Kill.Switch (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Visual Impact have a long history of attempting to port console games to the GBA. Everything from EA's SSX Tricky to the lesser known Taxi 3 have been given the developers? treatment over the years. The results have generally been impressive, showing just how far the GBA can be pushed. For those of you who haven't encountered the original, Kill.Switch involves you taking on the role of a highly skilled military operative with a dark agenda. Your initial missions will take you to global "hotspots" such as the Middle East, the Caspian Sea region and North Korea. If that sounds appealing and you're still campaigning for Konami to do a version of Metal Gear Solid for your favorite handheld or even just hanging out for the next installment of Splinter Cell then Kill.Switch may be just what you're looking for. The question is 'Is it any good?'.

Gameplay

If you're used to running through games firing at anything and anyone that moves then Kill.Switch is likely to cause you significant problems. This is mainly because that method won?t work. Instead you'll need to adopt a more thoughtful approach to your gameplay, which will involve a lot of hiding and creeping about in order to get though areas without raising the alarm but still conserving your valuable ammo. You'll also become something of an expert as to which weapons to use (the shotgun is useless for distant enemies), when to use them (hitting a fuel drum can wipe out a number of soldiers) and the best means of cover. There?s also an ongoing concern regarding just how much ammo you have because, rather than the thousands of rounds you may get in other shooters, some weapons here only hold around 50. Clearly this should encourage you to explore every corner of the environments looking for absolutely anything of use. The levels are quite lengthy too and even once you've completed them you can still revisit them in extra modes. There's a kind of 'Zombie' mode which involves fallen soldiers reforming seconds later and the self explanatory Time Trial. Finally there's the battery save with three save slots plus the ability to select a previously completed section. Although there could be more save points, especially on the longer levels, this really is quality stuff. Other developers please take note.

Controls

Because the control system is reasonably complicated the developers have seen fit to include a full tutorial as the first level, which is always welcome regardless of the genre. Unfortunately even with this extra help the control is one of the game?s weak points and you'll quickly notice just how limited it is once you enter combat. It is most frustrating when you are hiding behind a wall whilst intermittingly firing at the enemies. The problem is with the aim when you find that the cross hair is incredibly difficult to target as it judders across the screen. Of course while this is going on enemy troops are firing on you and so draining your energy. It's this flaw that extends the levels? lengths in an already tough game and, although it was no doubt an ambitious undertaking converting a console?s controls to the less able GBA, it's still incredibly frustrating.

Graphics

Although (as a gaming community) we encourage developers to push the GBA's hardware, the majority of 3D efforts have been a little disappointing, with both the level design and quality of visuals generally falling far short of what the average gamer should expect. Fortunately Kill.Switch doesn't fall into this category and instead you are treated to a well thought out succession of environments and animations. The environments are also generously littered with objects to hide behind and enough twists and turns to be problematic for both you and the enemy. There is still some 'pop-up' amongst all this though, with end of level bosses managing to inflict damage even though they're out of sight, but this is only an occasional glitch to spoil an otherwise solid visual experience.

Sound

With audio leaders Shin'en on board this always promised to be a highlight and I'm pleased to report that it is. The soundtrack is outstanding, sounding every bit as good as if it was composed for a big screen outing. The sound effects follow suit with some excellent weapon audio and well-used soldier samples. This all helps enhance both the on screen action and the overall atmosphere and almost demands to be played at full volume.

Final comments

Kill.Switch is a surprisingly good handheld game and both ZOO Digital and Visual Impact should be applauded for undertaking such an ambitious project. What works in the game?s favor is the intelligent use of the 3D engine. Rather than try to produce a full-on FPS such as DOOM or Serious Sam, the gameplay is slower and much more thoughtful. This means the level design and visuals are a lot more important than the frames per second displayed on screen. It's not without its problems though; the lack of save points mixed with the occasional quirky control can be a little frustrating but not so as to make the game unplayable. Simply put, Kill.Switch is a good solid experience and one that 3D enthusiasts should definitely have in their collection.

Pro: Impressive 3D Engine.
Con: Occasional Awkward Controls.
Final score: 7.8

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