This could have been the third Deus Ex. Project: Snowblind is a cyberpunk shooter from Tomb Raider creators

Although the initial Deus Ex game received positive responses from both players and critics, it didn’t spawn a blockbuster series that sold millions. However, Ion Storm still endeavored to produce a sequel in 2003. While this sequel was successful, it was often criticized for being less complex than the original, which some fans found disappointing. Meanwhile, another project related to this universe was simultaneously being developed under Eidos Interactive.

The game, initially conceived as “Deus Ex: Clan Wars” within the Crystal Dynamics studio, famous for the Legacy of Kain series at that time, eventually evolved into an independent entity known as Project: Snowblind. This cyberpunk shooter was released for PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in 2005. Despite encountering some issues, it garnered a warm reception from both players and critics. Let’s delve into what made it so appealing.

Not entirely linear FPS

Unlike “Deus Ex,” which balanced its focus between RPG elements and shooting, “Project: Snowblied” was primarily a fast-paced shooting game. The gameplay consisted of various missions, where tasks such as rescuing hostages, providing cover for allies, infiltrating enemy bases, and engaging in intense firefights were commonplace.

Despite this project’s completion, its impact was clearly seen in the development of subsequent phases, offering multiple strategies to tackle challenges. For instance, you might storm the enemy base with a battle cry or sneak in silently from a hidden side entrance without alerting anyone. Interestingly, while the levels progressed linearly, many of them provided alternative routes, such as using ventilation shafts to gain an upper hand against opponents.

The campaign encompassed various tasks, yet it wasn’t particularly lengthy. As per HowLongToBeat, it required approximately 6 hours to complete. The engaging multiplayer mode, offering a competitive experience, added to the playtime of this game.

Shoot first, ask questions later

Regardless of the circumstances, fierce battles were regular events within Project: Snowblind. This game offered us a variety of firearms, such as pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, and plasma cannons. We were able to enhance each weapon, and they even had additional firing modes, which significantly boosted our combat efficiency.

This team’s arsenal encompassed a diverse array of battle tools, including multiple kinds of grenades, self-governing drones, the Kinetic Kicker (a weapon that, with a hint, could be likened to a far-off cousin of the Gravity Gun from Half-Life 2), and the Icepick, which facilitated hacking security systems, cameras, control panels, and patrol robots, giving them command over these devices. Clearly, there was no shortage of excitement in their inventory… and that’s not the end of it.

In the spirit of every cyberpunk game, Project: Snowblind equipped us with a diverse array of implants to amplify the capabilities of our main character. With these enhancements, he could execute abilities such as temporarily freezing time, generating a protective barrier against gunfire, turning invisible, and perceiving the world in infrared. As we advanced, more powerful upgrades were unlocked, transforming us into an increasingly formidable combatant over time.

With Project: Snowblind, we gained the ability to commandeer a variety of land vehicles and heavy machinery on the battleground, including cars, armored vehicles, and even towering mechs. Additionally, there were instances where stationary artillery and firearms could be utilized.

And what about the plot?

In the game Project: Snowblind, the narrative didn’t quite reach the level of Deus Ex, but it can still be an engaging experience. The game depicts a bleak future in 2065, where Hong Kong was attacked by the self-proclaimed Republic, governed by General Yan Lo. The main character, Nathan Frost, is a peacekeeping soldier.

Remarkably, after a fight, Nathan Frost underwent an experimental treatment similar to that in Robocop’s movie, which saved his life and transformed him into a half-human, half-machine entity. With the help of nanotechnology, he was upgraded to a super soldier, tasked with halting the Republic before they cause further destruction.

Did you know that the term “snowblind” has its origins in medicine but is also used in popular culture and military terminology? It refers to situations where visibility is compromised, such as when you can’t see due to a blizzard, or when an electronic system malfunctions, say, after an electromagnetic pulse attack.

Uncut diamond

While Crystal Dynamics worked diligently on tailoring the PlayStation 2 edition of Project: Snowblind, responsibility for porting it to Xbox and PC fell upon Nixxes Software. Despite the game appearing visually appealing on consoles, players found the graphics quality falling short compared to contemporary standards, and the title also suffered from optimization issues that could lead to lag even on powerful computers of the era.

As a devoted fan, I found that the original console version of this game reflected in its saving mechanism, allowing saves strictly post-mission or at designated spots. While this may not have been everyone’s preference, for me, it didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience because the game was quite straightforward to play.

Franchise with potential

Despite Project: Snowblind having some issues, it managed to deliver a good deal of entertainment, as evidenced by the positive ratings it received. On Metacritic, this game earned an average score of 76-79 out of 100 from industry critics, depending on the platform used. Regrettably, this project failed to launch a sequel, partly because Crystal Dynamics primarily concentrated on developing the Tomb Raider series following its release.

How to play Project: Snowblind today?

As I pen these thoughts, the game titled “Project: Snowblind” can be purchased on Steam for $5.99. For those seeking a used copy of the PC edition, prices begin at a dollar. The Xbox version typically costs around six dollars, while the PS2 version is priced at twelve dollars.

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I’d strongly recommend that if you plan on playing this game on your PC, don’t forget to install the Widescreen Patch mod. This nifty little tool lets you unlock high-resolution, widescreen gaming experiences within the game itself. Enjoy the expanded visuals!

2025-06-01 02:02