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Singularity Review

Graphics:
8.1
Gameplay:
8.8
Sound:
8.3
Control:
8.2
Replay Value:
8.0
Online Gameplay:
8.6
Overall Rating:
8.4
Publisher:
Activision
Developer:
Raven Software
Number Of Players:
1-2 (12 Online)
Genre:
FPS


Although I figured there’d be one massive dry spell between Red Dead Redemption and September, when the fall lineup officially starts to kick in, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by several productions. The first was Joe Danger , which was sheer awesomeness in a ridiculously appealing little package, and the second was Transformers: War for Cybertron , which was both solid and satisfyingly entertaining. But wait…we must now add a third surprise to the list. It just released this past week and once again, I freely admit to going into this review with relatively low expectations. Perhaps it’s because Raven’s last effort, Wolfenstein , fell short of the mark, or maybe it’s because it can be exceedingly difficult to hit a home run with a brand new IP. But hey, you know what? Singularity is a damn good game and for those who enjoy titles like Bioshock and have the requisite patience, it’s really quite fulfilling.

At first, I was convinced the graphics would represent the lowlight of the game, and while they aren’t exactly groundbreaking, they’re definitely passable. And oddly enough, the visual presentation started to grow on me with every passing hour; it can’t be due to increased detailing and extra layers of gloss that miraculously appear in later stages. But my increasing contentment with the graphics might’ve come as a result of the new enemies and bosses, various environments, and sparkling special effects that go along with a few TMD (that’s Time Manipulation Device for the uninitiated) upgrades and abilities. Character design isn’t all that spectacular and if you look close, you’ll notice the lack of super sharp polish that make elite graphical palettes stand out. It’s just missing that extra professional something, you know? That being said, the graphics really do seem prettier and more attractive as time goes on…just wait until you see a head explode courtesy of the Seeker.

The sound is on much the same level, as the effects, soundtrack and voice acting isn’t spectacular, but very effective and in some cases, bordering on excellent. The only major downfall seems to center on the weapon effects; they all sound too tinny and even oddly distant, as if you’re hearing the gunfire from another person’s weapon. But besides this obvious drawback, everything else sounds great. You’ve got a fitting soundtrack that isn’t overly repetitive, an assembly of decent voice actors, and above all else, uber-creepy sound effects that make the adventure feel like Doom or Resident Evil . The distant wail of a child (from another time), the hiss or growl of something freakishly nasty that currently remains unseen, the explosive grisly-ness that goes along with a brutal death, etc. This is the primary appeal of the sound and indeed, one of the major highlights of a game that relies very much on creating a fearful atmosphere.

I can have fun with a straight-up shooter like Killzone 2 or Resistance 2 , but I especially enjoy shooters that boast a bit more beneath the surface, like the Bioshock games. There’s a good story and perhaps more importantly, different mechanics you don’t normally find in any standard FPS. Singularity is a lot like Bioshock because on the one hand (your right), you’ve got your weapon, which can be anything from a sniper rifle to a shotgun to a super deadly tool, and on the other (your left), you get some “magic.” In 2K’s series, it really is a form of magic; in Raven’s game, it’s the ability to instantly fiddle with time. The aforementioned TMD is quite the impressive little device and wielding it doesn’t just mean you can turn back time and recreate crumbled stairs; it means you have yet another weapon that is absolutely unparalleled. Using the TMD and your basic weapons isn’t quite as fluidly linked as it was in Bioshock , but it’s close.

But before we get to all that, let’s mention the story, as it is an important aspect: Raven is always into messing with history (as those who are familiar with Wolfentein are well aware) and they’re at it again. In this reality that closely mirrors actual history, the Soviet Union doesn’t fall; instead, they find a unique element on a remote island called Katorga-12. This element is known as E99 and it imparts an insane amount of energy, which means it can be used as a serious upgrade for new-age weaponry and yes, it’s enough energy to spark time travel through the event horizon experienced at the “singularity.” If you’re not up on recent physics, you should read up on the subject ; it’s what scientists believe exists at the center (or end) of a black hole and it’s pretty fascinating. Anyway, the discovery of E99 happened in the 1950s and because the world is in serious trouble, you’ll be traveling back and forth between the ’50s and 2010 to fix the catastrophic mistakes made by a diabolical Russian dictator.

It’s probably not a big shock to learn that exposure to E99 can create bad things in humans, which is why what you’re fighting are human-like…but still voracious and deadly. Now, as for the gameplay system itself, the control does feel a touch loose at times, and I will often curse my slow-moving body when up against speedy creatures and bosses. Strafing just doesn’t feel fast enough, I still hate having to use the L3 button to sprint, and I’m not necessarily the biggest fan of the button layout. But in regards to the latter, I’m not sure I could do any better because you sorta have to use most every button the controller. And besides, it all comes together nicely; the combination of the TMD skills and the regular FPS mechanics is both fresh and provocative, there aren’t any collision detection issues, the AI is aggressive and scary as hell, and the level design really forces you to stop and explore.

Thing is, the RPG-like elements are what makes the game shine. You have to take your time and look about for E99, which is used as currency and lets you purchase upgrades for both your TMD and your character. You also have to find special weapon kits to upgrade weapons, and with no regenerating health and enemies that can kill you very quickly, you always need a decent supply of health kits. On top of which, even with your ever-increasing powers, your foes are always extremely dangerous so running and gunning is a terrible idea. You really need a good amount of patience and strategy to succeed. The strategy aspect comes into play because you can choose how to eliminate your enemies: you can use the TMD, which uses up energy (but does regenerate over time), or you can simply go after ‘em with your guns, which of course expends ammo. But remember, you can only equip two weapons at any given time, so you have to examine your surroundings and make a decision.

The TMD is an interesting little item. With a quick press of the R2 button, you can release an Impulse, which can send a baddie flying, or if close enough, can instantly kill it. The L2 button determines the aging and “renewing;” if an ammo box has been crushed and eroded away over time, simply aim at it, press L2, and it’ll revert to normal. Then you can grab the goodies lying within. See a lock on a locker? Simply shoot it off or if you don’t want to waste the bullet, hit L2 and age the locker to the point where it just swings open. And if you go to age enemies, that’s even more fun. If they’re human, they’re just goin’ down but if they’re not, the thing still has to pass through a time warp and slows him down considerably. He’ll turn red and you’ll have all sorts of time to dispose of him however you please. Oh, but there’s more. You’ll soon get other TMD skills, too, like Deadlock, which creates an energy ball of stasis of sorts, which you can either stand inside of (enemies trying to get you will suddenly freeze) or cast it over invading foes.

The guns are pretty cool, too. Not only do you have the standard automatic rifle, shotgun, hand gun, and sniper rifle, but you also have a few unique weapons and a few unique features. When aiming with the sniper rifle, you can hit L3 and engage “Temporal Distillation,” which will slow down time and give you more time to aim. You just have to keep an eye on your energy meter; if it runs out, you’ll have to use an E99 Cell to restore it. This is automatically done when you run out but you have to manually heal yourself; just hit Up on the directional pad to administer a health pack. And then there’s the Seeker, which is a special rifle that lets you actually control the bullet; you can guide it across a room with the right analog and put it directly into the head or heart (or whatever) of an offending foe. The result is just…wow. You can even pick up certain objects – like flammable barrels – with your TMD, and catch thrown projectiles in mid-air and chuck ‘em back (Telekinesis, anyone?).

So in addition to the combat, there are also a few puzzles you’ll encounter that require the use of your time manipulation, and this only adds to the depth of the experience. The control does feel loose occasionally and you may get that annoying “overmatched” sensation, but the developers do a good job of keeping things accessible. If you just went through an area crowded with enemies, you’ll easily find some health packs, ammo, and E99 to bring you back to a state of stability and relative safety. You really do have to be careful, though, as death can occur very quickly. The whole thing takes a bit of practice but it’s the kind of practice that’s fun, and the end results are most satisfying. It’s also interesting to learn more about what happened on that island; about how E99 slowly but surely began to have its ill effects until ultimate disaster occurred. You’ll get plot info via notes left by former employees and civilians, and even a few projector reels.

Singularity is a game well worth playing. It’s an entertaining experience with nicely implemented gameplay elements, many of which will make you grin at the impossible power with which you are bestowed. The graphics aren’t the best you’ll ever see, movement can feel unfairly slow, and you do seem to take an obscene amount of damage from certain enemies, but none of these shortcomings can cripple the fun factor. Experimentation, strategy, and various role-playing elements allow Raven’s product to stand out; the game really is loaded with “woah, damn !” moments (Seeker, sniper rifle, up-close-and-personal impulse, tossing explosive barrels, etc.) and the atmosphere is truly scary and intimidating. That isn’t easy to pull off, you know. In the end, Singularity is effective if not fantastic, and if you want a FPS with a whole lot more substance and freshness, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

P.S. Could someone find out if Nolan North really is the voice of Devlin? Because it sounds a lot like him…

39 Comments
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dkmrules
dkmrules
14 years ago

Yeah wolfenstein left a lot to be desired, but this seems cool. I may pick it up if I can stop playing rdr. As always a fair and thorough review, good job!

Lenoxseer
Lenoxseer
14 years ago

BEN,
It is Nolan North who plays Devlin.

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_North

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

I knew it.

Godslim
Godslim
14 years ago

wow they get him to play all the lead video game characters now days hehe

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
14 years ago

He has done a lot of Video Games. Wikipedia him, He's been a voice actor in games you never would have thought of!

Hes got quite the resume. Obviously he's most acknowledged for the Uncharted series.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Not to spoil the story or anything, but he isn't in Singularity for very long.

JMO_INDY
JMO_INDY
14 years ago

Hmm sounds interesting, I really do have a good concept level for this type of game that I suppose I imaged in my head while reading the review. IDK Overall it sounds good, I didn't necessarily like Bioshock simply because it didn't feel fluid enough for me if it makes any sense. I'm not saying it was a bad game at all, It just wasn't for me. Still overall I will give this a go.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

if it makes you less wary this is more of a shooter than Bioshock was

frylock25
frylock25
14 years ago

this game came out of nowhere to me. i really dont remember hearing about it at all but it looks really cool. time manipulation is always a fun thing to play with. after watching that video i am now very impressed and want to play this. i may be waiting for it to drop in price before i do but i dont want to pass this one up.

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
14 years ago

This game's been on my radar for a long time, & I've watched all the great trailers on Singularity's website.

So I'm really glad to to see it got a good review.

CharlesD
CharlesD
14 years ago

I really didn't have high expectations for this one but it seems to have pulled a 8.4, not bad in the FPS scale. The time manipulation is a very cool concept and the fact that they didn't go over the top with futuristic weapons which these type of games often do, is great. A good ol' fashion shottie is always fun :)Also, would have liked to know if the bullet in the Seeker is controlled via the six-axis motion sensing or the left analog.

Anyways, I'm glad it came out well and it certainly seems worthwhile. The only problem is figuring out a time to work it in. If I run into a lull after my current games and before the madness that will be the fall it may very well land on the list.

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

since the game is multiplatform i believe you'll have a choice between motion or controller sticks. whats pretty jacked up is that people who buy it for the 360 gets a full prototype game for free. i mean i didnt really want to get prototype but a free game is a free game. its not like exclusive dlc.

Qubex
Qubex
14 years ago

I think it's a fair score considering what is on offer… albeit the fun factor will make it what it is… just make sure you clearly understand what it is you are buying into… Ben's review has made that pretty clear… than you shall not be disappointed.

Personally for me, waiting for the AAA heavy hitters before spending more…

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

*Currently in SinCity, Singapore

___________
___________
14 years ago

graphics passable?
your kidding right?
for the UE3 engine there nothing short of breathtaking!
if gears of war 3 looks half as good as this, than well DAM!
the environments, the detail in the walls and such is really impressive, the fire effects and explosions are by far the best i have ever seen!
normally fire and explosions look so fake, but in singularity it almost makes me rush for the fire extinguisher!
where the graphics fall down though is in the characters themselves, the facial animation especially looks really boxy, extremely disappointing when everything else looks so good!

though the sound effects are what really disappointed me.
as you said gunfire sounds so far away, especially the shotgun sounds so flat!
honestly who designed the shotgun? valve?
the shotgun in this sounds even worse than the shotgun in L4D!
god i thought i would never be saying that, i thought it was impossible to have a shotgun sound worse but raven somehow managed to pull off the impossible!
even the explosions lack the energy you would expect.

that is one thing i really miss in games, no game has given me the audio experience a movie has.
like if i watch the matrix reloaded that part where neo comes flying out and the glass explodes.
if i turn my 7.1 system on, turn it up to 50 and my glass and ears nearly burst!
if i do the same thing playing a game like this, or say uncharted 2 its like im watching the movie but instead of the speakers being on 50 its more like there on 20!
thats one department developers really need to work on! ive never played a game that sounds as good as a movie!
battlefield bad company is probably the closest, the sound given off by the machine guns, and even the bullets hitting the walls sounds so realistic!

but the piece di resistance for singularity is something all games should have, but very few do.
a fantastic and really engaging storyline!
wait, a shooter that has a interesting and engaging storyline?
nah, cant be i must be dreaming!!!!!
i cant believe im saying this, but the storyline in singularity is actually really good!
better yet its set partly in real life back in the soviet union discovering E99.
developing it into a very powerful weapon one that can control time.

this game has to go into the record books!
1 we have a game made by activision thats actually really good, a world first! again somehow accomplishing the impossible!

2 we have a shooter that has a really good storyline. again a world first! some how achieving the impossible!

3 making a game that uses the UE3 engine that actually looks really, really, REALLY good!
i would count batman AA but that was far too one color pate.
its like KZ2 you have 1000 shades of grey, maybe a few blacks and thats about it!
singularity actually has quite a large spectrum of colors which is quite impressive for a shooter, and even more impressive for a game running off the UE3!

ive got a funny feeling though that activision delayed this to get away from metro 2033 because it is incredibly similar!

my only 2 gripes with the game is.
1 the sound effects are pretty lackluster!
2 THERE IS NO COVER SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTF?
how can you not have a cover system in a FPS???
a cover system is the bread and butter of any shooter.
having a shooter without a cover system is like having a car without wheels.
yeah it will work, but its not very useful without them!

though i have to tip my hat to activision, for once instead of rushing something pushing it out the door unfinished.
for once they have taken there time to spit and polish the game, maybe not enough because there are a few bugs but still im quite impressed!
see what happens when you actually put a little time and effort into something?
as the saying goes, put your heart and soul into something, and it shows!

maybe they are trying to change after all?
EA better look out in that case, there right on track to going back to their old filly bad habits.
online pass my a$$!!!!!!!!!!
heres a 1 time free offer pass a one way pass to hell you greedy, money grubbing sons of ^%$#@$#!!!!!!!!!!

Underdog15
Underdog15
14 years ago

uh…. abusive family member involved in this game development or something??

ro kurorai
ro kurorai
14 years ago

Sorry, but no. For UE3 that's just passable.
Take a look at ME2 for instance, or Gears 3. Singularity certainly looks dated and there was not one single set-piece that really amazed me visually.

So yea, gotta agree with Ben, it's passable, but that's about it.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

It's amazing. You never seem to be right about…ANYTHING.

___________
___________
14 years ago

and you do ben?
your always siding with Journalists saying there always right, but most have given this 7s IGN gave it a 6.8!
so who is right now? you, or the rest of the game journalists?

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
14 years ago

Every game is based on someones thoughts about it. Ben or any other real journalist, or reviewer, would never look at someone elses work, and use there score as justification for there own.

One man's trash is another man's treasure. I have friends that dont like Uncharted, but I love it. Everyone is different. I dont want to say the score is Ben's opinion, but that score represents what HE thinks about the game. Not what other reviews are giving it. So therefore he is right because he wrote the review, in fact its not even about being right or wrong about the score given. Its simply about what it deserves in his eyes.


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 7/5/2010 1:57:57 PM

___________
___________
14 years ago

reviews are not about opinion there about fact.
the fact is rouge warrior is a crap game, even if someone thought its the best thing since sliced bread would not make it so.
the fact is uncharted 2 is one of the best games we have ever seen.
the fact is mass effect 2 is one of the best RPGs we have seen.
reviews are not about opinion, there about fact.
if they were about opinion than the whole industry would go down the toilet!

i dont like mario galaxy 2 i think its repetitive and boring as bat sh*t!
does that mean i think its a bad game?
no, because i can accept its a good game and i can see why people are giving it 10s.
does not mean i agree with them, but i can see why.

Zorigo
Zorigo
14 years ago

Well while this does look good, all i really want to do is pick up bioshock2.
might just do so. i like FPS games with hands.
(i think it's because i've been playing fallout 3 😛 )

Ultimate_Balla
Ultimate_Balla
14 years ago

Lol @ on one hand. Nice review, Ben. I'll definitely play this sometime in my life.

DeathOfChaos
DeathOfChaos
14 years ago

RPG elements don't consist of counting your money and making sure you have lots of health kits. When the video first started, I seen the glove and thought it was kind of neat, a bit different. Then the last half of the trailer is was nothing but a mere first person shooter, just like the rest. It wil be a meh game, just because it's an FPS. Too many of them ruined this game.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Please don't tell me what an RPG element is; I've been playing RPGs for longer than you've been alive, most likely. And I seriously doubt you can pass judgment on anything after watching a two-minute video, when I've actually played the game.

I really don't like it when people say narrow-minded things like, "if it's such-and-such genre, it's going to suck."


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 7/4/2010 8:29:55 PM

ro kurorai
ro kurorai
14 years ago

Well, I played the game start to finish (mind my review), and those little RPGish customization options feel nice.
Didn't bother to mention them in my review because it's not much, more like 2 levels of upgrades. But you have to choose which to take and it doesn't feel broken or forced in any way.
It certainly fits in the game and is a nice addition to the FPS-heavy game-play.

tlpn99
tlpn99
14 years ago

I got this game last Wednesday and I have to agree with everything Ben says. This game is a lot of fun to play.
I am really enjoying playing it.

There is online side to it which Ben did not mention but I found this to be ok. You can choose from 4 soldier classes and 4 enemy classes that have different abilities, ie some can teleport. You can choose them to sprint faster or heal quicker. Sp depending on which side you start you can have fun playing this online. It is fun to play online and try to find the right balance for your player.

If your in need of something new to play then get Singularity. I was surprised when I got it, I knew about it but wasn't expecting too great a game and it turned out I was wrong and very glad I decided to purchase it.


Last edited by tlpn99 on 7/4/2010 11:31:11 AM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
14 years ago

I watched this game a little bit. And since its release im more intrigued by it. Maybe after I pick up the new POP game and finish Heavy Rain, I'll look into it. Im a huge PoP fan, and even if it isnt as good as the others Its in me to buy it and play it still, so first thing's first!

fluffer nutter
fluffer nutter
14 years ago

Don't forget that PoP: The Forgotten Sands has a new MSRP of $39.99 so you'll be able to find it even cheaper than that.

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

prince of persia is cheaper now? i also got a 15 dollar off coupon from that best buy game magazine thing.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
14 years ago

Welp thanks for the heads up! That means your absolutely right about finishing it sooner, cus I'll be picking it up tomorrow most likely! Thanks a lot!

Deadman
Deadman
14 years ago

I'm playing this on the 360 (just so I could get Prototype for free), and I was amazed at how engaging it is. The graphics were off putting at first but, everything else in the game makes up for it. Another fine PSX review.

ABUrabad
ABUrabad
14 years ago

i think this is a game that ill buy when it gets a lot cheaper


Last edited by ABUrabad on 7/4/2010 2:30:05 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Good score, I'm seeing mixed reviews elsehwere though. The TMD seems kind of gimmicky and reportedly doesn't affect too many things.s

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

It's obvious what it does and doesn't affect; the reticule will tell you immediately if time can alter something.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

they explain the why and why-nots in the game

TheOldOne
TheOldOne
14 years ago

I saw a friend playing the game and It looked pretty cool. I liked the ability to change time on things and areas. It felt like a FPS game (like Resistance) which has a portal-like gadget (from the Portal game) and some weapon customization elements as well. I will probably get this in the near future.

just2skillf00l
just2skillf00l
14 years ago

Well…glad this game turned out alright. I'll probably wait for a price drop though. There are like a million and two other games out there that I'm whole-heartily anticipating.

crunchy_nut_kid
crunchy_nut_kid
13 years ago

i will get this game along with bulletstorm for my birthday because i'm broke =(

Pyramid
Pyramid
8 years ago

As u can see I got this game after 5 years and is…great!!!. Cost me only $5 and I love it. It's like Red Faction Series with Dead Space and Lost Planet. What a surprise I get it. Recommended.