The Unofficial Free Radical Design blog

The IGN review for HAZE has rated it as poor. But doesn’t this just make IGN poor? Yes it does. In each section here is why the review is wrong:

4.5 Presentation
A bland story with weak characters and simplistic commentaries on serious topics, Haze is a generic tale at best about war.

The story isn’t bland and can be interesting at times. You should be able to make your own opinions on the characters and the story is not simplistic at all. There are different parts to the story that is rather interesting and raises questions. All this is hard to explain without spoiling the plot.

4.0 Graphics
Tons of visual issues abound within the game, from texture tears and non-descript environments to pop-in and odd animation problems.

HAZE can be hit and miss with graphics but in no way can it deserve a 4/10. The graphics are acceptable and can sometimes be impressive. Like I said, they are hit and miss. Take a look at the screen shots and videos and you can see for yourself why the reviewer was talking out of his arse. Also there are no animation problems or those that would ever bother you.

5.0 Sound
Dialogue is hokey and repetitive regardless of what side you’re on. Sound effects are good, but that’s not enough to make you turn the volume up once you’ve hit mute.

The dialogue is also quite hit and miss, with some cut scenes being quite dreadful. However, it should be bearable and, if you disagree, you can always remove the speech and use the subtitles. HAZE doesn’t just have speech to offer. The music is great and suits the moments perfectly, however may be a little quiet. You may want to turn the music up a little. And yes, the reviewer did get one thing right; the sound effects are good.

4.5 Gameplay
A creative concept hampered by gimmicks, a weak story and poor AI, Haze is a disappointment from a developer well versed in shooter mechanics.

This is where the reviewer has absolute no idea. Any flaws in HAZE can be forgotten with the wonderful gameplay. The two sides of using nectar and exploiting it are both very fun. Making troopers overdose and go crazy can actually be quite funny to watch.

The AI shoot at you, which is good enough, no? Well, the AI can actually be quite interesting. If you shoot at your team they can turn against you and attempt to kill you. Little things like that make HAZE interesting to play.

The gameplay is also involved heavily with the story and you can feel very much a part of the game. No loading screens allows the experience to flow together as if it was a movie.

“Gimmicks” is a weird plural to use because I see no gimmicks at all, as everything is related to the core principle of the game, the two armies you play with.

I haven’t got to the Co-op yet, which is another important aspect to the game and adds tons of fun to it. Playing with your friends makes playing the story fun, all over again.

And the fun of the story doesn’t stop there. There is also a multiplayer mode which brings the fun of the story into matches you can enjoy.

4.5 Lasting Appeal
Two player split-screen and four player co-op helps put a minor spin on the campaign, but it won’t extend the replayability of the game much. Nor will multiplayer modes and its useless merit system.

The first time you play HAZE you would most likely want to play it on your own. Once you have finished the story you should want to play it again in co-op. You will want to help others. And why not, because it is so easy to drop into your friend’s or anyone’s game.

You will probably play the story at least twice before you ever get into the multiplayer. Then you can keep busy with that until another friend, you haven’t played with yet, comes online, so you will want to play the story, with them, again. The re-playability is quite large.

OVERAL 4.5 poor

Calling HAZE poor is simply laughable. I urge all to at least play and make your own opinion before making a decision. You will not know until you have played it. Play the demo, watch videos and gather different ideas and you can make your own conclusion.