The original Resistance had the distinct pleasure of being a critically acclaimed launch title for the PS3 (the Xbox only got its killer exclusive Gears of War a year after it launched).
Developed by Insomniac, creators of the Ratchet and Clank series, it carved a tale of an alternate universe, one that was fast being consumed by an alien life force known as Chimera.
Resistance 2 continued the storyline, with the protagonist, Nathan Hale, passing the torch to Corporal Joseph Capelli. The latest instalment sees Capelli travelling to New York to destroy a wormhole that is freezing the planet, essentially making this a 'road game'.
Resistance 3 returns to its roots by abandoning the regenerative health system and the 'two gun' policy that was introduced in the second instalment. The new health system makes sense, and adds to the sense of doom.
I found the game more thrilling, as I was often on the brink of death. I had to be more strategic, and this really enhanced the experience. The two-weapon system might work in something like Halo, but in a game like Resistance, where the weapons are so unique and varied, it doesn't make sense at all.
Resistance 3 is really about the weapons (something Insomniac perfected with the Ratchet and Clank series), and this is where the series shines. Old favourites like the Magnum returns, and are complemented by new additions like the atomiser (a gun that disintegrates enemies), as well as the genre staples - assault rifle, sniper rifle and shotgun.
Each weapon has a secondary fire, which adds another layer of strategy. This, coupled with a levelling system (the more you use a weapon, the more powerful it becomes), makes Resistance 3 the inception of first person shooters - a weapon within a weapon within a weapon. Maybe that doesn't make much sense, but it is extremely rewarding to watch your weapon evolve into a beast. It also helps to switch up your strategy, as you are encouraged to use all weapons.
The visuals are dark and depressing - a constant reminder of a world that is overrun by the Chimera. Even though it is not as 'pretty' as Crysis, it's one of the better-looking shooters on the console. 3D games are still novel, and Resistance 3 benefits from the extra dimension.
However, the shift isn't as apparent as I'd like it to be. There is support for the PS Move, but for me, it merely complements the existing game, as opposed to being a standout unique selling proposition. It doesn't feel tacked-on, like Move support for other games, but like the 3D, it's more fizzle than sizzle.
The main campaign was shorter than I expected, clocking in at just over six-and-a-half hours. I am worried that this is becoming more and more of a trend following the Call of Duty series. The co-op campaign and extensive multiplayer does make up for this, however. The pacing is uneven at times, which is understandable, given that you are one of the few survivors left, but it does drag on in certain bits. I would have liked more boss battles, and a little more variety in enemy types, but as it stands, Resistance 3 is a great shooter game that should be given a try, even if you're new to the series.
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