Infernal: Hell's Vengeance Review for Xbox 360

System: X360, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Metropolis	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Playlogic	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: June 30, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Other abilities include Infernal Vision, which helps you see secret codes and power-ups, and teleportation, which lets you briefly warp to another part of the area to flip switches and shoot enemies from behind. You can also charge your weapons, delivering the powerful blast needed to break through bosses' shields, and even move objects and enemies from a distance, much like the gravity gun enables you to do in Half-Life 2. Many of these powers use "mana," a form of magic you gain by "sinning" (mainly, killing the forces of Heaven). You also gain mana by hanging out in dark places, and you lose it when you're in the light, which can make boss battles complicated.

Infernal: Hell's Vengeance screenshot

Speaking of boss battles, they provide some of the game's best moments. You have to keep your mana stocked by (for example) shooting out the lights, hiding in a dark corner, or killing a few lesser enemies before unleashing a charged shot at the boss. Figuring out exactly how to tackle each major foe can be a pain, and we'll confess to consulting an online FAQ now and again, but overall we found it a satisfying experience.

In terms of presentation, the game is a mixed bag. The dialogue and voice acting fluctuate between "so bad it's good" and "just plain bad," and as already mentioned, the music gets on one's nerves in a hurry. Also, whereas the PC version's graphics earned almost unanimous praise, we found the 360 version's visuals to be merely above average. Most of the environments are well-detailed, but not all are, and the characters look unnatural when they speak in cutscenes. We even noticed a few visual hiccups, including framerate drops.

On a platform that's actually been criticized for having too many shooters, it's tough to recommend a shooter so mediocre as Infernal: Hell's Vengeance. Once it hits the bargain bins, it might be worthwhile for killing some time, as it does have its good qualities. At $40, however, it's impossible to forgive the many flaws, in particular the truly terrible control scheme and cover mechanic.

By Robert VerBruggen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
They're above average, but there are some hiccups, and the face animations during cutscenes look unnatural.

1.9

Control
Various third-person shooters have had lots of success on the Xbox 360. The developers could have used any of their control schemes, but instead made their own, apparently just to be different. Aiming is a chore, and the cover system is unusable.

1.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The same metal riff plays whenever there are enemies on the screen. It grates in a hurry, as do the incredibly weak dialogue lines and voiceover performances.

3.6

Play Value
There's about eight hours of play here and lots of achievements.

3.1

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

An arsenal. Use modern weapons including explosives and gadgets, and engage in hand-to-hand combat with intelligent enemy A.I.

Otherworldly powers. Exploit your supernatural powers, which include telekinesis, teleportation, and invisibility. Heal yourself by absorbing the souls of your fallen enemies.

Gorgeous effects. Dust particles, superior textures, realistic lighting, and advanced shaders deliver a realistic and contemporary environment.

Achievements. Collect up to 30 Achievements throughout the game, including story- and skill-based achievements.