjoyed the combat. He never says that it's "terrible."

I just wanted to chime in. Your opinion is certainly valid, and heck, warranted. This is the kind of game (like Heavenly Sword on the PS3) that will have a severe split in interest. One half will be fanatical and love it. Awesome! Others won't. Such are the ways of the vidjer-game.

I forgot to add something to clarify my point of view: I usually never have any problems with review written by Ryan. I'm just completely flabergasted by this review. While I understand that everyone has their own opinions, this is really off the charts.

Your scoring rates a 5.5 as "Very unspecial and average in the worst sense of that word. You can’t pound it for being terrible, but it’s hard to find something to recommend it for." I don't sense this in Dark Sector at all. By what Ryan has written, a 6.5 seems more reasonable, although I would have given it a 7.0. Definitely not worthy of anything above an 8.0, but a good game.

I completely disagree with this review. How can you sit there and claim that Dark Sector plagiarized Gears of War? You act like Gears of War was original. The roadie run was a development from previous games, so complaining how similar the run feature is in Dark Sector is just rediculous. Gears of War was a fun game, but that was it; it wasn't that impressive of a game, seeing as it was using gaming tactics similar to so many military games in the past (the cover ability was not original, people).

Furthermore, how can you justify giving Turning Point a 6.5 and then give Dark Sector a 5.5?! Turning Point is part of a played-out genre and feel way short of any expectations. Glitches were abundant, the graphics were quite lame, and the bomb arming mini-game was just stupid. Had the game come out 3-4 years ago, it would be acceptable, but not today.

Dark Sector was quite entertaining and had some pretty good graphics. Using the glaive was plain awesome. The puzzles were just frustrating enough, as you could easily figure out what to do just before you were ready to throw the controller. If you had issues with this, then go back to hack and slash games that don't require any logical methods of thinking.

I can only come up with 2 reasons for your lame review, Ryan: (1) you had an ex who was obsessed with the movie Krull and now you can't stand anything that has to do with it; (2) you played Gear of War to get over her, hence why you worship the ground it lays upon.

I bought this game the day it came out. I took it home and played through the first half of the game and wanted to take it back. I asked at gamestop if I could get all of my money back and they said I couldn't unless I bought it used which I hadn't. Now I'm only playing it for the achievements even though I really don't find it enjoyable at all.

Note to anyone considering buying this game, keep your $60 and go reserve GTA IV, Fallout 3, and Gears of War 2.

Just a note about this review. Please oh please DO NOT put spoilers such as this:

"Oh, we’re supposed to shoot those little tiny canisters on that armored guy’s shoulders and back that aren’t highlighted or hinted at whatsoever? What do you mean we have to reflect that creepy-crawly’s fatal missiles back at him? And what’s the deal with getting one chance to hit the temporarily exposed last boss before we’re vaporized and killed instantly?"

Let me figure this stuff out for myself please. Don't spoil it in a review, that just sucks.

By the way, I really enjoyed Dark Sector and would give it an 8.0. If you like Gears of War (who doesn't) at least try this game. Don't just go by this disappointing review. The boss fights were not that tough to figure out. Although I already knew to shoot the canisters on that one guys shoulders thanks to this reviewer spoiling it for me. Not cool.

What do you need, a big arrow that says shoot here? Gimme a break.

I seen the oxm "score" at gamerankings.com I figured it was a bad game and spread the word to my freinds. But when I finally played the entire game - start to finish, I actually liked it, and was like wtf??. I've now read Ryan's review and I agree with him. Mostly on the frustrating boss parts (2nd last boss), I threw my controller like the glaive at the wall in my basement! yeah it's broken now!! But I must say, even though the "score" seems low after playing it, the review is fair, and makes sense. I liked DS.. it's pretty.. but I never want to play it again.

I just wrapped up the third chapter, and this game has done nothing to wow me. I still dig chuckin' spinny-blades in to bio-hazard suited chumps, but it's getting a little tiresome after only an hour.

Hopefully the powers continue to evolve, because I'm beginning to power-glaive it in my sleep, which is soon to be a regular activity while playing Dark Sector.

Still, it's got that feel to it - like Gears, of course - and the brutal action is entertaining. I just wish enemies had different attack patterns than "lean, shoot, cover, repeat".

Glad it's a rental, but it seems like it'll be a worthwhile one.

Sorroy Casey OXM. My bad. I just had a bad day at that time.

Although I wish the game had kept the sci-fi tone it showcased about 3 years ago.

Well, I played the game. It's ok. It's a little fun and sometimes frustrating, like most other games. I can't believe how some guys are totally losing it over a number. I mean, seriously. Claiming the reviewer is biased because he made a comparison to another game? OMG!!! Fanboy this and fanboy that. You cats need to chill out, come out of your mom's basement, go out and try to talk to a girl. Geez, all this emotion over a game. No wonder people look at gamers as no life-losers.

I have played the game and overall am really impressed. I think they really nailed some subtle concepts and unfortunately a lot of people just don't get it. In particular, they found a fun and exciting way to keep the focus on the glaive, which I think makes it one of the coolest, original weapons in games. Also, the multi-player is a true reflection of the single player game. It's ironic people complain Dark Sector copies too much from other games but then people complain multi-player is not enough like other games. Sure it's not perfect but they took some chances and aimed at extending the genre. I applaud them for that. I've read other reviews that score it 80+ and a few that consider it a third person game of the year contender and I have to agree. I guess this is the type of game that you either get and love or don't get, complain about imperfections and do the hater thing.

I can sum it up with one last idea, play Dark Sector, then go back and play GoW... You'll be surprised how GoW does not feel so great anymore.

Seriously, ATLien4evr, you need to take a chill pill. I played the game, didn't really like it, I actually agree with Ryan's review. That wasn't the point at all of my post, which you obviously missed. And to be clear, insulting people on these boards doesn't help you make a point. Besides, you don't have to defend Ryan, he's my friend- my name doesn't have OXM in it randomly; I used to write for OXM. :) That Dynasty Warriors review that people were harping on? That was my review, so I'm all about scoring games low if they deserve it. Anyways, relax dude, I'm on your side. I love games just like you do, and yes Dark Sector was a big yawner.

I'm actually kind of bummed this and Viking both got the ratings they did, because I have been looking forward to them. I'll most likely still play them, because ratings don't ultimately decided whether or not I want to play a game. But being that I LIKED the art direction change from the original slick Japanese look to the more gritty look, and the fact that it struck me as an interesting idea. I was really looking forward to it. I've looked at a bunch of other ratings and it's generally recieved better reviews than from here, though not much better. The average across the board looks to be about a 6.5 to 7. I generally draw my line at 7's if I'm somewhat interested in a game, but if I'm as interested in a game as I have been for this one, I still may play it, though it may be a long while and I'll get it on the cheap. Still, it's always kind of a bummer to see a game you've been looking forward to, not reach the potential it could have.

What a lousy bad review. 5.5 for such a game, common... This is ridiculous. I think it's great. Besides the control, glitches and awful bugs it's more worth than a 5.5.
For instance the graphics can be easily compared to games like GoW. Specially the lighting and feel of depth is really stunnig, sometimes even better than GoW.

I Would say 7.5... Peroid!

Shut up casey oxm shut up

Hey shut up Casey OXM! You don't know how bad this game is! It's horrible! This game should get a 5.5. Good job with the review Ryan. You rock. It's horrible. Go play a real game than this Dark Sector. GO GTA IV!

Wow! This is one helluva thread! I played through a bunch of Dark Sector so far and after 3 years of news, previews and hype on Dark Sector, playing it was pretty ho-hum for me. Good points: I really liked the fact that you can snatch guns right out of the enemies hands from a distance with the glaive, something the review didn't touch on, rolling into cover is still fun and Aftertouch, which is the mechanic that let's you guide the glaive (which, btw, is totally cribbed from "Krull") to take off the heads of countless jerks is teh rad. I'm just surprised at the unbalanced attack here, guys. What I mean is, almost every drive-by flamejob on this thread is written by someone who hasn't played the game. Do all you disgruntled guys secretly work for D3 or something? Dudes, if you ask me, you shouldn't even really be talking about, defending or arguing about a game until you've played it. What if you're wrong? Go play the game. Develop an opinion. Then, if you still want to debate the review, pick out specific points from the review that you agree or disagree with and have at it. As a former OXM'er and longtime industry dewd, IMO even if you've read other reviews or read alot of previews or whatev, until you've actually played a significant amount of a game, you really have no idea what you're talking about.

You know, it's a shame that a game that's had so much pre-release coverage would end up getting a 5.5. However, we must realize that a reviewer plays a lot of games. Having said that, I think that they SHOULD be a bit critical on games; just like a movie critic. What if they were soft on the reviews? Then people would go out and buy the game and have some REAL issues with what they read. Unless you're independantly wealthy, $60 for a new game should be a purchase well considered. So don't hate on the reviewer just because he rained on your next purchase; he might be trying to save you money. Most of us would kill to have their jobs, they don't need flak for being honest. When Psychonauts came out, EVERYBODY gave it at least a 9. I f'ing hated that game, and wish that there was just one review that had given it the lowball.

I have bought nearly every OXM mag ever and I really cling to there reviews. I just bought DS but havn't opened it yet. If Ryan said this game is a 5.5 I take it as that. I will be returning it tomorrow to buy another game. Let me remind all of you $60 is alot of money to pay for an average game. Rent it first,if you guys love it after that,then buy it.Quit hating on OXM because their review doesn't match up with your opinion.So what,you love the game. Then shut up and go play it.

Much appreciated, Paul. That's the problem with the internetz these days. Too many people lose their sanity and say things they would never otherwise say. I try to avoid that. I'm a much bigger fan of "intelligent" reasoning, and discussing matters in the same way I would if talking to the person(s) face to face.

Hey iThomas, you're welcome here any time. We're not looking for mindless agreement, but your sanity (the kind that says you should, yknow, play a game before you post a rage-monster opinion of it) is a nice change of pace.

-Whew! That first slew of comments went quite overboard to say the least. First of all, I'm not going to bombard the reviewer if I haven't played the game (which I haven't yet) like many of you so obviously have. Second of all, 5.0 - 5.5 is considered a "Mediocre" score by OXM standards. And judging from the seemingly major gameplay problems that have been listed (and thoroughly described might I add), in this review, "mediocre" sounds just about right. Definitely no more deserving than the next category of "Decent" (6.0 - 6.5).
-And so what if he mentioned Gears of War? He clearly stated who cares as long as it's fun to play. And apparently to him, it's not really that fun to play.
-Either way, I've got this coming to me from Gamefly right after I get Condemned 2, so I'll be able to form my own opinion on the game after actually "playing" it. And if I have some different views on the game compared to Ryan McCaffrey's, I'm certainly not going to trash him like a childish prick simply because I have a different opinion.

LOL 5.5 is kinda low I agree with everyone.. especially since the editor probably couldnt even create a working version of Pac-Man..

This game isnt bad at all. Of course its not the best game.. but it sure is fun regardless. Editors now a days need to relax a little.. not everything is going to be an epic game.. however I respect this games art direction and style.. Video games are meant for entertainment....

So ignore this editors review he was obviously having some problems that day which impaired his judgment. Either that or the editor is just a big video game nerd..

In the end everyone is an editor.. So guys ignore the xbox mags review.. read mine.. im just as much of a worthy reviewer and they are.. probably even more worthy lol..

Pick this one up if u want some fun.. its worth an 8..

yea i suppose so, but the last game i bought was asssincs creed

i dont get to many opertunites to get games, and since its spring break here, theres my advantage

Hayden's face in the first pic looks so...ugly and childish!

Hyota,you can just buy it in a few months at some game retailer as a used copy for about 30 bucks.....or you can ask Silent Mercenary for his copy! Lol!

...wow. It's kind of scary to see so many people lose it over an opinion. Especially since half of you haven't even played it yet (who was it that gave this game a "10 personally" without evening having played it yet? why are you proud of that?) I was never really into this game but I thank OXM for giving their honest opinion in a review instead of giving a highly anticipated game a big score like some people have been suggesting with Halo 3 or Gears of War. Keep up the good work guys. And rest assured I won't be cancelling my subscription. (...yet) ; )

Hmm, hyota, there's no way to know -- that's up to the publisher. I'd say not soon...

hey since its not as a high rank or popular as it should be ( since xplay gave it a 2 out of 5)

how long would we expect to see a price drop on the game?

Thanks Paul OXM ^^

Hey guys, I'm a big fan of the magazine!

Anyway, although I haven't played DS yet (plan to rent it Friday), even reading your review and watching toers it is clear that the problems listed are quite serious. Also, I find it difficult NOT to comapre to Gears, having played that for quite some time. Hopefully, I'll enjoy it more than Mr. McCaffrey did. If not, oh well, there's others. Condemned 2 has already secured a place in my heart. You know, that place with the Grudge movies and Richard Simmons.

Keep up the good work!

"Ms. Lawrence, have you played the game (Mass Effect)?"

-Geoff Keighley

hey hyota, thanks for making your point calmly and intelligently -- it's a refreshing change from the other posts on this page. On your question, yes, that's we're saying -- we think Dark Sector is on par, though a notch better, than DW6. We respect everyone's right to disagree, and will be happy to talk about our opinion with anyone who cares to have a level-headed dialogue, rather than ludicrously howling about "objectivity." But from this post forward, we'll either be ignoring all the huffy ITGs who post here or simply deleting any posts that cross the line.

hey oxm paul and the rest of the OXM crew, I understand and totally agree with you that everyone has there own opnion, but really what people are trying to tell you is for a fact i think that dark sector is between 7-8

you gave darksector a 5.5, thats fine, but are you saying that this game is about the same as DYnasy warrios 6? you gave DW6 a
5, dont you think Dark sector is better then Dynasty?

What I inteurpit, is that dark sector is no better then in dyansty warrios, where you slash and hack mindless pin heads

thanks for you time

Hey, Paul OXM and Dan OXM, the issue is not that the Dark-Sector_FANBYZ.com read Ryan's review and had a "let's attack OXM" day. It's simply that "your opinion" of the game is very biased towards another game that was reviewed over a year ago. It’s OK for you to come on board and defend your fellow “reviewer”. That said, I read the review and all is says is this game tries too hard to be like GoW. The score is a matter of opinion, the content should be about the good, the bad and the ugly in the game reviewed.

I was remotely interested in this game and read ign's review; and although the score was a mere 7.7, the content basically tells me what I need to know about the game and has put the game experience in perspective for the reader and helps them form their own opinion. Your score is not the issue; the issue is what's in (or not) the context of your reviews. I guess that maybe too much to ask of the reviewer. This is one of the reasons I no longer subscribe to your magazine. If you want to call or compare your work to that of a journalist I have one word for you: OBJECTIVITY......you should look it up.

After playing Army of Two and Loving it (twice played through) and reading a 5.5 on that game aswell, im seriously doubting this game deserves a score this low. Ill be picking up a rental copy this week at le' blockbuster and if it really deserves a 5.5 i will repost a comment saying i was wrong.

I remember a time when OXM gave decent games 7.0-7.5. Now,that score has dropped to 5.5. Seriously,remember Army of Two? It received the SAME exact score as this new game. It's either a coincidence,or something has really pissed off the OXM guys at the office making each reviewer into a nutty serial killer who murder decent games. Yet,wasn't Halo 3 a same-old shooter,but it received a 10? Something is STRANGE here. Very strange. Care to explain Paul or Dan?

Sure, Dar Sector may be a little derivative and have some small annoying features (or lack of), but a 5.5? Come on! I love mr. McCaffrey's reviews, but this one was definitely worth at least a 7.5.

I just played Dark Sector and was a little disapointed in the game. I was hoping for a end all be all of shooters and that it is not,but it does not diserve a 5.5 I mean probably a 7 at the lowest. I read the review and it does sound like it was written by a Gears Of War Fanboy,I mean I love Gears too and can't wait for part 2. I really think reviewers should be more objective and if this guy who wrote the review actually thinks this deserves a 5.5 I think he has serious issues.

I'd been shunning this one for ages. The concept didn't interest me, and after Gears came out if looked like a half-assed clone. Though Dark Sector's been getting some excellent buzz lately, but I trust Ryan enough to know that the dude knows his FPSes inside and out, and to give this a rental.

-- http://www.nukoda.com --
Gamertag: MitchyD88

I read the review and see nothing wrong with it. From what I read the game sounds like crap. I will check it out Wednesday night to find out for myself but most of the time OXM's reviews have been pretty accurate on how I have felt about games and yes there have been reviews I didn't totally agree with.

For those idiots that are complaining about the review maybe you should read it and play the game first before you can complain about something you have no clue about. If you have played it and liked it good for you. Hell I might even like it after playing it.

I would also like to say good job on the review Ryan. I see no problem comparing games with one another if they play the same. It is good info for people who liked GOW and may try this.

Wow...I usually see eye to eye with OXM reviewers 90% of the time...I Did Not see that 5.5 coming lol...a little gamespot'ish there?

I hope when my next issue comes that you guys have fixed that 5.5 typo ;)...love OXM but you guys are breaking my heart

Good lord, did our review get picked up by Dark-Sector-FanBoyz.com? I've never seen so many comments from site members who registered in the last nanosecond so they could display how...they didn't actually read our review.

If you don't agree with our opinion, no problem -- everybody's got one, right? PLEASE read Dan's detailed comment below if Dark Sector is teh favoritest game in your collection. We've got no problem with what you like to play, but we're here tell you what we like to play...and don't.

Ix oINFERNOo xI, I deleted your 2nd comment because you chose to showcase your "wit" with some especially vile language. Pull a stunt like that again, and we'll ban you permanently. Also, if you want to talk with us in email, our emails are all over this site -- email us yourself.

are you people retarded this game is easily a 8.5 just because its a little like gears of war and you people think gears one is the best of all time gears 1 is getting really boaring you guys gave Dark Sector a shitty rating because you guys don't think that there should be anyother game that is like gears 1 it should of gotten a 8.5!! you guys should re-review Dark Sector i asked people if they would like puzzling games they said yea it would be a fun challange so a lot of people and I think you guys should re-review the video game so please conciter it.

This is easily an 8+... so what if its alittle like gears of war type i like that it is ... gears of war is boring now and you all have to get over it! this game is easily way btter then that thing u call a score