Metascore

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 44 Ratings

  • Summary: Evolving the shooter genre with its unique combination of fluid action and combat, Damnation features huge, open environments, frenetic combat, daredevil acrobatics and high-octane vehicle-based stunts. Presenting players with an intense test of reflexes, quick thinking and rapid-fire conflict, Damnation features vast, breathtaking landscapes, each covering miles of distance and thousands of vertical feet. Billed as a "shooter gone vertical" and visually inspired by iconic elements of American history, these massive streaming landscapes form the battlegrounds for a post-industrial conflict between humanity and an unstoppable arms dealer hell-bent on total world domination. Players choose their own paths and navigate the world by performing daredevil feats on the edge of human ability. Intelligent enemies give chase and engage players in frantic gun fights and attacks that can come from any direction. With up to three hours of actual gameplay stretching out in front of them per level, players need more than just muscle power to get across each level safely. Damnation offers players a selection of vehicles, from motorbikes capable of launching across seemingly infinite chasms, to huge, armour-piercing marvels that induce mayhem with every huge shell. The high action is supported by an epic and in-depth story which, while focusing on the exploits of the hero character Rourke, is truly an ensemble piece. Players meet and become involved in intricate story plots that reveal much more than the obvious. In addition to the single player experience, Damnation comes complete with a unique set of multiplayer options that take full advantage of the game’s expansive levels. [Codemasters] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 39
  2. Negative: 33 out of 39
  1. Great platforming, shame about the rest.
  2. Damnation is the eternal story of the genre-breaker wanna be. An action game that wanted to go beyond the limits of the traditional shooter, but that finally crashes because of its repetitive, vague and boring gameplay.
  3. This is not really a case of “what were they thinking?” as it is plainly obvious what the overall intent was, sadly the game in no way lives up to the lofty goals that it was obviously straining for, partially due to sloppy design and partly due to a real lack of nuance.
  4. I find it hard for myself, and anyone else for that matter, to forgive the scroll list of technical, chorographical, and design issues that are presented with this game.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Negative: 8 out of 15
  1. Iwantmtv
    10
    This game is perhaps one of the most treasured games in my family's library of games from the past century. As soon as the game begins, you are emerged in a world conflict. Even though its an American War, at the time America is the world so it is a world conflict. You play as a Puritan cowboy gifted with the ability of acrobatics who is haunted by the disappearance of a loved one who we have no knowledge of. The controls come quick as they explain in a brief tutorial with frequent pop-ups and as the game goes on the controls become more fluid as the movement of your thumbs does as well. The story progresses quickly and little goes explained and reminds me of all time greatest movies. The voice work was suburb, needless to say alot of takes were required in order to capture each character's unique personality. Also, don't get me started on the cooperative mode. I probably would have given this game an 8 or 9 (which is unusual for me as my other reviews are very harsh) but my friend and I got together last weekend and had a blast playing this game as a team at the same time - split screen play. You don't even need xbox live to have a good time with your bro. It's hard to be bothered by teammates unlike lame games like Marvel Ultimate Alliance or World of Warcraft because such an ability does not exist in perfection. My only complaint with this game is the lack of replay value. Adding something like Abe Lincoln as an unlockable character would add a lot of replay value And remember - for the mind and spirit to be pure, the body must endure. Collapse
  2. JimP
    8
    I believe that as usual that codemasters published games as always get a bad rap. Jericho was incredible, bumpmapped and lighting that was no different than doom 3, and Turning point which plays very similar to call of duty and is also good looking and lighting to boot. I have also really enjoyed Fuel and it too bad reviews because its codemasters game. Damnation is not the mitigated disaster as everyone says it is and don't always believe everything you read. Most go in already hating the game before it even loads because of the subjective abuse this game gets so they can't be unbiased about it. Expand
  3. JamesS
    7
    It's not an awful game for first time devs, just needed alot of polish on the technical side, and the story is wasted after the setup. Shame, could have been great. Rent only if very curious as I did. Expand
  4. ChrisR
    3
    I'm sorry. This game is absolutely terrible. Look at the game description and title cover. I was hoping for a nice sci-fi action game that would keep me occupied for a nice time. But as soon as I popped this game in, I immediately lost interest. Don't get me wrong. The graphics were amazing, and the platforming was incredibly smooth. But that's about it. I'd say the biggest problem this game has is that: It's way too easy to die. The shooting system and CQC(Close Quarter Combat) system are both very unrealistic. And the game itself has too many empty room and obstacles to get lost in. A 3 is a bit generous. But since the graphics and platforming are quite nice. 3/10. Expand

See all 15 User Reviews