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Review: Resistance 3 (PS3)

by Steven Williamson on 14 September 2011, 16:19 4.0

Tags: Sony Computers Entertainment Europe (NYSE:SNE), Action/Adventure

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The return of the fan-favourite weapon wheel

The fact that level design changes so frequently and enemy's remain unpredictable, means that you'll find yourself utilizing the whole range of weapons—swapping from the Bullseye sniper for long-range shots to the shotgun to blast mutants clean off their feet. Weapons, including a nice range of grenades, pack a real punch and are wildly entertaining to use. Visually, Resistance 3 rarely falters and the impact of these weapons on the environment and enemies alike is great fun to watch.

The return of the weapon wheel makes switching between weapons a breeze. Though you can only quick swap between two weapons, a press of the triangle button brings up the wheel, and providing you have the ammo, you can switch between any of the weapons that you've collected so far. Though you could argue that the wheel is intrusive—stopping the action for a brief moment while you decide which weapon to arm—it means you're totally unrestricted in choice; and you'll most definitely need these short breaks in the action to compose yourself. That's largely because Resistance 3 really does come at you full pelt during certain sections, requiring you to switch weapons, flank opponents and exploit weaknesses. If you're after a challenge, then look no further.



Resistance 3 always gives you a chance though by slowly increasing the level of intensity. Indeed, the game’s pacing is spot-on. As you get access to more weapons the challenge increases, but you're equipped to face it. Gameplay shifts in tempo, one moment throwing an insane amount of enemies at you in a fairly enclosed space, then placing you in a wide-open area where you have time to assess the situation before plotting your attack. A frantic boss battle against a huge hulk of a beast gives way to an atmospheric ride across the Mississippi where you need to shoot at icicles to ensure the boat can keep moving forward as you pass the carcass of a dead Kraken. Furthermore, Insomniac throws in some heart-pounding set-pieces too, including a frantic run from a snapping beast that dwells in the caves beneath the dying Earth.