Black

With the next generation consoles now just around the corner most developers have now understandably shifted their sights on the new hardware, resulting in most PlayStation 2 and Xbox titles in development being of the multi-platform variety. However, as has been the case throughout console generations, it's at this twilight hour where some of the most technically impressive titles are produced. We're at that point where developers know the hardware back to front and can realise the greater potential of the machines and Electronic Arts' Black is the latest example of just that.

Developed by Criterion Studios, the developers of the acclaimed Burnout arcade racing series, Black is a straight-up action packed first person shooter. Stepping into the combat boots of black-ops soldier Jack Keller, the game presents you with a very generic action movie style storyline. The insubordinate one man army that does whatever it takes, regardless of personal consequence and public safety. However, much like your bread and butter action movie, Black really just doesn't need a compelling narrative. Why? Because you have a whole lot of different guns and you can blow stuff up.

Right from the get go the game places you in the frantic war-zone, tactical shotgun at the ready. You approach a door, you wont need to use the handle – the game doesn't have a use key anyway. A tutorial note instructs to shoot it down - obliging it bursts open in a shower of debris and you're on your way. The bulk of the game takes place in derelict urban environments laden with destructible objects and of course, plenty of flammable barrels, vehicles, gas tanks and munitions crates to detonate for satisfying pyrotechnics and tactical advancement.

The pacing of Black is similar to that of the Halo games in terms of run speed and enemy frequency, utilising a very similar control configuration that will ensure any master chiefs will immediately feel right at home blasting their way through the terrorists and masonry.

Without a doubt the game's main focus is on its firearms, with a healthy arsenal of real world weapons provided and offering more powerful solutions as you progress through the levels. Combat can get quite repetitive, but the variety of methods for henchman disposal are what keeps things interesting. The game allows you to carry your pick of any two weapons at any time – an aspect which heavily impacts the player's strategy. Opting for a shotgun or submachine gun for close range, or assault rifles, sniper rifles and RPGs for the more open sections are the safe bets. Level design generally handles this well, offering the ideal weapon for a pending situation conveniently placed in anticipation, ensuring you always at least have the option of the best tool for the job.

Overall design is where this game really shines as testament to the abilities current generation consoles. The sound effects captured for the myriad of firearms are wickedly satisfying, with the intricate chamber noises produced by each gun being among the best of any first person shooter, using dynamic dampening, echoes and doppler effects superbly to characterise the different combat environments. Graphically, Black is able to stand tall next to the other top tier console shooters. The creators have used plenty of little tricks to keep everything looking slick while maintaining that all important frame rate and the saturated colour palette used throughout the game provides a great gritty atmosphere and really makes all those lovely shiny firearms stand out.

Surface praise aside, Black doesn't blaze any innovation trails, it just takes the fundamental ideas of the modern first person shooter and polishes them until it hurts. Play through time is only around seven hours at best and with no multiplayer it runs short on long term appeal. That said, the nature of this game, much like a mindless action film, really doesn't warrant an epic quest. For those with shorter attention spans, it may be best left as a rental but if you're the kind of gamer that enjoys a bit of pick up and play destruction then Black might be just the ticket.