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Club, The xbox360 Game Reviews
Club, The
Critic Score
Metascore: 76 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.1 out of 10
based on 63 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 26 votes
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Rate this game

The Club is a new breed of third-person shooter, combining fast-paced run and gun gameplay, destructive environments, lethal weapons and an in-depth story structure. You will fight to survive in a shadowy underground blood-sport controlled by a faceless, obscenely wealthy and influential elite who place their bets on who will survive as the blood-bath ensues before them. Take control of up to eight uniquely trained killers motivated by greed, driven by pure insane bloodlust, and hell bent on earning respect on a global level. As one of eight fighters, blast your way through five single player game modes including: Standard Mode, Time Attack, Survivor, Siege, and Run the Gauntlet. Earn Respect Online. Shoot your way to the top of the leader boards in over nine cut-throat multiplayer modes. Face-off with 15 real-time opponents online or battle with your friends offline in 4-player split-screen action modes. Battle in eight unique real-world locations from around the globe, including war-torn cities, abandoned factories, steel mills and many more. Extreme Gun Battles in Hazardous Environments: A motion blur camera system intensifies the adrenaline rush in both open range and close quarter firefights. Destroy and manipulate objects in the environment to your advantage. A unique score-based accumulation system creates even more competition among players; the faster, more efficient and accurate that you are, the more points you will earn to unlock weapons, characters and maps. There are 17 high-powered assault weapons to choose from and customize, including Automatic Weapons, Sniper Rifles, High Caliber Pistols, Sub Machine Guns, and Mounted Weapons. Each Character has a Story to Tell. [Sega]

PUBLISHER: Sega
DEVELOPER: Bizarre Creations
GENRE(S): Third-Person Shooter
PLAYERS: 8
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: February 19, 2008

What The Critics Said

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...

100
Totally360
The high replay value is central to The Club’s game play mechanic, as is the ability to play online with other people. Perfectly suited to those late night, competitive sessions where you fight to achieve the highest score.
Read Full Review
90
VideoGamer
One of the finest examples of bringing the essence of arcade gaming to modern consoles and a game no adrenaline junkie should pass up.
Read Full Review
90
G4 TV
The Club may not satisfy your daily dose of carnage, but what you will find is a challenging shooter that tries something new with a tired genre.
Read Full Review
90
Team Xbox
It’s nice to see a shooter with a fresh premise, which changes up the strategy you’ll use to get your best results.
Read Full Review
90
Jolt Online Gaming UK
What they have done is filled a gap in the current console market we didn’t even know was there. They have made a video game that is an essential purchase for anybody interested in arcade shooters. It’s outstandingly good fun for the first weekend or so that it will take to peek at what it has to offer, and it’ll be outstandingly good fun for the next couple of years when you dip into it from time to time in order to have a breather from "Gears of War 5" or some other interactive movie.
Read Full Review
90
GamePro
What might be most impressive about The Club is that despite the many disparate elements that it cherry-picks from genres as diverse as racing, skateboarding, and first-person shooters, the whole never bears the disjointed feel of a Frankenstein creation, instead ebbing and flowing with a satisfying smoothness that's accessible without being overly simplistic, and action-packed without being nerve-deadening.
Read Full Review
88
Game Informer
A hardcore gamer’s type of game. Taking the time to perfect runs is a blast, and unlike most shooters, it can also be used for short gaming sessions. If you enjoy a good challenge and arcade-like games that empower you with bragging rights, you’re going to love this game’s nerve-shattering pressure.
Read Full Review
87
Ferrago
Its strengths lie in that it's simple to a fault, it's direct and honest, it's damn addictive, and it's the perfect foil for starting (or ending) a fun Saturday night on the town - or any night for that matter. What more do you need from an arcade FPS game?
Read Full Review
86
Games Master UK
A very original take on shooters. An addictive arcade-style blast for score junkies. [Feb 2008, p.66]
84
IGN AU
Smooth controls, great combo mechanics, a variety of modes and decent level design all combine to create a game that’s about rhythm and flow. A little more vivacity in enemies, animations, environments and set-pieces would have been great, but at the end of the day The Club nails its concept and its gameplay.
Read Full Review
82
GameZone
I think this is a really fun, and simple minded game. Nothing like a "Bioshock" in terms of thinking and plot, but more like a 3rd person shooter that's got an arcade feel to it.
Read Full Review
82
Extreme Gamer
If you’re looking for a fun, super fast paced shooter this game is for you, but if you’re looking for something with a little more depth then maybe consider this a rental.
Read Full Review
81
Worth Playing
If you pick up this game looking for a third-person shooter with an engrossing story, just put it back on the shelf. This is for gamers who have that certain twitch in their systems.
Read Full Review
81
AtomicGamer
Bizarre Creations has done something unique here in trying to get you to actually play through the levels of their shooter multiple times and keep having fun doing it.
Read Full Review
81
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
You may love it, you may hate it, but for those with the skill and dedication, it's a shooter like no other. [Feb 2008, p.72]
80
Official Xbox Magazine UK
It's a one-trick pony, true. Yet does that even matter when the trick is this damn good? Of course it doesn't. Just buckle up, enjoy the ride and hang on for your life. [Feb 2008, p.92]
Read Full Review
80
Pelit (Finland)
A refreshingly old-fashioned shooter that is sure to entertain you for a while with its lightning-fast action and pretty visuals. Regrettably the simplicity of the game also makes it a fairly shallow experience that will not hold your interest for a long time. [Feb 2008]
80
Official Xbox Magazine
If you can overlook the lack of any narrative cohesion, The Club looks great, controls well, and offers you tons of options for giving your trigger finger a good workout. [Mar 2008, p.90]
Read Full Review
80
Total Video Games
Sign us up, we love The Club. With the odd exception, it takes a very good third-person shooter to impress us, and whilst The Club has its issues, the game's original premise and stylish execution makes it well worth checking out. We just don't know who SEGA will line up for the sequel.
Read Full Review
80
MS Xbox World
If you are looking for a game which offers fast paced combat and you are of the competitive type, then The Club is most certainly well worth a look.
Read Full Review
80
EuroGamer
The Club is brilliantly immediate, logical and rewarding in ways that the "PGR" games always were and are, and it does for the third-person shooter what no one else has even bothered trying to do: moving it closer to the 2D shoot-'em-ups of old in a manner that appeals anew.
Read Full Review
80
Gameplayer
If you’re after an intense shooter that rewards style, enforces persistence and encourages competition, then The Club is taking members now. You should probably sign up.
Read Full Review
80
360 Gamer Magazine UK
The Club takes a somewhat tired and overused genre and genuinely does something new with it. Don’t let the lack of a full-blown story mode put you off giving it a try, even if it is sadly the one thing you’ll miss the most.
80
GameDaily
This fast-paced arcade shooter has heaps of action and modes for players of any skill. Its visuals look good, with intricate level designs and cool explosions.
Read Full Review
80
X360 Magazine UK
An invigorating blast of pure gameplay and an impressive addition to Bizarre Creation's track record. Definitely a fun way to pass the time. [Issue#29, p.80]
80
GotNext
The Club is one of those rare games where the demo is truly representative of the final product. If you didn't care for the demo, then this club isn't for you.
Read Full Review
80
Xbox360Achievements
If you’re looking for a third person shooter with intense, heart-pounding gameplay, The Club is the perfect game for you. On the other hand, if you like to stroll around, taking in environments and having a relaxing time, avoid The Club at all costs.
Read Full Review
80
MEGamers
I won’t go as far as announcing this game as a must buy or even close but for anyone looking for a fresh take on a tired out genre, The Club is the perfect medicine.
Read Full Review
80
Thunderbolt
Anyone with an appreciation for old school arcade games will have a blast with The Club. Just remember to leave your brain with the doorman.
Read Full Review
80
DarkStation
The Club was a pleasant surprise. It's a guns blazing light hearted action experience that may not be the best shooter out there but it doesn't have to be.
Read Full Review
80
Gaming Nexus
While The Club is one of Sega's best action games in years, it's marred by a lack of depth and repetitive gameplay. If you can get past some of these shortcomings then you will find that The Club is a worthwhile game that tries to do something different with the third-person shooter genre.
Read Full Review
80
AceGamez
It's essential in a time when online leaderboards and frag counters are very much in style.
Read Full Review
80
Gameplanet
This is a great game, and plays as it should. If it weren't for the multiplayer it would be a near perfect score as Bizarre Creations are owed something for going out on a limb with the genre!
Read Full Review
80
Gamer 2.0
The Club offers a great experience for all gamers who are looking for non-stop action while giving fans of old-school shooters something to talk about.
Read Full Review
80
NTSC-uk
For those who love score attack systems and shooting things then membership of The Club is certainly recommended.
Read Full Review
78
Console Monster
The Club is a fresh change from all the serious games out there and brings you back to the good old days where points mean prizes... I mean everything.
Read Full Review
75
Game Over Online
The Club is a classic example of an excellent rental game. Its brutal, rapid pace will wear you out in a hurry, and just when you think you can’t take much more POOF! It’s over.
Read Full Review
75
ZTGameDomain
With so much focus on creating an interactive experience in games today it is always nice to see one that simply focuses on being fun. The Club may not be the most intricate experience you will have on the consoles this year, but it certainly will be one of the most intense.
Read Full Review
75
PALGN
The Club is so excellent at capturing the essence of old-school arcade gaming that you might find yourself trying to shove dollar coins into your console.
Read Full Review
75
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
It manages to accomplish what it intended: fast paced action, following the same paths in search of the perfect score. But besides its obvious inspiration, this is not a racing game and how many action fans will be willing to repeat the same processes over and over again? [Feb 2008]
73
GameTrailers
The Club is a lot like junk food—it initially tastes good but it won’t leave you satisfied for long.
Read Full Review
73
Planet Xbox 360
Those hooked by The Club's importance on the leader board will not be able to put the game down. Sadly, for the rest of the gaming population, there the game is all about replaying the same levels with the limited variety of weapons and characters repeatedly.
Read Full Review
72
IGN UK
You play The Club not because it's a great action game, but because you want to become better at playing The Club. Running and shooting: that is all it is.
Read Full Review
72
Cheat Code Central
It has a core concept that is truly engaging; it just feels as if it needs to be fleshed out a bit more. The single player Tournament mode is an absolute blast that will keep you occupied for a few hours. Unfortunately, the multiplayer features, though varied, are poorly executed.
Read Full Review
70
GameSpot
The Club provides some old-school single-player thrills, but it fails to live up to its initial promise.
Read Full Review
70
games(TM)
It succumbs to a bewilderingly dull selection of environments. This might sound like a minor criticism, but for a title that otherwise basks in its videogame status – never once seeking to be recognised as an immersive piece of storytelling or sophisticated art – the generic locales seem painfully jarring. [Mar 2008, p.114]
70
GameSpy
It's the weak multiplayer that keeps us from recommending The Club with full enthusiasm.
Read Full Review
70
Gamer.nl
Bizarre Creations delivers a different kind of shooter that will attract a specific kind of gamer. The boring setting and combo-system don't bring this game to the absolute top, but the addicting gameplay makes up a lot. If they put more effort in a possible sequel, it might become a classic in this new subgenre.
Read Full Review
70
Edge Magazine
Underneath the mundane masculinity and grimy gun-toting clichés lies a heavily structured and well-considered score-attack game – one that’s worth excavating for all the short-lived interest it holds. [Feb 2008, p.88]
70
Game Positive
At its core, The Club is all about shooting, running, and then shooting some more. This broad approach to game development is risky considering the saturation of similar titles on the market, but the gameplay is well supplemented by a scoring system that adds value to repeated play and practice.
Read Full Review
70
Destructoid
A flawed, but generally enjoyable slice of hardcore gaming. The fast-paced shooting mechanics and old school ideas make for some really intense, exciting, and just plain fun moments, but the squiffy controls and lack of true online score competition prevent The Club from reaching its true potential.
Read Full Review
70
Gamervision
A fun, if shallow and mindless shooter. For those looking for quick-hit action without worrying about things like story or a sense of purpose, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Read Full Review
70
Armchair Empire
The Club is one of those games that you are really going to fall in love with, or discard fairly quickly.
Read Full Review
70
Xbox World Australia
Well, to be truthful, you'll probably tire of The Club long before you'd get sick of some new cool restaurant as the variety on offer here in this game is even more limiting, but we hope you see the point we're trying to awkwardly make.
Read Full Review
69
IGN
I didn't find the hook all that appealing and felt left with a glorified shooting gallery. The idea is sound. There just isn't much to be excited about in the final product.
Read Full Review
67
ActionTrip
Although it's always nice to see developers facing challenges and taking their talents across new ground, in Bizarre's case, it's safe to say they're far better off making racers.
Read Full Review
67
GameShark
While the game is a fast and furious stylized shooter, one of the biggest faults the title has is with how muddy the controls feel.
Read Full Review
65
1UP
I can't recommend the weak single-player mode, but the multiplayer left me surprisingly satisfied.
Read Full Review
62
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The Club certainly brings nothing innovative to the venerable shooter genre. [Mar 2008, p.83]
60
GameTap
Sadly, The Club probably would’ve made a bigger splash had it been released in the early part of this decade, when games like this were all the rage.
Read Full Review
58
Game Revolution
You get tiny little cinematic snippets here and there, but it never coheres into anything like an actual story.
Read Full Review
55
GameCritics
The Club's greatest flaw is that it thinks it's a whole lot more revolutionary than it actually is. Despite the game's claims to the contrary, there's nothing new about any of this.
Read Full Review
50
Play Magazine
This is one club people might not want to join. [Mar 2008, p.58]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.1 (out of 10) based on 26 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Andy H. gave it a4:
I finished this game in a couple of hours. Definately worth a rental, but make sure it's only one night! Very disappointing.

Dave B. gave it a0:
ive not played such a terrible game in all my gaming carrer very not good consider buying frontlines which is a lot better.

Johan V. gave it an8:
Excellent shooter, great handling, like CoD4, so it offers a nice 2nd game when you get tired of CoD4. 1 on 1 is SUBERB! Split screen on a big tv makes is good to play, loads of fun NO STORY that is the nice thing about this game....

Raiden Raiden gave it a9:
This game best suits people who grew up in a time when they were surrounded by Mortal Kombat, SFII, Sonic and Killer Instinct. When there was a sense that a game was difficult to master, and that time was needed to attain perfection. When a score mattered The current generation of players are spoon fed dribble, hand-held with health metres, shields and auto-aim. The skill factor has gone. Anyone can sniper someone Halo 3, everyone can clock COD4 and Halo 3. It's almost impossible not to clock Bioshock. Games these days are made to be clocked and then forgetton. They only live in the form of online multiplayer - and even that gets boring. If you want a storybased game - Half Life 2 If you want a realism - COD4 If you want to be bored - Halo 3 If you really want to test your skills - Alien Hominid If you want to test your skills, and test your skills and replay - The Club The replay value on this gem is incredible. Just one stage can hold you back until you reached a point where you cannot squeeze any more points out of the game. The highest difficulty levels are awesome, always a challenge. I've been a gamer for a long time, I've played pretty much everything, obscure or well promoted. The reviews for The Club are biased, this is a different kind of game. A game to test your skills. Just like SFII, Virtua Fighter and Gears of War. It's basically Gears of War meets Virtua cop meets Killer instinct. It's fast and frantic. The most important part of it all, is that you will replay stages that you have just passed, over and over... The most important part of a successful game is that it's addictive. Bioshock had a great story line but I never want to play it again after the first experience. Never go off just reviews. They are biased and paid for in most cases. Always play the demo and look at what actual players said. The Club is fast, accessible and hard to master. I highly recommend this for real gamers. I've been waiting for something like this for ages. I can't wait for GOW2. 9/10

Lucas38 gave it a6:
Overall The Club is a one trick pony and not worth the 60 bucks . It is fun for up to four hours, after that you may want a bit more depth for the buck!

M W gave it a3:
Fun for about 30 minutes....good graphics but terrible story...not worth the money.

Ben S. gave it a7:
The Club is a pretty solid game. It's quite entertaining, graphically very nice, and has a wicked fun online experience. I can't say that anything about it is pretty revolutionary, and the story is borderline non-existent, but if you're looking for a fun game that's a little bit different, give this a shot.

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