Taking down the demons

Constantine
XBox
MA15+

The game:
Based on the Hellblazer novels, this supernatural thriller tells the story of John Constantine – a man wanted by Hell, rejected by Heaven, but desperately needed by Earth – to purge the world of otherworldly inhabitants as he seeks to find his own peace.

The play:
An intense thirdperson horror shooter inspired by the recently released film, this title has a bit of everything rolled into a decent, fast-paced game. It has spell casting, which allows for some spectacular demon deaths, the ability to use an arsenal of holy artifacts, including the “Holy shotgun”, a flamethrower, twin-welding pistols and my favourite, the crucifier, which uses nails from the bodies of martyrs to take down demons and lets its players pick up the nails for reuse.

The game is relatively simple, with little puzzles that are required to be solved along the way, giving it a Lara Croft – Tomb Raider feel, which adds to the appeal as you spend your time between Earth and Hell, admonishing demons along the way. There are plenty of different demons to keep you guessing, and the same tactic will not work against different enemies.

Constantine has a “true sight” function that allows you to see the true evil in poorly lit areas and among the general population. Along the way you pick up bonus cards which allow you to take an indepth look at the way both the movie and the game was developed – like the extras on a DVD title.

Spell casting allows for spectacular deaths.

The terrain:
It’s Los Angeles on Earth and a scorched-earth version of it in Hell. There are plenty of hidden areas to explore to find additional ammunition, health bottles, extra spells for taking down groups or especially annoying demons and bonus cards.

The experience:
Initially, I found the enemies too predictable and a little light on, but as the levels progressed, it picked up at a furious pace, as did the abilities of the demons.

One annoying feature was that if you accidentally left-click when being attacked, you did a 180° turn, which allowed the attacker a good chance to give you a flogging.

Overall, I rate this title highly due to the enemy AI and the storyline puzzles, which keep you interested and on your toes. Pump the sound, dim the lights and start to deal some unholy justice.

– SQNLDR Nick Hogan

In the frontline against terror

Act of War - Direct Action
PC

The game has a movie-like experience.

The game:
A real-time strategy thriller from author Dale Brown, Act of War puts you on the front line of counter terrorism in repelling and then crushing the attacks of terrorists around the world.

The play:
You command the new anti-terror specialist military unit known as Talon Task Force as you are tasked by the Director of the National Security Agency to recruit, develop and deploy new combat technology, rescue hostages and save civilians in this fast-paced strategy.

The world is besieged by crippling oil prices that are being controlled by an extreme version of OPEC, which appears The game has a movie-like experience. to have financially backed terrorists.

Each tactical mission you complete gains insight into the greater objectives of the renegade faction of this global energy consortium. Build bases, rescue civilians and hostages, medevac your troops while detaining theirs to earn both information and money to continue the mission of repelling the waves of terror.

The terrain:
Realistic scenery with battle damage mechanisms display the carnage on cities such as San Francisco, Washington DC, London and Moscow. A full 3D view allows the ability to zoom in to see the action close up for full immersion.

The cinematic sequences, video cuts, live mission feed updates (including news and satellite links) creates a movie like experience – this portion of the game is quite incredible.

The experience:
If you liked Axis and Allies or Red Alert, then this will not disappoint. For the full experience go to www.atari.com.au.

– SQNLDR Nick Hogan

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