By Jim Drewes - May 24, 2005

Gene Troopers - Impressions

Playlogic just released some information along with a trailer of Gene Troopers, a first person shooter developed by Cauldron and published by Playlogic.  According to the press information, Gene Troopers is working to set itself apart from most cookie-cutter FPS titles by implementing a “unique RPG skill system” which will allow players to enhance their character’s stealth or combat skills.  In addition to the RPG skill system, Gene Troopers looks like it will employ many other features commonly found in first person shooters, a few features that have been made popular by a smaller group of FPSs, and a few features which are relatively new to the genre.

Judging by the trailer and the screenshots, Gene Troopers won’t be dropping any jaws with its graphics.  Levels and weapons come across looking a little blocky, and the alien enemies aren’t the greatest ever found in a sci-fi FPS.  Although, some of the lighting effects displayed in the trailer look pretty good.  On the game play side, some of the featured elements look intriguing.  With the sheer number of first person shooters out there, it is easy to take a look at some screenshots and dismiss a game as being the same old stuff with a new name.  We suggest at least giving the trailer a look.  Several of the cuts in the trailer show the player using some “force”-like ability to lift and throw enemies while keeping a reasonable distance, to hurl a table into your unsuspecting victim, or to drag large objects around for whatever reason.

 
Another feature highlighted by Playlogic is the dynamic and interactive nature of the characters and storyline which allows your actions to determine the ending of the game.  This sounds a little reminiscent of the old choose-your-own-adventure books, but it could enhance the replay value of the game as well.  The RPG skill system didn’t seem to be illustrated in the trailer, and there doesn’t seem to be much information about this feature just yet.

 
Gene Troopers doesn’t have a release date set, but it will be available on the Xbox, Playstation 2, and PC.  Once we have a chance to play through the game we will be able tell if the game is just another FPS, or if Cauldron and Playlogic have taken bleeding-edge graphics off the table in order to provide some new game play innovations for a tired genre.