This game at first didn't get my attention. A graphic-novel comic book like presentation in a first-person shooter wasn't the first thing that I thought would be good. However, since it appeared to be the only interesting bundled software with my graphics card. I decided to play it, and it certainly exceeded my expectations

The controls are very well designed and easy to use and the engine is very fun to play and use. The biggest strongpoint of the game is the story, especially if you are a fan of international intrigue and spy games. You wake up on a New England Beach with amnesia and "XIII" printed on your chest. Soon, you realize that you're a secret agent and that everyone thinks you're dead. The ensuing storyline is suspenseful and keeps you coming back for more. You play an agent whose accused of killing the president. The storyline does somewhat resemble the JFK assassination, especially the beginning.

Warning, Story Spoilers Below




As you go through the game, you find out that there are 20 conspirators who are hiding behind numbers and that the people in the conspiracy are major heads of the government. You also find out you were in a military group known as SPADS. The conspiracy killed the president and eventually wants to impose martial law on the country and impose a totalitarian regime in America. You have to find out each of the conspirators. You also find out that you are not the person everyone thinks you are. Everyone thinks you're Steve Rowland, XIII, but you are actually Jason Fly, a friend of Steve Rowland who was his rival and Jason Fly stole his identity through plastic surgery and putting XIII on your chest.


End Spoilers


The game is, quite frankly, awesome. Its suspense employs many different twists and turns that keep you guessing even at the end. Another point of quality is the stealth system used, as it utilizes comic-script text that follows the enemy's footsteps, alerting the player to their position even behind obstruction.

The game, however, does have its flaws. Its very short since you basically identify the members of the conspiracy and in the process find out a lot of interesting stuff and have a lot of "flashbacks", however in one level you identify 10 of the members, which significantly shortens the game.

The ending has a disappointing cliffhanger, considering this game probably wont be optioned for a sequel. You are treated to a huge shock as to who is really the puppetmaster behind the scenes, but you never find out that much about you're past or why you ended up on a beach in New England.

David Duchovny's voicework, well it was serviceable in this titl, but I expected more rage towards his adversaries given his predicament.

Learning Curve: Takes a second

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