Well having gone through the beginning parts of the game(4+hours), I thought I would throw down some thoughts.
The game is incredible. It takes borrows parts of MGS2 and Theif, and adds their own mix of realism, tension and stealth. I can't think of another game that truly hit me like this game has hit me. Halo was an awsome overall expierence, but this game has grabbed me as no other game has.
The training mission introduces you to the game very extensively, while being very realistic. The noises in the background brought back thoughts of my own miliatary training. The fact that they actually teach you how to play the game is something that most games fail to do. They don't just show you the controls, they allow you to put to use the basic gameplay and controls you just learned.
One thing that I love about this game is that you have to figure out where to go and what to do. It gives you objectives and rules(no killing civilians, no street engagements for example on the first level) and sets you free. No time limit. Of course there are pre-planned routes you take to objectives, but how you get there is up to you.
The gameplay is equally diverse and intelligent. How you approach each target is up to you. If you think its best to sneak up and knock them out, go for it. Just make sure they don't hear you. If you want to go for the one shot head kill, make sure you don't miss. If you just want to distract them and run by, make sure you are hidden when you do it, and have your routes planned out. All in all an extremely satisfying and very fun way to play the game. If you make a mistake, you can continue on and deal with the consequences(unless you violate a mission parameter), but for some reason, it pisses me off so much I insist on going back and doing it perfectly. Running through the streets of the first level was a nervous and tension filled expierence, only made more realistic by the gorgeous levels and details. I have been fustrated once or twice because I didn't understand what I was to do next, but it only makes it that much more satisfying when you figure it out. The game is difficult, but certainly not in a reptitive way.
The graphics are simply sublime. The demo showed off nothing compared to what you will encounter on the first mission. Its truly something that I only dreamed about. I don't know all the technicalities, and I am sure some people will nitpick, but the overall effect hit me like a ton of bricks. I have never been wowed like this. The intricate details displayed are on another level. The hanging gardens on the first level almost made me cry. I know some people are probably laughing at this point, but I am only being honest. The artistry while a realistic tone, has subtle touches that have really made it feel like love went into making this game. The FPS and tearing seems to be vastly improved, but I am not one to dwell on those issues anyway.
The sound also adds something to the game that can't be described. To hear leaves rustle, birds quietly in the background(not some annoying chirp), glass crunch under your feet, and boards creek, is really impressive. They are balanced, well timed, perfectly appropriate and necessary. The conversions and sound that your enemies make are amusing and interesting.
The overall polish to the essentials has truly impressed me beyond just about any game I have ever played. It was for me a pure gaming expierence, one that I haven't had in a long time.
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