Title: Unit 13
Format: PS Vita
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Zipper
Price: $39.99
ESRB Rating: T
Unit 13 is the first third person shooter released on the Vita, so I was excited when it was released. With the time I had with the game, I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game. Don't get your hopes up though, this isn't the best third person shooter. The Vita is a new console, just keep that in mind.
Presentation/Story:
There isn't much of a story in Unit 13, just know that you'll be completing 30 plus missions by yourself or with a friend. Character models on the other hand are impressive, animations are smooth as you move in and out of cover. Enemies drop realistically as you spray them with hot lead, maybe not as gracefully as Read Dead Redemption, but stands on its own. The many guns in the game each have their own sense of weight and feel to them, Zipper has always been known for their authentic gunplay. Voice overs are solid but can get repetitive, you'll here constant chatter from your team discussing recent events that have occurred during the mission. Overall, the presentation in Unit 13 is solid. The visuals won't amaze you in anyway, but they do get the job done.
Core Gameplay/Multiplayer:The game is your standard third person shooter, with a basic cover system. Fans of the old school SOCOM games will feel right at home. Aiming down the sights and performing melee attacks feel great with both analog sticks, the lack of two hindered the PSP's capability of FPS games. The development team utilized the Vita's touchscreen for reloading and using items, it doesn't feel as gimmicky as cleaning an artifact in Uncharted Golden Abyss. When you choose a mission, you'll have the option of choosing from six different operatives. Each operative has their own unique weapon loadout and bonuses, so you'll have to choose accordingly. There are four types of missions in the game, Covert, Direct Action, Deadline, and Elite. Covert are your stealth missions, and Direct Action are the missions you can go through guns-blazing. Deadline are timed missions, you'll want to get the fastest time you can. Elite are the toughest missions, health doesn't regenerate. And if you die, you have to start from the beginning. Co-op is solid in the game, I didn't play very much of it, but it was very fun. Voice chat works as well, which is a must in any shooting game.
Final Thoughts:
Unit 13 isn't a great game, but its a solid shooter. There are a few bugs in the game, but they don't hinder the overall experience. If you can get a another friend to play co-op with you, its a blast. At only 40 bucks, I'd say its well worth it.
Final Score = 7.75/10
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Twitter: @iSamKulii
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PSNID:sameo452008
