Condemned: Criminal Origins Review

By Sheila Robinson (CA-gamer)

Platform: Xbox 360

Publisher: Sega

Game Rating: Mature (M)

Prepare yourself for some dangerous detective work. In this game you play FBI agent Ethan Thomas, a detective who investigates serial killer murders. It is a first person game (for the most part). Use guns, your handy equipped taser, or whatever material you can find (like a lead pipe) as a weapon. You are also equipped with devices that help you gather evidence (like fingerprints, objects or strange odors). Enemies will come out of nowhere and attack you for no reason at all. Is this game worth it? Read on and find out, if you dare.

Fun Factor

The game is quite dark and creepy. You travel through some pretty disgusting, run-down buildings and other strange locations that have little or no light. A flashlight is your only guide to help you in the darkness. Scope of vision is limited to a small area (unlike some games when you use a flashlight the whole area is lighted up). For a truly horrific experience, this is a game that should be played at night.

Just about everyone you encounter is a threat. Psychos, drug addicts, big tough guys, you name it. They vary in strength and cleverness, which means they are not always easy to spot. Sometimes you will hear sounds of motion, but this can be deceiving since it could be a rat scurrying by, machine sounds or just natural creaks from the location you are in. Many times enemies sneak up on you, try to gang up on you or run away. Their behavior is erratic, so be prepared for anything. Resourcefulness with weapons is key in this game. Get to know the different strengths and weaknesses of any object you can pick up and use. Each weapon you consider picking up will be compared to the one you already have equipped. If the statistics show green in the categories displayed on screen means it is better in that area. Any red displays are worse than your existing weapon. Firearms are limited along with bullets so use them wisely. Certain weapon items like crowbars, shovels, fire axes and sledgehammers will also help you access blocked off areas. Just use your best judgment.

As you explore each area, you will gather evidence to help find the serial killer and bring him to justice. When you are near something important, the HUD display will pop up to tell you to investigate. There are some tools of the trade that will help you: a UV light scanner to detect bloods samples; a laser light to show you fingerprints, markings or other residue; and a gas spectrometer to detect foul odors like decaying flesh. Once a piece of evidence is identified, gather it by taking a picture with your digital camera, scanner, or use your sample collector to transport it with you.

Agent Thomas also has sharp natural instincts. He will occasionally have visions of locations of objects, hidden doors, bonus items etc. Use this to your advantage. It will help you stay alive.

Basic Game Info

Levels of Difficulty

• Easy, Normal and Hard

Restoring your Health

• Fighting psychopath killers can really mess you up. Keep your eyes peeled for first aid kits. They are not always easy to find, and sometimes you need to unlock doors or bust open cabinets to find them.

The Cell Phone

• An invaluable resource, use it to communicate with an agent who gives you valuable information about the evidence you gather in the field and other helpful tips to guide you along the way.

Bonus Items

• There are three types of bonus items in Condemned -- pieces of metal, dead birds and hidden TVs. All will unlock different types of achievement awards like concept art and extra points.

Graphics/Sound

Graphics are cool; I really felt like I was walking through these dilapidated buildings. The detail is amazing. The nasty looking trash and graffiti add to its disgusting charm. When you are in sunlight or brightly lit areas, you can actually see your shadow. The first time this happened, I thought it was someone sneaking up on me!

Music soundtrack is subtle, but appropriately dark and ominous. Most of the time, the sound of just walking around is enough to creep you out. Enemies in the game will curse at you, laugh hysterically or make some inaudible mumbling.

Summing it up

Condemned: Criminal Origins will keep you on your toes. Encounter multiple, vicious killers, psychopaths, drug addicts and other people with no moral restraints. Explore dark and creepy locations. Find the clues that will help bring you closer to capturing the killer. Use guns, shovels, axes, pipes, two-by-fours and other objects as tools and weapons. With your wits, instincts, fighting ability and detective skills solve the mystery of the increasing number murders caused by serial killers in the city. This is not a game for the faint of heart. So if you have what it takes, give this game a shot.