Almost four years ago, Digital Extremes announced Dark Sector would be coming to the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Now, almost four years later it’s time to put the game to the test. In Dark Sector you play as Hayden Tenno, a government agent sent into Lasria a to take care of a man named Mezner. But, while in Lasria Hayden get infected with virus by Mezner infected bodyguard.
After that Hayden wakes up and he notice’s that he has been infected with the virus that he’s been sent to destroy. Lucky for Hayden, instead of turning into a blood hungry zombie, like everyone else, Haydens arm gets encases in a metal skin giving him the power to control the glaive at the end of it.
In addition to the glaive, Hayden can handle a variety of weapons. Which all are controled by the D-Pad, left is your shotgun/rifle and right is your pistol slot. Also in the game Hayden can pop into the black market and purchase unlocked guns, which he can use ad infinitum. You can also apply upgrades which you can use to increase the fire rate, clip size, etc.
Aside from the guns, Hayden also picks up new techniques for his glaive, including the ability to use it collect far-off objects, utilize a charged power throw, and add aftertouch making Hayden a force to be messing with.
What about the AI?
Lets face it people, the game does have some crummy AI and it doesn’t take long to see that, for example if you are in the middle of battle and you need to heal and you run alway the AI just stops and stands there. And if you didn’t know it’s not surrpost to do that.
All the gameplay videos may make you think that there are alot of enemy in Dark Sector but, there really aren’t, the enemys are mostly the Infected and the Humans. The Humans come with a variety of weapons and types and the Infected come in a variety too, which are the Stingers, Chroma and Howlers. The Stringers scare me the most because they can turn invisible and pop up nany where. But, once again the enemy a really, really repetitive.
To add to the games repetitive AI the games cutscenes really give you little to go on, which is weird seeing the fact the this is the first game and you really know nothing, other than the fact you’re trying to kill Mezner.
The gameplay elements of Dark Sector are really something to look but, the games technical side shines the most. The graphics are very impressive with it’s detailed characters and landscapes. But at times enemies look untextured, leaving them to appear shiny and unfinished which gives the game an unperfect feel to it. Also in a handful of cutscenes Hayden’s head looks like a rag doll which is kind of wierd.
Chris Needham writes: "With the launch of both the PS4 and the Xbox One now a fading memory, the current generation of gaming consoles has well and truly established itself, with games such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Batman: Arkham Knight and, of course, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, all justifiably taking the limelight. Here at Power Up Gaming, however, we’re not so keen to let go of the past. Originally starting out our coverage as primarily a retro games outlet, we take great pleasure in revelling in the titles of yesteryear."
Bulletstorm, Folklore, and 3D Dot Heroes are just a few of the great hidden gems on PS3
"ZL: Before we knew of the Xbox 360, or anything concrete about the PlayStation 3, we had heard the name Dark Sector. This was a time when what would become the Wii was known only as the mysterious “Revolution.” The 7th Generation of video game consoles hadn’t even begun and we already received a taste of what was on the horizon with a video released by Digital Extremes."
Great article. Great game. Man I wish they'd make a sequel or just re release it or something.
OPM: Digital Extremes’ game director Steve Sinclair has, “lifted the kimono” (his words) on the history behind Dark Sector and how publishing pressure took the game away from its original vision. A vision that the set to return with the free-to-play Warframe on PS4.
That's interesting, They approached Sony with ideas several times, since they are independent, I wished Sony would have published one of their ideas as an exclusive! I loved Dark Sector, even the original concept of the game! Going to see about Warframe at launch.
Spell check, and add some comments for the Ups Downs and for your scores (You can edit it from the My Reviews section of the Full User Menu), then I'll approve it:)