Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)

Some 16 months after R:FOM’s release and it’s demotion from an essential “early adopter” purchase to somewhat less than a killer ap, it’s a good time to assess how Sony’s HALO-contender stands up in the cold light of day.
Although it may have been surpassed in recent times by the likes of Call of Duty 4 and Half Life 2, I was surprised by how this first generation title has stood the test of time. The graphics are still of a very high calibre, albeit a bit drab at time, but the attention to detail and the robust physics engine still stand out.
The first level is probably the worst of the game. Its very linear, dull and uninspiring. Thankfully, what follows are a much better example of a modern FPS as it throws some large battlefields at you with both enemy and allied AI keeping a reasonable status quo for you to attempt to swing in the humans favour.
The mix of levels and the pacing are generally good. Having broken through the frontlines in a siege one minute you’ll be promptly treated to some more claustrophobic, corridor action the next. Whilst the AI is hardly revolutionary, it seems perfectly at home in either arena and gives as good as it gets.
As you feel your getting to grips with things, gradually the complications of an increasing arsenal of some very imaginative weaponry really adds an extra dimension to things. You’ll have to learn how to, both, utilise and avoid guns which can either fire around corners, through walls, bounce off things, stick to things etc etc.
Its with this great play-set of armaments that the most joy is to be had as some of the missions can fall a bit flat with decent set-pieces sometimes few and far between. The vehicle based levels (which there are thankfully only a handful) are mostly dull and of little challenge.
The Normal difficulty level is probably a bit forgiving for most seasoned FPS fans with only the last couple of levels proving any challenge. But there are two further difficulty levels (one unlockable) to test those who are so inclined and there are a host of mini-rewards for doing various actions on each level to enhance replay ability. The recharging energy bar only charges back up to the nearest quarter but the amount of health distributed in game (and the fact that you restart a checkpoint with full health) means that even the stickiest of sticking points is always passable.
The online mode is quite comprehensive with a good selection of game types and a ranking mode all easily and, more importantly, quickly accessible.
Overall R:FOM is an accomplished, if not spectacular, title that will keep FPS fans happy its beautiful (and often surreal) environments , messing about with some great guns with a respectable storyline holding it all together.