SPEC OPS FREE MISSION 1 (PS3)
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Publisher: Capcom.
Developer: Slant Six Games. Released: April 2012. Genre: Third-person shoot 'em up. Other versions: X360; PC. Posted 27th November 2014. By Tom Clare © 2014 |
Clearly a hook for getting fans to splash out on the six remaining, ridiculously expensive Spec Ops missions (collectively totting up to £16), Slant Six’s free opening level pack, which essentially acts as the beginning of Operation Raccoon City’s ‘B’ scenario, is nevertheless a worthwhile diversion.
It’s a simple deal; you get one campaign mission, free of charge. This hefty level is (rather embarrassingly) better than any to appear in the main game proper, and an infinitely more fitting way to begin a story than the lifeless drudge you’re subjected to in the Umbrella campaign. Here you get to choose from a bunch of new characters and battle through the streets in a setting that feels considerably closer to the spirit of the series’ formative years. A lengthy but action-packed escapade, Eye of the Storm sees the player blasting a balanced mix of zombies, dogs and mercenaries, before your team becomes unwittingly embroiled in Jill Valentine’s attempts to evade the vicious Nemesis creature. A breathless run through the streets is capped by a really enjoyable, tough boss fight at a petrol station as the player attempts to manoeuvre the killing machine within range of explosive barrels, whilst avoiding the attentions of his gatling gun. It’s a far better engineered section than the fight with Nemesis in the main story, and again, better than any boss fight the main story had to offer.
There’s a sprinkling of everything, and whilst it doesn’t quite make up for ORC’s humdrum game mechanics and lack of sparkle, it does go to show how good design can result in a better gaming experience. Fans disappointed with the main adventure would do well to cushion the blow with this mission pack. [6]
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