Brute Force Review

Overview

Released in May 2003 as an Xbox exclusive, Brute Force represents Microsoft's ambitious attempt to create another flagship shooter franchise alongside Halo. Developed by Digital Anvil, the game combines squad based tactical elements with sci-fi action shooting, following an elite team of specialized operatives as they complete missions across various alien worlds. The game positions itself between pure action titles and tactical shooters, attempting to create an accessible yet strategic experience that can be enjoyed both solo and cooperatively. While it achieved significant commercial success at launch, its reception highlighted both the strengths and limitations of its hybrid approach.

Graphics and Presentation

For its time, Brute Force pushed the Xbox hardware with impressive visual effects and detailed character models. The four main squad members feature distinct designs that effectively communicate their specialties, from Tex's imposing cyborg frame to Hawk's sleek sniper outfit. Environmental designs showcase variety across different planetary locations, though texture quality can be inconsistent.

Special effects during combat scenarios are particularly noteworthy, with satisfying weapon impacts and environmental reactions to firefights. The game's lighting engine handles both indoor and outdoor scenarios effectively, creating atmospheric environments that range from dense alien jungles to sterile scientific facilities.

The user interface successfully balances the needs of both squad management and immediate combat feedback, though the tactical overlay can sometimes feel cluttered during intense battles. Character animations are generally fluid, particularly during special ability usage, though some movement transitions can appear stiff.

Sound and Music

The audio presentation delivers a solid sci-fi atmosphere, with distinctive weapon sounds and alien environmental effects. Voice acting for the main squad members is competent, though the dialogue itself often falls into genre clichés. The dynamic music system responds appropriately to combat situations, ramping up during intense firefights and settling during exploration phases.

Sound design helps differentiate the various weapons and abilities, making it easier to track the action during hectic combat scenarios. Environmental audio creates convincing alien atmospheres, though some effect repetition becomes noticeable during longer play sessions.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, Brute Force offers a unique blend of action and squad tactics through its four playable characters. Each squad member brings distinct abilities: Tex's heavy weapons and shields, Brutus's enhanced sensing and agility, Flint's stealth capabilities, and Hawk's precision sniping. Players can freely switch between characters or issue basic commands to AI teammates.

The combat system emphasizes each character's strengths, encouraging players to use specific team members for different situations. The shooting mechanics are solid, with weapons feeling appropriately powerful and distinct. Special abilities add variety to encounters, though their usefulness varies significantly based on mission design.

Squad AI, however, often fails to live up to the game's tactical aspirations. While basic commands are available, teammates frequently make questionable decisions that force players to take direct control more often than ideal. This limitation is less noticeable in cooperative play, where human players can better coordinate the squad's specialized abilities.

Story and Setting

The narrative follows the Brute Force squad through a series of missions across various colonial worlds, investigating conspiracies and confronting alien threats. While the setting offers interesting potential, the story largely serves as a basic framework for mission progression rather than a compelling narrative in its own right.

Character development remains superficial, with minimal exploration of the squad members' backgrounds or relationships. The game's universe, while visually interesting, lacks the depth needed to make its sci-fi elements truly engaging beyond providing exotic backdrops for combat scenarios.

Content and Value

The single player campaign offers approximately 10-12 hours of gameplay, with additional replay value through cooperative play and difficulty settings. Mission variety is decent, though objective types tend to repeat across different environmental settings. The inclusion of four player cooperative play, both locally and via system link, significantly extends the game's longevity.

At its original retail price of £39.99, Brute Force offered reasonable value, particularly for players interested in cooperative gameplay. The current preowned price makes it a more attractive proposition, especially considering the relative scarcity of squad based shooters on the original Xbox.

Technical Performance

Performance can be inconsistent, with frame rate drops during particularly intense combat scenarios, especially with multiple special effects active. Loading times between missions are noticeable but not excessive, though frequent checkpoints help maintain gameplay flow.

Some technical issues persist throughout the experience, including occasional AI pathfinding problems and rare instances of texture pop in. The save system is robust, with well placed checkpoints and the ability to save between missions.

The Verdict

Brute Force represents an ambitious attempt to create a unique squad based shooter that ultimately delivers mixed results. While its core combat mechanics and cooperative play options provide entertaining moments, limitations in AI and tactical depth prevent it from fully realizing its potential. The game succeeds more as a straightforward action title with squad elements than as the deep tactical experience it initially promised to be.

Pros

• Strong cooperative gameplay options
• Distinct character abilities and specializations
• Solid shooting mechanics
• Impressive visuals for its time

Cons

• Limited tactical depth
• Problematic squad AI
• Weak storytelling
• Performance issues in intense battles

Final Score: 7/10

Brute Force delivers entertaining sci-fi action and cooperative play despite falling short of its tactical ambitions. While not the Halo competitor it was positioned to be, it remains an enjoyable squad based shooter with unique elements.

By OGXbox Archive