Released as a launch title for the PlayStation 3 in 2006, Resistance took both gamers and critics by storm as one of the first big hits on the system. However, Resistance 2 would have the opposite effect, going down in history as being a misstep for the franchise with its confusing story and lackluster gameplay. It was with a heavy sense of trepidation that gamers looked toward Resistance 3; could Insomniac Games atone for the sins of Resistance 2, bringing us a game that was at least on par with the original? The answer to that question is a resounding “Yes!”
Resistance 3 almost looks to distance itself from the past two games by retiring Nathan Hale as the protagonist, instead introducing us to Joseph Capelli, a regular human fighting to survive in rural Oklahoma. Set four years after Resistance 2, the earth is now a barren, bleak wasteland with humanity barely surviving against its deadly Chimeran adversaries; Joseph and his family have remained in hiding for years, always managing to stay one step ahead of the Chimera. When a wormhole opens over New York City, it seems to be the end of humanity as we know it as it threatens to destroy the planet once and for all. Luckily for us, Joseph manages to run into Dr. Malikov, who just so happens to know how to stop the wormhole but needs Joseph’s help to make the trip to New York City. Separated from his friends and family, Joseph presents the story through a set of human, everyday eyes, a welcome departure to the supernatural aspects of the story we had been used to with Hale. The story will take you to a variety of locales such as swamps, mines, Chimera installations and even sections of the world that have been transformed into icy wastelands. Resistance 3 is always presenting new sights and sounds as Joseph and Dr. Malikov travel from Oklahoma to New York City and you’ll want to keep playing not only for the story but just to see the next change of scenery thanks to the amazing graphics.
The trip isn’t a vacation, however, so expect a great deal of first-person shooter action which Resistance 3 delivers in spades. The weapon wheel from the original Resistance returns, removing the two weapon requirement of the second game. Resistance 3 features a mix of weapons both new and old but all creative: there’s the Auger, whose bullets can penetrate solid cover, and the Mutator, a gun that causes your enemies to mutate rapidly and violently, ending in a messy, exploding death. As you use each gun, you’ll unlock new capabilities, perfectly mimicking Joseph’s evolution from average everyday man to a hardcore killer of aliens. The game controls beautifully, with everything from movement to weapon switching being a breeze. The action is fast-paced and frantic through every step of this journey; for every moment the game lets you catch your breath.
Multiplayer is a large part of the Resistance franchise and while Resistance 3 scales back the number of players it increases the amount of fun. Co-operative play returns with only two players able to take part, down from eight in the previous game, which makes sense when you realize that unlike Resistance 2, the co-op mode in Resistance 3 is just two players playing through the main campaign together. Players looking for co-op as a way to extend the life of a game with its own unique story after finishing the single player story won’t find that in Resistance 3. However, players who want to go through the story from the beginning with a friend will find both split screen and online options. Where Resistance 3 gains its replay-ability is in the online multiplayer competitive modes. While only allowing 16 players per game instead of the previous game’s 64, the Abilities system, similar to Call of Duty’s perks system, the level progression and the kill-streaks will keep you coming back for more. The competitive multiplayer mode features brilliantly designed maps, a wide array of game modes and little lag, making it the perfect way to spend a weekend or two.
Resistance 3’s single player mode will take you anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, with each subsequent hour more amazing than the last. Replay-ability comes in the form of an amazing competitive multiplayer mode, ensuring that you’ll get your money’s worth from this title. If you’re a fan of first-person shooters or a well-thought story, Resistance 3 should be the next game you purchase as it is truly one of the PlayStation 3’s best.
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Platform: PlayStation 3
Genre: First-person Shooter
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
