Embarassing fanboys since 1982

BeaArthur

Contributor
CRank: 5Score: 83380

User Review : Haze

Ups
  • Both sides play completely differently but balance very well{Multiplayer, although limited, is pretty good
Downs
  • AI is bad, which includes everything from the dialogue to the gameplay{Environments are some of the worst I have seen{Campaign lacks few if any redeeming qualities

Very disappointing

Haze is the perfect example of why hype is a bad thing. Now I have heard a lot of people say that Haze wasn't very hyped, that it wasn't supposed to be a AAA title. Well I, like you, am a member of this community and I know that Haze was being touted as a premier title for the PS3. Ultimately the hype is what has caused Haze to fall flat on its face and become the huge disappointment that it has become.

Haze follows the very short career of Mantel soldier Shane Carpenter. I won't spoil what little story there is for anyone, but suffice it to say that Shane has an epiphany about 1/3 of the way through the game and then decides that his abilities are best utilized fighting for The Promise Hand. That is about all you need to know about the story because it is poorly told and feels incomplete. It's only made worse by the atrocious dialogue and poor accents that accompanies the games AI.

If there is any reason to pick up Haze it has to be the multiplayer. Although the campaign features some good balancing between the Mantel forces and The Promise Hand rebels, everything else in the campaign is a total debacle. If there is even any reason to venture into the co-op it is to avoid the painfully horrible one liners that are thrown around every few minutes by your AI squad mates. However, the multiplayer is a different story. Although it is very limited as far as the game modes you can play, the balancing in the campaign transitions well to online. If there is any reason to check out Haze it resides solely in the multiplayer.

Haze, to put it simply, is bad outside of the multiplayer. The campaign features AI that ranges from below average to pathetic, the voice work borders on insulting, the dialogue is some of the worst writing I have experienced in a game (or anywhere for that matter) and the gampeplay itself is average and uninspiring. While playing through it don't be surprised if you find yourself wondering why it was delayed so long considering this is what the final product yields.

Haze is very simply a bad campaign and a solid multiplayer; nothing more nothing less. The ideas and concepts for a great game are there but they are hidden under flawed and sloppy design. I can't recommend this game as a purchase for anyone; all I can suggest is that if you are that curious rent it and bypass the campaign.

Score
6.2
Graphics
Good balancing between the Mantel forces and The Promise hand, but a lack of weapon variety and average gameplay hold Haze back.
3.5
Sound
Character models are at least passable but the environments are some of the worst visuals I have seen. This game looks like it belongs on the PS2, and at times maybe even the PS1.
4.0
Gameplay
Game music is solid but voice work and dialogue will make you want to stab yourself in the ears.
6.0
Fun Factor
There is some fun to be had, but it is concealed under layers of annoyance, frustration and flawed design.
8.4
Online
Surprisingly good. Also surprising is that the graphics actually look better online. Haze's multiplayer is really the only reason to check this game out.
Overall
6.2
Surfman6520d ago

Good review, i think exactly the same thing. About the IA... aint it very sad to see 3 of your partners get in front of the rocket-buggy to get killed? 3!!

BeaArthur6520d ago

The AI on both sides is terrible, I loved how they would run in front of my gun on a regular basis.

BeaArthur6519d ago

Thanks, and it is terrible. I was being objective otherwise I would have given it a lower score.

270°

Top 10 Bad Games by Good Studios

Alex S. from Link-Cable writes: "When shopping for new video games you can often trust the name publisher or developer on the box to be an indication of the quality of the game. Names like Nintendo, Square Enix, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Capcom, Xbox Game Studios and Sega are world famous because they helped shape the industry by releasing some of the most defining video games of all time. Though sometimes even these great gaming houses stumble and put out a stinker."

Read Full Story >>
link-cable.com
Gamerking822100d ago (Edited 2100d ago )

Splatterhouse remake . Loved the og’s at the arcade growing up . Hell the best thing about the remake was the og,s were included . And left alive by Square . That game had so much potential , but the gameplay was worse horrendous .

Game-ur2100d ago

once Great studios getting destroyed is actually common. happened with ND and Last of Us2, Bioware and Mass Effect Andromeda/Anthem, Bungle and Destiny .

BeRich2332100d ago

Fuse should have been on that list (Insomniac Games)

Yui_Suzumiya2100d ago

Splatterhouse remake kicked ass

merryja2100d ago

I personally don't like these games.

East76lands2100d ago

I'm pretty much certain that any Sonic game that comes out will be terrible, I've not enjoyed one since the original side-scrolling days of the MegaDrive.

HarryMasonHerpderp2100d ago

Then you might like a recent sonic "sonic mania".

jaymacx2100d ago

For this Topic it says Good Studios that make bad games. Sonic Team hasn't been good in years.

Show all comments (17)
50°

Phoenix Down 76.1 – Haze

We bring death to Montel Williams.

50°

Phoenix Down 76.0 – Haze

Guns, drugs, and unnecessary war. Fun for the whole family.