Binary Domain (2012) (PC) (Team CS1)
3When I heard that Sega was bringing Toshihiro Nagoshi's Binary Domain to the PC I immediately pre-ordered the game - in no small part to support the publisher for this somewhat unlikely move (even coming from a relatively PC-friendly company such as Sega) which, if nothing else, ensures the availability of a smooth 1080/60 version of this fast-paced action game.
In essence, Binary Domain is a linear cover-based shooter with strong Western influences, but developer Nagoshi (creator of the long-running Yakuza series) adds a typically Japanese twist in the form of an unusually heavy emphasis on storytelling, dialogue and character interaction amidst all the rampant robot destruction. True to Japanese conventions, the writing and voice acting is extremely melodramatic and as such deals in broad stereotypes, includes some truly horrible one-liners and throws in a liberal dose of cringe-worthy sexism for good measure. For Western audiences this can be an acquired taste for sure, but at the same time the game is not afraid to grapple with some Blade Runner-esque philosphical issues as well as a wide range of emotional themes which Western titles like Gears of War or Rage simply wouldn't dare to touch. Although most of the plot is delivered through non-interactive cutscenes, there's also a small dialogue system ("party banter system" is perhaps a more accurate description) which has some effect on the player's relationship with his team members and results in some hilarious and silly exchanges between the characters.
And it doesn't exactly hurt that the core gameplay in Binary Domain is great fun as well. The crucial component of BD's otherwise fairly traditional third-person combat is the ability to destroy individuals limbs on the robot enemies, which is very satisfying and quickly becomes a tactical consideration since different dismemberments have different effects on the behavior and combat capabilities of your mechanistic foes. Also, as with most action games these days there are lots of weapon upgrades to purchase and more skillful kills means more "XP" to use for those upgrades.
I've only played the tutorial and first level but so far I'm having a blast with Binary Domain and can definitely recommend it to action game fans looking for something a little different and more ambitious than your average Call of Duty clone.