Black

Black keeps you gripped from the start. Though the plot is pretty poor, the mini-movies before each level are very well edited and are better done than most films we have in cinemas today. But when you get into the game, you are thrown into what may be perhaps the most realistic shooter yet. The sound is realistic, the weapons are varied and very satisfying, the graphics are as good as can be, and the destructible environments are really the icing on the cake. Though this game can sometimes annoy you, especially on the harder levels, the checkpoints that you pass as you go through the levels really do prevent you from wanting to throw the game off a cliff, and give you some hope when you are surrounded by well-armed enemies from all angles. The lack of blood makes it less realistic, and the lack of multiplayer gameplay is a slight letdown, but with a game this good, the folks at EA Games are bound to make a sequel to this at some point. This is a truly fine game, and delivers in every aspect. This may be possibly the finest shoot-em-up game yet.

This is a game that must be played. 2006's best game yet! 10/10

Unlike most FPS in the market that are heavy on the good stuff ie Story, plot and character development, lengthy campaign, and set-pieces, "Black" from Criterion Games, is a throwback to '80s action movies that emphasized simple plots, but also outrageously ridiculous action scenes which the game is dripping with. The story is simple, but surprisingly engaging as it shows the dark and dirty world of black ops operations; covert acts of war that the US is reluctant to get it's hands dirty with, or so it seems. The game may not be on par with today's action FPS, but it's a helluva lot playable and enjoyable than lackluster fare such as Duke Nukem Forever. The less said about that one, the better.

But "Black" has bucket loads of intense, frenetic, destructible firefights that are so raw and intense like the '80s action films before it, it almost seems like a homage to it and if you look closely, you'll discover various Easter eggs that reference classic films from that decade. A nice touch by Criterion Games by giving hardcore shooter fans what is aptly described "Gun Porn" for the hog-wild FPS gamer and gun enthusiast alike.

Yes, the game is short, the graphics are a little grainy, which adds to the games Cold War-like setting, but it's movie-like action is what will win fans over and it also helps if you have a surround sound system cranked to the MAX to feel the full force of the weapons and their marvelous chorus. Simply put, "Black" is s symphony of sounds that will delight the inner-action hero in you. I've yet to play "Bodycount", which is a "spiritual successor" to the first game rather than an actual sequel, but with all the amazing technology out there, I fail to see why wasn't a sequel made? If all you want is a simple shooter game that's thin on plot(though I like my games with a lot of story in them)and sounds really good, then "Black" is right in your arsenal.

Is one of those games I wish were better than it is but it is fun mostly because the gun sounds so meaty and it has some beautiful lighting through the grey world.

But it also a double itched problem, for the weapons because they sound me good but the enemies take so many shots that it becomes weird like hey. I'm using the most magnificent gun in the world. Why aren't you dying ?

Weapon sound good but the power is weakened by the enemies taken too many hits

But the game looks very impressive for 2006 PS2 and Xbox game but the thing is it's kind of grey and they environments are spartan and Baron but luckily the lighting is good with the Golden streams for the cracks and Windows it does look good even if I wish it was more colors.

The story is complete and other nonsense that was put in last minute and I can feel it. I wish I could skip it because it doesn't add anything to the game. But it is fun just how bad it is.

Interesting to see what the burnout people could do with a shooting game I can see the Polish in the graphics and the sound effects even if the shooting details isn't there.

Most powerful sounding shotgun.

Not as good as it's been made out to be. The PG-13 feel doesn't help much either

Ever had the feeling were you just have to shoot at something? No? Well I have and Black is the game I use for it. Basically there is no story to this game. Your just some grumpy soldier who releases his pent up aggression though shooting countless Terrorists. You just simply go through the levels shooting anything that moves and blowing up every thing that can explode. It kinda reminds me of 'Black Hawk Down' with the way it looks, settings and such. It is a pure joy to play. The special effects are brilliant to the point you think your there and actually get post-traumatic stress disorder, the graphics are also very good for a PS2 game. Plus there is a variety of lovely gunshot and grenade sounds to keep you entertained.

There are a few problems however. For example when you reload to screen goes all blurred apart from your gun and arm, and this happens in real life to. Also the cut scenes are awful. But that isn't exactly anything new for this genre of game. Overall though it is a pure joy to play and is one of the if not the best game on the PS2. Still, I'd play on Call of Duty 4 now... But I wont forget this.