The Chimera have brought in some new enemies to help fight their cause. One such type is the Executioners. It is what would happen if Megaman would be converted into a Chimera. They have gigantic cannons attached to their right arm. They themselves are quite big and pack a punch. In addition to the new enemies, all of the classic Chimera return, including ones that were featured in Resistance 3. Sadly, they are used quite extensively. Throughout the whole game, expect to encounter, at most, five to six different Chimera. It does get tiring and tedious to face a Chimera that one would have just killed in the previous section. The big boss battles do bring a fantast break in the enemies, but there a too few of them. What makes the lack of big bosses worse is going back to the story. This is the first time they are invading the United States. One would think they would bring all of what they can muster.
With all of that said, there are a couple of annoyances found in the game. Checkpoints are quite far apart. Now, they don’t need to be really close to each other either, that is not what this is about. However, if there is a big battle coming up or there has been an intense actions sequence, one should not expect to be spawned a good distance away from the fight. Players would have to replay that sequence, something that would frustrate them if that particular sequence was hard in the first place. The enemy AI could have been polished. At times, they would just stay in the one spot or stand in the open. These won’t spoil the whole experience, but they could have been taken care of a little better.
Burning Skies does offer online multiplayer. However, don’t expect to team up with a buddy anytime soon. The multiplayer is only competitive with up to eight players. In saying that, multiplayer is always focused on one thing: action, an element Nihilistic nailed. It is all about the gunplay. This is also reflected in the level design. The maps are small enough to focus on the intense action. Winning matches and accumulating XP rewards the players with perks and better weapons to use. The multiplayer is filled with matchmaking abilities, leaderboards and even use of the Near application to infect other Vitas for a XP boost. While it isn’t the complete multiplayer experience found on consoles, it does come pretty close. Do expect an Online Pass, though.
Visuals
While the visuals are on the level of Uncharted: Golden Abyss, they are still well done. The Chimera designs translate well on the Playstation Vita. The surroundings are bright when needed, contrasting the bleak tone of the overall game. The actual design felt too repetitive. Players seem to go from one open battlefield into some corridor and then back into an open battlefield. There is no break in the flow, save the boss battles. Characters models look decent. Riley is never shown at all, so one would not know his appearance. That is very disappointing. Hale and Capelli have shown their faces. Ellie and her comrades are all reflective of the early 50’s. What does stand out are the bosses. These menacing creatures are drawn with fear in their design.
Audio
There is a soundtrack present; however, it is rarely used. Instead, most of the sound one will hear is the sound of Riley’s footsteps and gunfire. It is obvious that Nihilistic wanted a more survivalist feel with Riley through the lack of the soundtrack playing, but it actually doesn’t, considering it is an orchestra right behind the soundtrack. There are times during gameplay where the soundtrack could have worked, where it could set the tone and atmosphere. In its place is the poor substitute of setting the appropriate tone. Well, don’t count it out. Gunfire does sound like a Riley is in the fight for his life. As for the voice acting, don’t expect any outstanding performances. Don’t expect Riley to talk much either. Even Nathan Hale spoke more.
Overall
Nihilistic was handed a task to create a console-like FPS experience on the Playstation Vita. Nihilistic achieved that goal in Resistance: Burning Skies. The controls are adapted for the Vita and are executed well, with a smooth response to what is required. The touchscreen is used effectively with the alternative fire. Multiplayer was a surprise, with tight gunplay mixed with a desire to further my progress. Implementation of popular console features is also a plus. With that said it is disappointing to see an average story with little character development and tacked on motivation, repetitive level design and an underutilised soundtrack. However, as the first console-like first person shooter, Resistance: Burning Skies is worth having a look at. If first person shooters build upon what Burning Skies has established, then the genre can look forward to a bright future on the Vita.
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