BULLETSTORM

Bulletstorm - Full StarFull StarFull StarHalf StarNo Star

Positives

  • Fun approach to the overcrowded genre.
  • 131 Skillshots mean a lot of variety in kills.
  • When teamwork is involved, multiplayer is a blast.

Negatives

  • A bland campaign mode littered with over-the-top obscenities.
  • The AI isn't that intelligent.
  • Anarchy Mode is ruined sometimes by selfish players.

Bulletstorm_cover

Full Review

Bulletstorm blasted onto the Playstation scene boasting a completely unique experience to the overcrowded shooter genre and a game that puts fun back into games. Both of these ring true but only to an extent. The game works well and when everything comes together, the game is fantastic but the flaws do outweigh the pros unfortunately.

The campaign mode is one of the worst I've played and follows the story of an arsehole soldier who goes on a vengeance mission to destroy his former boss who's screwed him over and left him a wanted man. The story probably would have worked had it been told correctly but unfortunately what is left is a bland, empty shell of a campaign devoid of any kind of enthusiasm. The characters aren't that likeable and the constant use of swearing is not only annoying but also makes sure kids should stay well clear of this title.

However, where the campaign works is that the game doesn't take itself too seriously and the most fun is had performing the 131 Skillshots on offer. The game encourages players to try the different skillshots by throwing experience points at players for performing the numerous kills. These in turn can buy new bullets, new guns and powerful upgrades. The system works perfectly and the addiction comes in trying to unlock all the shots. This is definitely the driving force of the game.

The art direction is excellent and the less serious tone is reinforced through the graphics which have a cartoony edge and feature heavy amounts of gore for each kill so the game is definitely not for the squeamish. The backgrounds and the level design is very good and the art compliments that perfectly with one level in particular splashed in shades of blue with lightning crackling outside which was a definite highlight for me.

On top of the bland campaign mode is the slightly better echoes mode. This is basically a run through a portion of a level trying to achieve the most experience points via performing skillshots throughout. This part of the game is very good and I found it more fun than the campaign. As well as this the game also features Anarchy Mode. This is the online portion of the game and is really hit or miss.

The mode fires constant waves of enemies at four players with increasing difficulty and the points are gained the exact same way as echo mode except the big points are gained from all four players cooperating. This is both good and bad. The good is that when you find players that work well together its a real blast to play. The downside is this is a rare thing to occur. It's a shame though as the mode has a lot of potential but isn't quite utilized as well as it could have been.

Overall though, Bulletstorm is a fun experience while it lasts but the replay value isn't that high and the bland campaign might mean you only play through it once and never touch it again. The Echo and Anarchy modes do help to alleviate the replay value but the real meat here is performing the skillshots. They are definitely the driving force of the game and the one thing that sets this shooter apart from the pack. Bulletstorm is an average shooter at best which is unfortunate as with a better campaign, this could have been a winner.

Conclusion Scores

Graphics - Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarNo Star

The art direction and the slightly cartoony look compliment one another perfectly along with the landscapes that look brilliant in HD.

Story - Full StarFull StarNo StarNo StarNo Star

The story is the biggest downfall with Bulletstorm and is not only filled with cliché and unmemorable characters, the linear direction is equally as bad.

Gameplay - Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf Star

The Skillshots are all fun to perform and the driving force behind Bulletstorm. The shooting is slick and the slow-mo kicking and leash action are also very good.

Trophies - Full StarFull StarFull StarNo StarNo Star

There's an average bunch in here but the Level 65 on Anarchy Mode is hard to achieve and deserves more than a bronze. Overall though its guite good.

Sound - Full StarFull StarFull StarNo StarNo Star

The Sound Effects are good and the Music isn't bad but there's nothing here that really stands out and stays in memory.

Lasting Appeal - Full StarFull StarFull StarNo StarNo Star

It's doubtful you'll stick with the game longer than one run through the Campaign and with a hit and miss online its doubtful it'll stay in your collection for long.

Overall Score - Full StarFull StarFull StarHalf StarNo Star

Bulletstorm is an average shooter at best with its defining feature being the brilliant Skillshots. However, the Campaign is awful and the Echo and Anarchy Modes are good but not solid enough to warrant a lot of time. Unfortunate though as Bulletstorm had a lot of potential.