So. Research and Development? Great mod.
Mission Improbable? Even better.
Minerva: Metastasis? Quite possibly the best modification out there.
As time goes on, I make it my goal to find and expose the creme de la creme of independent modifications for my favorite games. After weeks of searching and sifting through the lesser ones, I stumble upon games that utterly floor me, in a good way. A mod like such is Minerva: Metastasis .
Before I actually start on the process of reviewing this beast of a mod, I must first let my standards be brought to light. In a mod I look for the following:
Detail - Hidden, or small objects are often complementary to the main focal points of a map/mod/whatnot. In Half Life 2, when you're in the apartments at the beginning, look around. You'll notice canned food, water, and other supplies that would fit into the world.
Story - It may be me, but when I play a game, I want it to make sense. Running into an enemy stronghold just to run into an enemy stronghold really makes me impartial to the game, and will make the other elements that could've made it great...well...falter.
Entertainment - The word "fun" wouldn't be sufficient to describe this category. Fun refers to the enjoyment of something, while entertainment pertains more to the entire bundle. This is by far the most important category.
So, on to the actual review, eh?
Story - I will do my best no to spoil any of Minerva's great storyline, but please bear in mind that some details may slip.
So, the story of Minerva is much similar to Half Life 2 in the way that it is presented. Nobody comes up to you and explains the events that are occurring. That's the beauty of it. Many details in the game will be brought up to let you know what you're doing. Why you're partaking in combat. What happened prior to the events of the game. But said events don't come out and slap you in the face. No, not at all. It's a very subtle presentation, and it actually flows quite nicely, and without a hitch.
The game begins with you strapped to the underside of a hijacked Combine Hunter-Chopper. Your goal is to infiltrate and find out about a small Combine Stronghold (oh no). When you actually gain access to this base, a turn of events lead you deeper and deeper into this foreign place.
One thing I didn't really understand is the infiltration part of the game. Your guide that leads you throughout the game specifically says to "Infiltrate and Observe.." the island. Now, when these words are said, it usually implies sneaking and cautiousness. However, no matter how difficult you try to be sneaky, it doesn't work. Not much of a downside.
The ending of Metastasis is unrivaled in terms of sheer envelopment. It sucks you in. Imagine if you will: A game is nearing its end, and you're being airlifted to a military checkpoint due to an injury. All of a sudden, an AA Missle hits your helicopter, killing everyone but you. It's then up to you, injured and battered, to struggle, fight, and survive your way to the checkpoint. That's sort of like Minerva's ending. I thought the game was surely at it's conclusion. But it wasn't. And that's what so great about it.
Entertainment - Gameplay-wise, Minerva is very similar to that of Half Life 2. It's combat-centric, with a few puzzles scattered around. Now, normally, this would sound rather boring. Except for the fact that Adam Foster (the guy who made this) did an incredible job of balancing it out.
The combat of Metastasis is well-rounded. Not once in the game did I feel I was breezing along effortlessly. On the contrary, there wasn't a single time that I felt overwhelmed by enemies, and felt that I couldn't continue. You encounter a varied number of enemies, and the location of all of them makes sense.
While there wasn't a great deal of puzzles, they all were subtle, and made sense with the environment. None of them struck me as "Oh, this is such an obvious puzzle.."
Detail - The detail of Minerva: Metastasis is truly it's shining glory. The game has so many minute props, painstakingly placed. These small items, and decals, and really everything else, truly highlight the dedication that Adam has put into this game.
Screenshots *Spoliers* On a side note: I probably took 50 screenshots on the play through. Picking just five to showcase is a difficult task.
The Verdict - EASILY the best modification I have ever played. It's highly polished and professional. If you haven't played it, do so.
The Download - This beast of a mod can be downloaded Here.
YOU NEED EPISODE ONE TO PLAY THIS.
So, until next time, enjoy.
Mission Improbable? Even better.
Minerva: Metastasis? Quite possibly the best modification out there.
As time goes on, I make it my goal to find and expose the creme de la creme of independent modifications for my favorite games. After weeks of searching and sifting through the lesser ones, I stumble upon games that utterly floor me, in a good way. A mod like such is Minerva: Metastasis .
Before I actually start on the process of reviewing this beast of a mod, I must first let my standards be brought to light. In a mod I look for the following:
Detail - Hidden, or small objects are often complementary to the main focal points of a map/mod/whatnot. In Half Life 2, when you're in the apartments at the beginning, look around. You'll notice canned food, water, and other supplies that would fit into the world.
Story - It may be me, but when I play a game, I want it to make sense. Running into an enemy stronghold just to run into an enemy stronghold really makes me impartial to the game, and will make the other elements that could've made it great...well...falter.
Entertainment - The word "fun" wouldn't be sufficient to describe this category. Fun refers to the enjoyment of something, while entertainment pertains more to the entire bundle. This is by far the most important category.
So, on to the actual review, eh?
Story - I will do my best no to spoil any of Minerva's great storyline, but please bear in mind that some details may slip.
So, the story of Minerva is much similar to Half Life 2 in the way that it is presented. Nobody comes up to you and explains the events that are occurring. That's the beauty of it. Many details in the game will be brought up to let you know what you're doing. Why you're partaking in combat. What happened prior to the events of the game. But said events don't come out and slap you in the face. No, not at all. It's a very subtle presentation, and it actually flows quite nicely, and without a hitch.
The game begins with you strapped to the underside of a hijacked Combine Hunter-Chopper. Your goal is to infiltrate and find out about a small Combine Stronghold (oh no). When you actually gain access to this base, a turn of events lead you deeper and deeper into this foreign place.
One thing I didn't really understand is the infiltration part of the game. Your guide that leads you throughout the game specifically says to "Infiltrate and Observe.." the island. Now, when these words are said, it usually implies sneaking and cautiousness. However, no matter how difficult you try to be sneaky, it doesn't work. Not much of a downside.
The ending of Metastasis is unrivaled in terms of sheer envelopment. It sucks you in. Imagine if you will: A game is nearing its end, and you're being airlifted to a military checkpoint due to an injury. All of a sudden, an AA Missle hits your helicopter, killing everyone but you. It's then up to you, injured and battered, to struggle, fight, and survive your way to the checkpoint. That's sort of like Minerva's ending. I thought the game was surely at it's conclusion. But it wasn't. And that's what so great about it.
Entertainment - Gameplay-wise, Minerva is very similar to that of Half Life 2. It's combat-centric, with a few puzzles scattered around. Now, normally, this would sound rather boring. Except for the fact that Adam Foster (the guy who made this) did an incredible job of balancing it out.
The combat of Metastasis is well-rounded. Not once in the game did I feel I was breezing along effortlessly. On the contrary, there wasn't a single time that I felt overwhelmed by enemies, and felt that I couldn't continue. You encounter a varied number of enemies, and the location of all of them makes sense.
While there wasn't a great deal of puzzles, they all were subtle, and made sense with the environment. None of them struck me as "Oh, this is such an obvious puzzle.."
Detail - The detail of Minerva: Metastasis is truly it's shining glory. The game has so many minute props, painstakingly placed. These small items, and decals, and really everything else, truly highlight the dedication that Adam has put into this game.
Screenshots *Spoliers* On a side note: I probably took 50 screenshots on the play through. Picking just five to showcase is a difficult task.
The Verdict - EASILY the best modification I have ever played. It's highly polished and professional. If you haven't played it, do so.
The Download - This beast of a mod can be downloaded Here.
YOU NEED EPISODE ONE TO PLAY THIS.
So, until next time, enjoy.
