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| | Title:
The Outfit
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System:
Xbox 360
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Genre:
Action/Shooter
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Publisher:
THQ
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Developer:
Relic
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Release:
3/13/2006
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Mature (M)
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The Outfit is an interesting game because it is a third person shooter, but primarily a war strategy game. At first glance, it is just another lame shooter game but once you get into the game, the strategy aspect brings it to life and makes it feel like a realistic war. The setting (World War II) isn't so unique, but this doesn't keep the game from being fun. You can wage war in a campaign mode, or take your game online in numerous multiplayer game types.
Gameplay
The strategy part of the game is really the core gameplay element. Players gain the advantage by capturing useful buildings and using turrets and vehicles. The key to the game is to own the entire map, which is done by taking over every building. There are a few different buildings, however you capture them all in the same way. If there are no opponents near the building, you can simply stand by it for a few seconds and then you will gain control of it. The enemy can do exactly the same thing, so there is lots of running around in this game from building to building. If an opponent happens to be close enough to a building you are trying to capture, you first have to kill him off before taking over the building.
Depending on what building you have control over, you will gain some sort of advantage. Their are usually three buildings and three flag mounts for each team on the map (however, this is very different in single player campaigns.) The three main buildings consist of: the armory, the motor pool, and the radio tower. The armory allows you to purchase various turrets. The motor pool allows you to purchase a wide range of vehicles. And the radio tower allows you do call in things such as an air strike. Purchasing anything in this game costs money, or credits, that are displayed on the screen. You can increase your money by taking over other buildings, or field units. Having control over flag mounts don't give you an advantage in the game, but they help to increase your overall points that are displayed at the top of the screen. All buildings that a player has control of can be used as a spawn point.
Once you capture a building, you will usually need to defend it to keep the other team away. This is done with a number of turrets or cannons (or anti-tank guns.) Gun turrets are best against man units and cannons are best against vehicles. Depending on what you see the enemy using, you will want to choose the right turrets and the right amounts. For each team (Axis and Allies,) there are three different turrets and three different cannons of various power and price. The turrets for each team look slightly different, but to keep things fair they are very balanced. Each turret must be operated by one man, but luckily when you purchase one he actually comes included inside the box that falls from the sky!
Also on the buy menu are a few different vehicle classes with various vehicles in each category. Some are fast and puny while others are slow but can deliver some serious hurt. For each team there are nine different vehicles divided into three different classes. The first class consists of vehicles like jeeps, armored cars, and other light wieght and fast moving vehicles. The fire power in this first class is very small, but boy can they get you places quickly. The second class is slightly slow, but has more powerful weaponry. Vehicles in the second class consist of things like halftracks and wagons. The last class of vehicles are the tanks, which can really do some damage. These tanks are big, mostly very slow moving, and have a very high level of firepower. All vehicles can be entered, exited, or taken over by an opposing team. So although you just purchased a 2,000 credit missile silo on wheels, it can be quickly taken over by one small foe.
Multiplayer
Online multiplayer is the best part of this game, however it is plagued with a few problems. First off, lag is an issue online and can ruin some of your matches or at least make them less enjoyable. Secondly, there doesn't seem to be that many people to play against online, especially during off hours. This means you may have to wait many minutes just to get a game started. Also, it is fairly easy to rise to the top of the leaderboards.
On the other hand, there are tons of ways to play online and it is all loads of fun. The online features also add tons of replay value to the game. The main online matches are one on one, two on two, and three on three. These matches are the most played online and give you a good variety to choose from. If you like working with a team, play the 3on3s. If you like going solo so you can really show off your skill, try and get to the top of the 1-on-1 leaderboards. These three gameplay types can be played in both ranked and unranked patches.
Besides these online game types, you can actually play the single player campaign with others online. This is something that is almost never done with games, and it is a shame because it is quite fun to play through these missions with friends in other states or even complete strangers. The co-op online gameplay plays exactly like the single player campaign, only you get to play with other real people.
Despite the very few drawbacks and problems with the multiplayer aspect of this game, it is truly the best part. The online gameplay is extremely fun and very addicting.
Graphics
The visuals of The Outfit look pretty good, especially in high definition. However, most other Xbox 360 titles have far better graphics. The Outfit doesn't seem to take advantage of the 360's power and the graphics seem mediocre when compared to other 360 games. This game has a unique visual style, almost like a cartoon, which is interesting. However, sadly, not as interesting and beautiful as it could be.
Audio
Just like the graphics, the audio isn't part of The Outfit's strong points. The background music relates the the American World War II theme of the game and does fit very well with the game. However, everything else is just so-so. The sound effects are there, but not anything special. If a building happens to crumble to the floor right next to you, you might not even notice it because the sound effects aren't the best. Often while playing, the characters you play will spout off a few sayings. This dialogue is quite cheesy and gets old and repetitive, fast.
Overall
The Outfit is a really unique game, but many people don't seem to notice this in the flood of Xbox 360 games. The Outfit is a good game, but far from perfect. The controls, especially noticed in vehicles, are done quite badly. The graphics aren't pushing the limits of the Xbox 360 and the many character's voices sound cheesy. Online games are often plagued with lag when you happen to find enough people to play with. The Outfit has several problems and downfalls, but it is still a unique and an addictingly fun game. If you are an online multiplayer fan, you are going to love this game and it will be well worth your money. Otherwise, just give it a rent and play through the fun single player campaigns.
| The Core Score |
Overall
7.8 |
| Fun |
|
9 |
| Gameplay |
|
8 |
| Graphics |
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7.3 |
| Audio |
|
7 |
| Replay |
|
8.5 |
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