...I'm with Y2Kev on this one
Will get the lame outta da way first:
- Visuals really are sub-par...there is just no getting around it. Maybe this could be remedied somewhat if this game was running at native 1280x720p. But yeah, the unconventional Resolution (Haze indeed LAWL) in tandem with the low-res texturework, really hurts this game on a technical level...
...Hell at least have the game run at 60fps like prior Free Radical titles then!
- There is absolutely NO USE of the D-Pad at all...what the fuck FR? ...maybe I'd like to map my weapon switching to it ya know?
- Menu presentation is a bit on the generic side...maybe it's just placeholder and not final
- No option to turn up the look sensitivity =(
...Now on to the good!
+ Despite the initial reaction to the "Hazey" (LAWL LAWL!) graphics, eventually you get used to their faults and start to notice the good-great things the game does like: The use of the first person camera during cinematic effects. The special effects associated when using Nectar. The suttle motion blur applied in certain parts and of course the locked 30fps...not to mention the art direction, which I personally do like.
+ Good gunplay! especially when your juiced up and laying waste to rebels and getting that extra jolt with each one...you feel rather evil doing it when you know the context of what's going on, and I appreciated that duality. Weapons feel responsive and satisfying as well...
+ Controls are mostly smooth, though as I said, wish I could turn up the sensitivity...like CoD4 on "High" speed ....and this can't be stressed enough, GOD FUCKING BLESS YOU FREE RADICAL FOR FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE CONTROLS !!!!!
+ I actually liked the banter for the most part. Only because it's supposed to make the Mantel Mercenaries sound arrogant and ignorant...so it succeeded there
+ Sound is overall good! kudos for implentation of DTS sound....though i'm sure there was plenty of room left on that Blu-ray for it judging from the textues (OMG LAWL BUUURN!)
Anyway, I'll wait and see how the reviews turn out, but the thing that always attracted me to Haze in the first place, was the dystopian setting ala Equilibrium, 1984, etc ...