It feels like this game has been in development since the dawn of time, and in all those years has seen the most dramatic overhaul since Jenna Jameson went from attractive to Skeletor's less sexy sister, but the release of Digital Extreme's Dark Sector is fast approaching. The buzz about this game from those who have gotten their hands on it hasn't been completely positive, but I'm certainly still interested in it because the thoughts of the majority mean nothing to me (see: Effect, Mass).
For one thing, it looks absolutely gorgeous as far as the graphics and animation go. I am really loving the way the main character fights and those visceral finishing moves he pulls off. Of course, in this developer's video, it's very worrying when you hear the game's designers use terms like "dark and gritty" and describe the main character as a "CIA agent" with a "shady past" without any trace of irony or knowledge that they've just quoted videogame cliche's number one and two to the very letter.
Cookie cutter design elements aside, I was right about Overlord and I'm hoping I'll be right about this, that even in the face of public opinion, I will find Dark Sector an enjoyable game upon release. I certainly hope to bring my opinions on the title to Destructoid in some form or other.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
Hopefully we don't hear your opinions. They'll be something like, "waaaa xbox live works for some people and not for others, i pay $4 a month for this service but i'll cry and cry about it when it's down."
Dark Sector will be good. Enough with the xbox live complaining Sterling, i've been playing for the last 2 days perfectly fine. Maybe a little slower than usual, but very few problems. I know you probably get paid per story, but jesus try to be original and not hop on the bandwagon of "OMG xbox live service is not 100% again? I demand my 2 dollars back!"
They really overhauled this game after initial impressions from last year's e3. The folks at 1up also had the same bad impression when they first played it but they tried the near final build and liked it. So here's hoping this game is good.
Gott: Did you read my article on Xbox Live or are you just plain ignorant? It was about people who are feeling burned by the long list of Xbox 360 problems, the Live issue being the most recent, and turning away when they have a chance.
My personal opinion on the matter is that it's annoying, but nothing life-threatening, and that it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't one in a long line.
But hey, thanks for attacking me without listening to what I was saying. I really appreciate that.
And also I have never asked for my money back. In fact I mocked people who do. So thanks for totally proving you'd rather start a fight than actually do some reading.
Damn, I've been waiting for this game since I read about it in Game Informer back in November 2006! It will definitely be a great game and I can't wait to play it.
It's just a common bias i notice in your posts. I'm sure you're a decent guy, but it seems like an anti-microsoft element always rears its head in your posts...even this one about dark sector you take a poke at mass effect.
Gott: You ... you are fucking JOKING! Dude, ALL I get told by you people is that I'm a fucking anti-Sony, MS fanboy and now I do ONE article ... ONE article about Xbox's problems and dislike ONE Xbox 360 exclusive and now I'm anti-Microsoft!?
This game looked very interesting when it was first announced way back when - a sci fi/horror fast paced stealth game would have been original and interesting.
They have pretty much removed everything that makes this interesting and turned it into some stupid emo RE4 clone. the controls look clunky, the protagonist looks like a dweeb, and the settings uninspired.
Pass.
Oh, did anyone else notice the "Fall 2007" release date on the Dark Sector posters behind the guys in the video? lulz
Sterling, you are so dramatic. I've called you out on this same thing maybe 4-5 months ago. I'm on this site maybe a few times a month, and it always seems i see you on here complaining about something MS.
Sure, of course you disagree...I wouldn't expect anything else. I guess it was favorable to jump on Sony in the past, which you probably did like everyone else. Now it's the Live slowdown...I guess i'll just have to look at the other game sites to see the next big bitch-fest and then wait a few days to see your article on the exact same thing everyone's been talking about. You're not much of an innovator huh?
Gott, seriously, I just got done dealing with someone who was dredging up personal information about me just because he was a fan of Sony and I said a few critical things about it, the last thing I can be fucked with is a pro-MS guy jumping down my throat for saying one or two things I honestly find wrong with Microsoft which, for the record, happens to be selling my favorite console at the moment.
So you can be the one to cease his drama, kthnx. I'm not anti-Microsoft, seriously, after you said that, I think I've no heard everything.
Why can't people take a little criticism about their favorite company? Honestly, I've said mostly good things about the Xbox 360, hell even my big feature today talked about its benefits. But people don't see the wood for the trees, they just read a bit of honest criticism and suddenly go on the defensive. And I always thought Xbox fans were the coolest, most laid back ones. Turns out I was wrong, perhaps?
Jim it's the internet remember? They will fight to the tooth about NOTHING. I have had my problems with MSoft, Nintendo, and Sony, but yet in the end I stand by MSoft. People just are lazy, and enjoy fighting.
Anyway Jim I really have to say I agree with your opinions. This game looks totally badass, I love visceral games, and Gears of War was like porn for me.
Anyway just ignore him honestly, Jim you're doing a great job.
And I'm not here to suck dick, but Jim's work on Destructoid has been phenomenal. Especially now. It just feels like every post that I read is yours, Mr. Sterling and it's always a damn good read.
Also, Gott, either you be an entertaining troll or get the fuck out of here.
aww jimmy fell for the likely flamebait. so cute ♥
anyway, i've been looking at this game and wanting it for a while. the puzzles look interesting and if they have some variety, i bet they can be enjoyable and not just resting zones in between shoot-outs.
however, this shit was supposed to be released last winter, then summer, then fall '07. it's like it doesn't want my moneyz! if it actually ever goes on sale, i will buy it, though.
the retarded kid Pic is the funniest thing i have seen or read since i first saw the words " internets" of " interweb"
now if only i could link to techno viking.
I actually had a chance to play through Dark Sector for a while and thought that the gameplay was less interesting than the strictly shooting Gears of War.
For me, the levels felt a little too open, empty and despite the interiors looking graphically astounding (the cathedral where you fight this ape thing especially), I really didn't find it all that engaging.
The controls felt responsive, the character animations are smooth, but I felt like the game was missing a sense of mass, that everything had a weight to it. Also, the "brutal, visceral" combat finishing moves are quite repetitive (at least in the build I played late November) with only one or two for each person.
Honestly, I want this game to be better than what it was when I played it and I hope the build I played was much earlier code. Truly though, I don't believe it will live up to any hype, if it receives any, as unearthly expectation might kill this game on release.
Also, I've heard the PS3 version is looking crisper on the new engine, though the developers can't pin down exactly why.
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Contest:
9:44 PM on 01.05.2008
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Is that a Fall 2007 poster for the game behind the developers during the interview?
I think we should petition the game industry to stop giving out release dates.
Dark Sector will be good. Enough with the xbox live complaining Sterling, i've been playing for the last 2 days perfectly fine. Maybe a little slower than usual, but very few problems. I know you probably get paid per story, but jesus try to be original and not hop on the bandwagon of "OMG xbox live service is not 100% again? I demand my 2 dollars back!"
My personal opinion on the matter is that it's annoying, but nothing life-threatening, and that it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't one in a long line.
But hey, thanks for attacking me without listening to what I was saying. I really appreciate that.
See what I did there? I made team names to represent aspects of your personas. It was funny.
Kinda weak how transparent you are.
Seriously? I am actually stunned now.
Never thought I'd see the day. Jim Sterling anti MS!?
Holy shit ...
I ... I ...
I'M JACK THOMPSON!
This game looked very interesting when it was first announced way back when - a sci fi/horror fast paced stealth game would have been original and interesting.
They have pretty much removed everything that makes this interesting and turned it into some stupid emo RE4 clone. the controls look clunky, the protagonist looks like a dweeb, and the settings uninspired.
Pass.
Oh, did anyone else notice the "Fall 2007" release date on the Dark Sector posters behind the guys in the video? lulz
Sure, of course you disagree...I wouldn't expect anything else. I guess it was favorable to jump on Sony in the past, which you probably did like everyone else. Now it's the Live slowdown...I guess i'll just have to look at the other game sites to see the next big bitch-fest and then wait a few days to see your article on the exact same thing everyone's been talking about. You're not much of an innovator huh?
So you can be the one to cease his drama, kthnx. I'm not anti-Microsoft, seriously, after you said that, I think I've no heard everything.
Why can't people take a little criticism about their favorite company? Honestly, I've said mostly good things about the Xbox 360, hell even my big feature today talked about its benefits. But people don't see the wood for the trees, they just read a bit of honest criticism and suddenly go on the defensive. And I always thought Xbox fans were the coolest, most laid back ones. Turns out I was wrong, perhaps?
Anyway Jim I really have to say I agree with your opinions. This game looks totally badass, I love visceral games, and Gears of War was like porn for me.
Anyway just ignore him honestly, Jim you're doing a great job.
I love where this game looks to be taking the gamer in general... HEAVEN!
Do I sense a subtle hint to Linde? :D
And Jim, I love you. Fuck haters.
Also, Gott, either you be an entertaining troll or get the fuck out of here.
"Why can't people take a little criticism about their favorite company?"
Some people have emotional issues. They're attached to their entertainment investments so much that they feel as if you're insulting them.
Quadruple post!!!!
anyway, i've been looking at this game and wanting it for a while. the puzzles look interesting and if they have some variety, i bet they can be enjoyable and not just resting zones in between shoot-outs.
however, this shit was supposed to be released last winter, then summer, then fall '07. it's like it doesn't want my moneyz! if it actually ever goes on sale, i will buy it, though.
Also, Jim Sterling killed the last man who insulted his honour. Watch it.
"I could break you, so leave it" - Guildmaster
Jim Jim Jim
I think I should collect together all the times you have been called a fanboy :-P
now if only i could link to techno viking.
Also lol @ Gott.
If I encounter one more visually beautiful "next-gen" game with stone-aged AI I'm gonna puke.
For me, the levels felt a little too open, empty and despite the interiors looking graphically astounding (the cathedral where you fight this ape thing especially), I really didn't find it all that engaging.
The controls felt responsive, the character animations are smooth, but I felt like the game was missing a sense of mass, that everything had a weight to it. Also, the "brutal, visceral" combat finishing moves are quite repetitive (at least in the build I played late November) with only one or two for each person.
Honestly, I want this game to be better than what it was when I played it and I hope the build I played was much earlier code. Truly though, I don't believe it will live up to any hype, if it receives any, as unearthly expectation might kill this game on release.
Also, I've heard the PS3 version is looking crisper on the new engine, though the developers can't pin down exactly why.