Section 8 Prejudice Review

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 3.

I am reviewing this game based on the version downloaded from the PlayStation network. To start this off, I will say that I haven’t played Section 8 before, but right off the bat I was reminded of Halo.  This game has a distinct Halo feel when it comes to graphics, character models and the game setting.

The story of Section 8 Prejudice begins with cut scenes describing to us Earth’s demise and humanity’s trek into space as they searched for new homes.  We are told about Section 8 soldiers who protect the peace and the dissident faction known as the Arm of Orion. The story wasn’t very compelling nor was it well-paced.  The end result was a narrative that felt weakly associated with the actual gameplay.

The player is given control of Captain Alex Corde, a soldier in the 8th Armored Infantry. The game gives players a tutorial of the combat system where we are put through the paces of aiming, running, repairing broken machines, using our jetpack, and dropping into battle.  Afterwards, we are tasked with capturing an escaped prisoner and fighting off those who have freed him.

The gameplay is first person shooter with third person elements such as sprinting and dropping into battle. The most unique element of the gameplay, for me at least, is being able to drop into a fight from an orbital dropship and killing an enemy if you are lucky enough to land on them.  It completely eliminates spawn camping in multiplayer mode, because it is the player’s choice where they will drop in on a map.  Another well done aspect of the game is being able to call in support units with the use of points you accumulate while playing.  The types of items available to you are mechs, bikes, tanks, supply depots, sensors, automated mini gun, rocket and anti-air turrets.  All of these things have their uses and drawbacks but can help you dramatically if well placed.

The movement in the game is fluid with the occasional odd hiccup in frame-rate while running. However, one major issue noted is that your character can be blocked by small objects, like rocks, and snag you in place.  This is a fast way to get killed lacking cover.  Also, the game has the ever-present soft kill zones that I absolutely detest in these first person shooters.  The barriers are marked with red lines on the map; if you leave the designated space, you’re given a 5 second warning to re-enter the play area or die.

The controls for Section 8 Prejudice are accurate, and the default control scheme we are given is intuitive and easy to learn.  A big drawback for me is the lack of a distinct jump button apart from the jetpack button.  You will notice sometimes running and trying to jump a small barrier or fence will activate the jetpack and leave you vulnerable in the air.  Switching between weapons is simple and fast, and changing your weapon configuration is easy but leaves you open to enemy fire.

Graphically speaking, the game may look outdated, but players must bear in mind that this is not a triple-A title. Although the environments were bland and lifeless they fit the setting of the game. Also, the character models are oddly similar to one another.  The lack of female characters and different body types adds a strange “everyone is the same” feel to the game.

The sound is a step up from graphics.  While the voice acting isn’t nails-to-chalkboard, none of the characters actually sound like they’re running around killing people.  In fact, their tones are  jovial and calm no matter the situation.  A little more voice acting would’ve gone a long way.  Sound effects, on the other hand, are as accurate as you would think a futuristic game would be with mechs, power-suits, and jetpacks. All of the weapons in the game sound distinct and clear.  Another point to note is in multiplayer mode, there is a tendency for the automated voice to skip over some events that are happening around you or at other points on the battle field.

By far the most entertaining aspect of the game is the 4 modes of multiplayer.  Conquest mode is basically a tower defense with many smaller objectives as the match progresses.  Objectives can include killing all enemy players or collecting more scrap metal than your adversaries.  Swarm mode is 4 players pitted against a continuous onslaught of enemy AI while defending their home base.  Swarm only lasts 15 minutes and after each five minute increment an airstrike will occur killing all bots.  The third mode is Assault, a capture the flag game where teams take turns attacking and defending.  Last but not least is a simple Skirmish mode where the goal is to kill as many enemies as possible.

Section 8 Prejudice multiplayer focuses very heavily on team play and strategy.  Helping your teammate’s complete objectives and protecting each other is mandatory to winning any match.  Running around and killing the enemy will not win matches like in other first person shooters.  There always seems to be someone playing online, so finding a match is quite simple.

While the game is enjoyable, Section 8 Prejudice is brought down by its mediocre voice acting, dull storytelling, minor glitches in gameplay, and the jetpack issue on the controls.  The multiplayer is excellent and currently has a thriving community of players.

This game receives a 3.75 / 5.0.