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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Bigs 2, The
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Combining an atmospheric, psychological thriller narrative with stealthy exploration and intense shooter action, Second Sight gives players control of a character endowed with incredible psychic abilities. The game offers multiple approaches to completing levels either via stealth, dramatic gunplay, psychic powers or a combination of all three. The ability to psychically influence characters and remotely manipulate objects and individuals provides for a totally fresh gameplay dynamic. Second Sight opens with John Vattic, the player-controlled lead character, as he awakens from a coma in a U.S. medical facility where he has been subjected to traumatic surgery and experimentation. He doesn't know his name, he can't remember his past, all he knows is that his only hope for survival is to escape and unravel the mystery that has led to his imprisonment. Haunted by flashbacks, which are experienced as fully playable episodes within the game, and shocked by the discovery of his own psychic powers, the player takes Vattic on a search for his past and uncovers a fatal chain of events leading to a sinister conspiracy. As Vattic explores his present and past, the game weaves between these two different time periods, which run through the game as a dual-narrative. The player-controlled actions of the past Vattic have consequences in the present -- allowing a unique interaction between the player and the narrative of the game as Vattic's destiny is changed. [Codemasters]
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... 91
Play Magazine
Fantastic little touches abound, adding up to a firmly cohesive, engagingly structured, marvelously imagined setting to explore. [Oct 2004, p.67]
90
AceGamez
It's like going to your favourite band's concert, seeing them live and coming out gob-smacked - you know that you've enjoyed it and you loved every minute of it but you're stuck for words on how to convey the experience.
 90
Loaded Inc
The different styles employed within the game: stealth, shooting, psychic abilities means this will be enjoyed by many different gamers, whether they love their Timesplitters, their Tomb Raiders or their Metal Gear Solids.
87
GameBiz
Some parts of the game have you on the edge of your seat with your heart racing as you can really feel for Vattic when attempting to be stealthy and sneak through an area.
86
GameZone
The game has a lot of cutscenes and load times interrupt the flow, but the story is intriguing enough to pull players through those moments.
85
Warcry
It's just fun, in an admittedly creepy way, to telepathically grab guys by the throat and slam them into walls and ceilings!
85
TotalPlayStation
Forced stealth quibbles and slightly iffy physics aside, Second Sight's offering of a decently complex story (or as complex as you're going to get for an 8-10 hour action game) with a couple of twists and a silky smooth, high-budget presentation is one of the best Free Radical has pulled off to date.
85
Game Informer
Even with some unpolished technical aspects, the way the story unfolds is innovative and engaging, and the number of ways around every problem is impressive. [Sept 2004, p.106]
84
IC-Games
My biggest gripe with the game is that the 17 levels aren’t very long. You can whip through them pretty quickly and even though you can move between them once completed, trying to better your comprehensive stats, who really wants to once you know the story?...[But] very much worth your attention.
84
Next Level Gaming
The storyline is everything you'd expect from a game by Free Radical, as is the look. The gameplay is also very solid, although one of these days someone is going to have to learn how to make some really good enemy AI.
84
RealGamer
No game, however has managed to bond together two completely different games into one storyline and actually make it work. Second Sight is an exception.
83
Game Over Online
While its engine handles combat well enough, the targeting crosshair was not made for human eyes. It'll lock onto somebody's chest effectively enough, but it's got a sense of humor. You'll often aim at a crate or barrel when you really want to be aiming at the chest of the guy who just stormed into the room.
82
PGNx Media
While the game does many things well, it doesn’t do anything particularly remarkable.
81
GamingTrend
A little more polish and gameplay balance could have made Second Sight a classic gaming experience. This really is too bad since it contains a story that puts Psi-Ops to shame.
81
Armchair Empire
Despite some unpolished spots, Second Sight is easily one of the best balances of stealth and action, combined with a nifty gimmick and an excellent plot.
80
PSM Magazine
In short, this is a surprising little gem. [Nov 2004, p.90]
80
Adrenaline Vault
The combination of a fantastic story, clever puzzles, strong (albeit psi-lite) combat overcome any gameplay nitpicks or deficiencies.
80
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Slick thriller touched with psychic powers from the 'Splitters boys. [Jan 2007, p.106]
80
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
If you're looking for a finely crafted, thought-provoking story to go with your psychic phenomena, look no further than Second Sight. [Nov 2004, p.128]
80
GameSpy
Though it's a bit rough around the edges, Second Sight packs a huge core of ideas into what could have been a standard shooter. Powerful psionics, extensive gun combat, and a great story are all just part of the plan.
80
Gamer's Hell
The controls are smooth and well implemented, with nearly every button on the controller used. Unfortunately, the default control scheme is the only option but considerable thought went into it and it shouldn’t offer most gamers any trouble.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Our hero is usually equipped with a sniper rifle, complete with a brilliant targeting scope.
80
RewiredMind
An example of narrative dictating game, uncovering a decent mix of game styles along the way. The developers should be commended - they've listened to their fans, grown as a team and created a game that stealth action fans will lap up.
80
3DAvenue
An excellent way to chew up some time with a rewarding feel each time a puzzle is solved.
80
Gamer.tv
Second Sight's absorbing plot and high-quality cinematic presentation are backed up with tight and entertaining gameplay.
80
Total Video Games
The fact that you are left trying to finish off each level just to see what happens next as the conspiracy unravels is a testament to the game’s producers.
79
IGN
Perhaps the biggest problem in Second Sight is the game's over reliance on ho-hum pistols and machine guns. Seriously folks, the game gives you the ability to choke people in mid-air. That's serious Darth Vader sh_t.
78
Play.tm
A very solid, if slightly unspectacular title. It's not amazingly long, but unlike some of its contemporaries it hangs together well.
75
Gaming Age
I personally like "Psi Ops" better as it was faster paced, had a more realistic look, and easier to control. Some gamers may like Second Sight for its open ended-ness and better-written dialog.
75
Game Power Australia
Midway's "Psi-Ops" does do a better job of implementing psychic powers and building gameplay around them, but Second Sight's characters and story make it worth your time.
75
GameSpot
It's got some flaws and it's not very long or replayable--you'll probably finish it in 12 to 15 hours, without much incentive to go back to the beginning--but it's fun while it lasts.
75
eToychest
Though quirky and enjoyable, slight hiccups in the game's challenge, physics and firearms system let this title down somewhat, although a varied raft of psychic powers and an accomplished narrative go some way towards compensating.
74
Inside Gamer Online
Sadly, the often cumbersome controls and sometimes lackluster execution of its psychic abilities means the excellent narrative has to carry the bulk of the title’s weight.
70
Stuff
There is never a break in the action, and even with the obvious emphasis on ESP, the bullets never stop flying.
70
Yahoo! Games
The story is solid, the looming sense of the unknown is engaging, and the sheer, mind-bullying fun of building up "psi-ence fictional" powers make Second Sight a rewarding game.
70
Gamestyle
Both parts of the game are excellent, highly addictive and original, and if you’re looking for a different kind of game (albeit a slightly annoying one at times) or you just want an entertaining, well-constructed experience, Second Sight demands your attention.
70
Edge Magazine
Crisp of cut-scene, blessed with a refreshingly light touch and low-key compared to the po-faced chest-beating of its peers, Second Sight could well be a high water mark in storytelling through games (as opposed to storytelling around them). [Oct 2004, p.104]
70
GamerArchive
If "Metal Gear Solid" and Second Sight were at school with eachother, Second Sight would dress the same way, dress the same way, and wear the same clothes, which is a great shame.
70
PSX Nation
The story is cool, the voice-acting & music superb and the action sequences intense. The visuals are merely serviceable though, and emphasizing firepower over psychic abilities lessens the impact of the latter.
70
GMR Magazine
The experience could have been even edgier if the enemy A.I. was fully up to snuff. [Nov 2004, p.136]
70
Boomtown
Despite appearances it’s mostly a methodical stealth game, and a sniper’s bullet is often more effective than the powers of the mind.
70
DarkStation
Unless you are craving another telekinesis type action game this one will be best as just a rental.
65
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Technologically well crafted, with good controls, graphics, and story - but without the freedom of superior mentalist "Psi-Ops." [Nov 2004, p.130]
65
TotalGames.net
Vattic's tale is a compelling emotional journey, and his psychic powers can really clock up a decent amount of player satisfaction. In spite of this, Second Sight is flawed, but perhaps more importantly, it's nothing special.
60
games(TM)
Second Sight’s fair share of nice touches (such as weapons handling and level design) demonstrate terrific attention to detail. It’s a shame, then, that these minor good points seem to be offset by the game’s failings in several more important areas. [Oct 2004, p.110]
60
Australian GamePro
It looses out to "Psi-Ops" in the battle for 2004's greatest psychokinesis-3rd-person-action-adventure in a big way, taking a solid idea and inventive story-telling then butchering it with wayward controls, lame combat and weak as piss gameplay.
60
1UP
Here's the problem: both the action-packed style and the stealth style show promise, but neither is fully polished.
50
Game Revolution
It’s almost unfortunate that the first couple hours of Second Sight are really good. You won’t care that the action is too easy or that the A.I. is dumber than Teddy Ruxpin because the plot is good and the characters are interesting. But by hour six or so, the plot loses its mystery and the gameplay holes become increasingly frustrating.
Trevor O. gave it a10: Jeff S. gave it a9: Keith L. gave it a1: M. Black gave it a9: The Right Honorable Sir Graham Kristopher Miles gave it a 10: Leanne H. gave it a 7: |
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