Gamer 2.0: Fracture Review

Amadeo Plaza writes:

By delivering on an undeniably inventive gameplay mechanic, wrapped in an intriguing storyline, Fracture does well to set itself apart from most other third person shooters on the market, but ultimately feels just a bit too shallow for the impressive setting it created for itself. At the end of the day, Day 1 Studios' latest original title (they ported F.E.A.R. to consoles) is an exciting thrill ride from start to finish but lacks much depth beyond the few cutscenes between Acts.

[Amadeo]

I just want to say that the game isn't bad. Most people will probably look at the 7.4 and think it's a subpar game. That's not the case. I really thought they did an amazing job with the terrain deformation. But I was just severely let down by the lack of follow through with the story line. I actually spoke with the guys at Day 1 Studios at Lucas Arts' San Francisco headquarters last week, and told them about how I was intrigued by the story, which they appreciated. But I didn't anticipate it to fall off so hard after the game actually started up. The gameplay is great, but once you step beyond that, it's just so shallow since there's no follow through. I don't know, that's just me.

[blueleopard]

That's a problem a lot of shooters are having nowadays. There's so little they can do to set themselves apart, and they have to work especially hard to do so. And when they do that, they focus so much attention on the gameplay that they forget about the story.

[FilippoDinolfo]

I'm one of those "been there, done that" gamers. I'm sorry, but I'm sick and tired of shooters nowadays. There's so little innovation, and unless you're really going to do something different, don't waste my time or money. Fracture's doing a little something different here with terrain deformation, so that's cool. But that doesn't mean the story should be put on the backburner. Some of my favorite games are my favorites because of the storytelling.

[Gammbit]

I don't have time or money for games that aren't going to really impress me. Call me overly demanding, but if it's not especially different from anything else I've already played, I'm probably not going to buy it. $60 isn't chump change. Have you seen the stock market?! I'm broke!

[Beast_Master]

I was hoping for more positive reviews and an adictive multi-player experience. I was looking to pick this up next week but I will wait a bit. If I see that most reviewers are giving low grades only for the story then I can over look that and make this a purchase next week.

[Amadeo]

Well, the story isn't the only thing that's wrong. There are small things here and there, like the voice acting and character development. I don't know. The game isn't bad, like I said. It's just shallow once you look beyond the terrain deformation. That may not matter to some people. Like, it may not matter to you. And that's completely fine. You're entitled to that, but I just think that in this day and age, a lot of shooters are only skin deep...

[Peter Griffin]

i really really really am surprised that i genuinely liked the demo.

plz i implore readers not to go based upon this numeric review.

for a betta opionion see the 1st post in this thread....he seems to explain it the most accurately

[CenturionElite]

The terrain deformation is an awesome idea. If I can find this used somewhere I think I may pick it up. Though, I admit, a little disappointed in the fact that the story isn't all there. I really liked the ideas it had. Oh well, I guess that's nothing new :-P

[AmpedMan]

I don't think that gamers should have to settle for mediocre storylines in shooters. Look at Halo. Look at Bioshock. Hell, even look at Gears of War (whose storyline should be picking up steam in the sequel). All of these games have at least some level of originality. I'm not saying Fracture isn't original, because the premise is; but if they don't really see it through, then I think it's a wasted effort. The terrain deformation is pretty damn cool though. I played the demo and had a lot of fun. Considering I just finished Brothers In Arms, I might have to give Fracture a long hard look now that I don't have anything to play.

[JayTee0902]

Great review. Short and sweet. Thankfully this is early enough before the release of the game next week to let me think about it for a while. I'm not sure if I'm going to buy it or not yet. Gamefly maybe?

[CrashSpyro123]

I like things that go boom. Good review. Maybe I should download that demo. I haven't been able to yet.

[AlexQuevedo]

It's disappointing that the story drops off so hard. Perhaps somewhere, somebody will take note of that and make some standout like this could have. Maybe I'lll check out the demo to get a feel for it, just a bit.