This Shooter Still Impresses with Its Awe-Inspiring Graphics. Black from Criterion Games Remains a Tasty Treat

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen the rise and fall of countless gaming titans, I can confidently say that Criterion Games‘ Black stands out as a unique gem in my collection. This game, released way back in 2006, was a testament to what could be achieved even with “old” hardware like the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox.

Over the years, Criterion Games has earned a significant place in gaming history through their popular racing games such as the iconic Burnout series. In an unexpected move back in 2006, developers based in Guildford ventured into the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre and created a game that was groundbreaking in terms of graphics and offered thrilling gameplay, setting new standards for the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox. So, let’s revisit the masterpiece – Black – to see how it fares by today’s standards.

Uncompromising chaos

In a more simplified phrasing:

In essence, our developers outlined objectives for each phase, but in practice, these targets served more as a formality. The main focus of the game revolved around battling endless waves of adversaries. We engaged them using a variety of weaponry, such as an assault rifle, shotgun, rocket launcher, and sniper rifle. Regrettably, we could only carry two rifles with us at any given instance, despite having an impressive arsenal at our disposal.

As a gamer, I found myself in situations where the choice of murder weapon didn’t matter much, as it often led to intense shootouts instead. In many modern first-person shooter (FPS) games, stealth seems to be a feature that’s hard to come by, making survival reliant on quick reflexes and strategic positioning during these firefights.

A feast for the eyes

During its initial release, Black was an undeniable visual treat. Surprisingly, Crysis Games’ game demonstrated that there was still a lot of unexplored potential in the seemingly outdated PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles. Given their limited capabilities, it was the intricately designed weapon models that truly stood out. However, the atmospheric settings, along with particle effects and lighting, were also captivating aspects.

Let’s give a dedicated section to the environmental damage, since during the gunfights, chunks of plaster were shattering, and crates, pieces of walls, and various cover items were being reshaped or destroyed. This was further enhanced by the options to detonate specific objects, trigger vehicle explosions, or strategically utilize exploding barrels.

After more than 18 years since its initial release, it’s quite astonishing how much of Black remains intact today. While the game has aged well, it doesn’t hold up to the level you might expect. The graphics are still impressive, some locations remain visually appealing, and the destructible environment continues to amaze. However, what stands out as most perplexing is its gameplay, which primarily involves simple shooting mechanics that are quite different from what contemporary first-person shooter (FPS) games offer us today.

Interactive action movie

In Black, the gameplay was certainly prominent, often overshadowing the narrative aspect. However, it’s worth noting that the narrative itself should be highlighted. What makes this game stand out isn’t just the tale it weaves, but how effectively and creatively it presents that story.

The story’s central figure is Jack Kellar, a part of the elite anti-terrorist squad. Initially, we encounter him as he languishes in prison. To secure his release, he is forced to share details about his recent professional life with the interrogator, which can be likened to singing a song. As a result, the ensuing missions serve as flashbacks that progressively reveal more pieces of the overall storyline.

The story unfolds via dramatic scenes played out between missions, with live-action actors and visually appealing backdrops that incorporate news articles or videos relating to terrorist activities.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DM@x91v3gk

The difficult life of an anti-terrorist

Black‘s battles were marked by intense confrontations and managed to present a formidable challenge, even at relatively easy levels. Despite their limited intelligence and tendency to either stand still or charge head-on, seldom employing cover, they were exceptionally accurate shooters. To add, they functioned as efficient “bullet absorbers,” capable of withstanding an entire magazine from a machine gun (thankfully, most were eliminated by a single precision shot from a sniper rifle).

The situation was further complicated because the game didn’t offer us the option to save our progress at any given moment. Instead, the developers employed a checkpoint system that was not densely placed, meaning one error could force us to replay segments lasting up to several minutes. This method might seem like superfluous extension of gameplay from today’s perspective, but it did prolong the overall experience. Consequently, completing the game took approximately 8 hours.

After finishing the movie in Black, was there any activity left? To be honest, not much. The additional weapons and tougher game mode were really the only reasons to go through the storyline again, meant for seasoned players.

What happened next?

The movie, referred to as “Black,” was initially met with acclaim from both the media and players in the industry. Regrettably, despite the finale hinting at a follow-up, no official successor has been announced for it as of now.

The lead designer for Black was named Stuart… Later on, Stuart joined the Codemasters studio, where he oversaw the development of Bodycount. Initially, gamers saw Bodycount as a spiritual successor to Black or at least hoped it would be. However, after its launch, it was only considered “average” at best. Interestingly, Stuart Black didn’t see the project through to completion and parted ways with the team before Bodycount hit store shelves.

Over the subsequent years, the developer became part of City Interactive (now known as CI Games). There, he teamed up with others to create another first-person shooter game titled Enemy Front. Unfortunately, this game failed to make a significant impact in terms of sales or artistic merit. Additionally, some developers left the project during its development phase.

How to play Black today?

One of the entertaining options playable on both Xbox One and the newer Series X/S consoles is “Black,” thanks to the console’s backward compatibility feature. You can enjoy this game through EA Play and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, or if you prefer, purchase it digitally for just $9.99.

2024-07-31 18:02