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How Metascores Are Calculated
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4 Elements
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Featuring online play, Area 51 is set in the U.S. government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate. During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alien creatures and becomes infected with a biological mutagen that eventually transforms him into something not quite human. To save the earth and himself, Lt. Cross must fight to solve the enigma of Area 51. Features extensive Single-Player Campaign: Battle through corridors of Area 51 and attempt to discover the secrets of the extraterrestrial menace before it is too late. Engage in an epic adventure through eight massive sections of a secretive complex. Equip yourself with more than 15 types of human and alien weapons and other equipment as you explore dark corridors. An infectious mutagen gives Lt. Nick Cross alien-enhanced physical abilities but is also slowly transforming him into an alien. Find the cure before it's too late and humanity is lost. Compete against your friends via a four-player split screen and system link through numerous multiplayer game modes including Death Match. Battle online where you can easily access the many systems allowing you to find your friends and set up your own matches. [Midway]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 83
Game Chronicles
The production values, graphics, and especially the voice acting are extremely well done, and the game has non-stop action and never feels dull.
 80
3DAvenue
While it’s not going to revolutionize the genre nor is it even a AAA title, it’s by no means a poor game and the ongoing action will really be music to the ears of FPS fans.
80
2404.org
If "Half-life" and "Serious Sam" were combined, I have a feeling that Area 51 would be the result.
80
G4 TV
While there are problems--too cutscene-heavy, some lame objectives, and the fact that there are infinitely more zombies than little green men--Area 51 is more than enough to make a believer out of you.
75
IC-Games
One of the most intense first person shooters to be released this year.
75
GameZone
The name alone will bring many gamers to the shelves scooping this one up, but really it’s just another decent FPS. For the price it’s not a bad deal considering all the choices in this genre.
75
GameBiz
Unfortunately experienced FPS players may find they aren’t being offered anything new in the game.
75
IGN
From its chaotic beginning to its clinically insane conclusion, Area 51 provides just enough classic FPS action and technical goodness to merit a great rating and honest recommendation.
73
PC Gamer
Nothing sensational, but it provides a fun diversion for shooter buffs. [Sept 2005, p.68]
70
Adrenaline Vault
Despite a few shortcomings, such as a disappointing ending, a hard-to-read scanner, and a run-time glitch, Area 51 is ultimately a high quality title worthy of shooter enthusiasts' time and money.
70
Armchair Empire
Taken as a scripted series of events the gameplay can be engaging, particularly after an unusual plot twist.
70
Play Magazine
But here again, another fun idea inevitably joins what feels like a game thrown together out of genre spare parts. [May 2005, p.39]
69
GameSpot
For shooter fans in serious need of something new to play, Area 51 fits the bill adequately. But for anyone looking for something more than an average shooter, it probably isn't worth it.
67
Gaming Age
Area 51 is the antithesis of what first person shooter fans want. It is actually a better offline title than it is online.
67
Computer and Video Games
A competent and rewarding game worthy of a couple of days blasting. [PC Zone]
65
1UP
If nostalgia for the original arcade light-gun game, or fascination with the myth of the Mid-West has you by the cockles, then this game may give you a day or two's worth of good times. But anyone with a stricter criteria than that would be hard-pressed to find real satisfaction in what's offered here.
64
PC Format
Solid but wholly uninspiring. [Aug 2005, p.95]
62
Gamer's Hell
Emerges as ‘just another shooter’, and with no splash-making potential or notable innovative features, it’s destined to frequent bargain bins for years.
60
GameSpy
Squats squarely in the middle of the pack in terms of quality. With the exception of a brief infatuation with "mutant mode" and a few set pieces involving squadmates, the gameplay is serviceable, but standard.
60
Edge Magazine
Area 51 is entirely without inspiration, an exercise in slick, crowd-pleasing cookie-cutter cliché from the Jerry Bruckheimer school of entertainment manufacture. It is absolutely not bad, almost never broken, and usually a good deal of fun. [July 2005, p.92]
60
Sydney Morning Herald
Lacking any innovation, the best this game offers has already been done.
60
Maxim Online
The multiplayer is engaging and the storyline suitably absurd, but in the world of PC games the first-person shooter bar is set high, and with Half-Life 2 out there, it's hard to imagine choosing this shorter, less clever game instead.
60
Computer Gaming World
Lacking ideas, Area 51 plays up its license (and lessons learned from finer shooters) for a solid but unsurprising foray into the FPS field. Pity that it isn't more.
60
Thunderbolt
Though the lack of very original gameplay ideas hurts Area 51, it does have a lot of good things going for it, including a very cool graphics engine and a cool infection mode, which, combined with a low price tag, do justify a purchase of this game.
59
ActionTrip
All in all, Area 51 is a pretty standard first-person shooter with little if any original content, an unintelligible storyline, and game options typical for the genre, packed with some intense combat and an occasional feel you're actually onto something, while in fact you will only be browsing levels in search for bigger, badder, and meaner opponents.
51
My Gamer
The best thing we can say about Area 51is that it is “good enough”- a label that ultimately makes for a forgettable game.
50
Computer Games Magazine
The weapons are uninspired, as are the levels, and the enemies are just barely smart enough to move toward you and attack. [Sept 2005, p.49]
Fred M. gave it a6: Terry D. gave it a9: Paul T. gave it a3: Marino V. gave it a9: Deviant H. gave it a10: Aterr T. gave it a3: Jim B. gave it a10: |
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