Dusty. That’s the overwhelming adjective that you’re left with after playing Resistance 3; the constant, swirling stuff showing off Insomniac’s new particle effects with confidence. The level I played was windy, too, the telegraph lines dancing in the gale and creating a real sense of physicality that’s missing from most of the environments of first person shooters these days.
Of course, the Resistance series has never held back with regards to pushing the boundaries – the first game’s assault on Manchester proving to be both impressive in size and scale and, ultimately, something even the Church of England got all wrapped up in. But this is an America desperately on the back foot, our demo limited to an Oklahoman suburb desperately ravaged by the Chimera – dust is the least of their problems.
Thankfully, it’s a species evolving as the game engine they appear in does, their new abilities (such as hugely improved mobility – you should see them scale walls) making them all the more dangerous to the player, who now assumes the role of Joseph Capelli as he makes his way across the country to New York. The Chimera are still numerous, as you’d expect, and they massively exceed the remaining pockets of humanity.
Thankfully, weaponry hasn’t dwindled during the occupation and old favourites like the Bullseye and Auger return, complete with secondary fire and the welcome weapon wheel which prompts quick access to Capelli’s growing arsenal. The other survivors are also handy enough with a firearm to provide at least a few dramatic encounters betwixt the monsters before our time with the game is up.
It’s a gorgeous looking game, too – distinctly Resistance in character and design but slicker, filled with stacks of special effects and capable of shifting loads on-screen without breaking a sweat. It’s clear Insomniac have a certain grasp of the PS3’s hardware, and Resistance 3 is no break from that tradition, at least in the section we managed to play.
The killer moment, though, is the sudden appearance of a boss character, a huge, hulking beast that takes some considerable effort to bring down. He’s equipped with rockets but it’s his devastating right hook that shows off the lovely motion blur as the character gets whacked across the courtyard. It’s a fitting end to a hectic quarter of an hour of solid, intensive gaming. If the rest of game has a few moments like this, it’s a winner.
You can see the section we played through here.
TotalHitman
I can’t wait! I got one question though. Did you get to see an intro or cutscene showing what happened right after the ending of Resistance 2 to the start of Resistance 3?
nofi
Nope.
mrfodder
I think they are bringing out a novel to fill in the story.
simplebob
Really interested in how this compares to KZ3
Forrest_01
Ok, quick question; I am yet to play a resistance game (i know, shocking!) – Will i be able to jump into this one straight away, or would i need to have played the others first?
SpikeyMikey23
I havent played one yet either, your not alone
nofi
You really should. First one can be got for about a fiver, second one double that. Seriously, great games.
Origami Killer
on what nofi said, both can be picked up for about a total of £15 for the two :) both have great single player campaigns, and if you want to know the story i suggest yoou play the two first ;)
BigCheese
I would highly recommend both Resistance games should be played through to really grasp the series. No doubt if you just play this one, you’ll enjoy it like crazy, but really, 1&2 should be played :)
Bilbo_bobbins
someone could just tell you in one sentence, but I wont spoil it. Buy the games and play them, well worth it for that price.
BLAGGER
On a random diversion is Bilbo Bobbins your PSN name? if so then it was you playing Killzone 2 the other night…if not sorry for stalking you :(
DrNate86
Whilst they are great games, If you are feeling lazy I wouldn’t say there is a whole lot of story. The Chimera are shooting shit up, gruff men wish to stop them by shooting shit up. Check out the Wikipedia page for a run down, there are a few twists but nothing groundbreaking.
Ben
The first game was such a great launch game for the PS3, I have very fond memories of it. Excellent weapons in both single and multi-player, story is ok but the setting (England) is great. The online maps were brilliantly designed – opening up in size and scale depending upon the number of players. I think it was truly something to be experienced at the time though, I have such fond memories of it however I suspect they would be different if i’d just picked it up now.
tonycawley
This is my point. Resistance 1 was a good launch title but has been bettered in every way since. Resistance 2 just didn’t do it for me, totally underwhelming. They’ve got a lot of improvements to make if this is to be any good.
Pemberton_
I’m so glad that the weapon wheel is back. Best improvement I think they could have done right there.
Off-topic: Nofi, did you reject my follower request on Twitter? :-(
nofi
Not on purpose.
Delriach
;_; he hasn’t accepted mine either.
Profound Sadness.
Origami Killer
ohh sounds great :D cant wait for this in september :)
oFelipeNFo
I will pass Killzone 3 and get this game on day one.
Something about Resistance 3 just seems more awesome…
I’m in love with the upgradable weapons.
kevatron400
I loves me some Resistance. Thought the second was a little overshadowed by Modern Wafare flying left, right and centre, but really enjoyed both games. Looking forward to this one like a mouse looks forward to a cheesey treat.
kivi95
I hope this won’t release too near Battlefield 3.
aerobes
Particularly impressed with the opening paragraph. The elements and the power of nature are something which could be expanded upon in other games.
I like the sound of this and it looks lovely but I haven’t been massively impressed with the first two so I’ll maintain status quo on this for the time being.
Boomshanks
An Earth which is in complete shambles, most of humanity gone. That’s exactly how I’ve always wanted Resistance to be and it seems like they’re heading that way with Resistance 3. Love it
Origami Killer
gotta agree with that, loving the survival feel/look to it
StevenHibs
Loving the look of this, its going to be a great 2011 for PS3 gamers