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Expendable
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Graphics & Sound:
The graphics are acceptable, although nothing very flashy. They do the job well, but really look more like something you'd see on a PlayStation game. One area where Expendable shines is its seamless transition from gameplay to cut scenes and back. During gameplay, motherships will fly in to blast your path clear or offer other assistance, and there is no noticeable load time or change in graphic quality. The humorous intro FMV is outstanding and explains the story well. Incidentally, its one of the few I can remember that have nudity. Male nudity, nonetheless. And get your mind out of the gutter, thats NOT why the FMV is outstanding ;) Nice explo
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Gameplay:
Expendable plays very much like a hybrid between Loaded and Apocalypse (both for the PSX), with its overhead 3rd person view and free-for-all shooting rampages. The basic premise is that you control a team of 'Expendables', sent to battle in the epic war between man and The Charva, an alien race set to overrun the Earth and its settlements. You are given a time limit in which to clear the level and plenty of firepower to back you up. Expendable is all about Shoot Hard, Shoot Fast and above all, Shoot First! One interesting thing to note is that Expendable is the first game I've come across where it actually makes sense to have goodies dropped from the sky. After all, the motherships dropped you to the planet that way and thats how they keep you stocked with weapons. So when you die and your new man drops from the sky, it actually fits with the plotline. Very cool.
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Difficulty:
Average. As I said, think Loaded. Ample weaponry is provided to you, although there are puzzles here and there to solve. The game becomes far more difficult when you play 2 Player Cooperative, as your movement is greatly restricted by the other player. Also, there can be so many enemies and explosions onscreen at once that its hard to tell the difference between you and your partner, which makes things tough.
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Game Mechanics:
You shoot, you score. That's about it. You can battle it out by yourself (which I recommend) or play cooperative with a buddy. There are a host of weapons at your disposal, which you can select by scrolling through your inventory. A Heads Up Display keeps you up to date on your supplies, health and time limit. All in all, Expendable is a good time shoot-em-up. Not a ground-breaking title, but rather a tried and true premise that works. If you are trigger happy, give it a whirl.
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-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications AKA Ashley Perkins |
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