Conclusion
Overall, Area 51 isn’t a bad game by any means, but it is an average one by a long way. There’s very little new to see here, with the mutant mode adding a nice gameplay touch but being underused and under powered in multiplayer. Stand out gameplay moments are few and far between but they are there and though some of them are as predictable as Doom 3, there are few shock moments to be had.
If I was honest, I’d say that the whole ‘secret base-conspiracy-virus’ plot line stuff has now officially been done to death and is looking very tired. The plot and story in Area 51 are not exactly a reason to keep on playing and though the days of scripted sequences are here to stay, it appears developers need to learn how to use them to good effect still. There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your squad mates beat off hundreds of monsties without breaking a sweat and then get ripped to pieces in the next room by one big baddie while you helplessly look on.
In the end, Area 51 is fun to play in places, a little dull in others and even has a few great moments but not enough to lift it above average. The switchable mutant mode is fun and much more should have been made of it, but it wasn’t so I’ll have to say that Area 51 may tide over the FPS fanatic until the next big thing comes along, but don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
Mutant mode offers a different gameplay option
Meaty sounding, effective weapons
Dual wield on most weapons
Graphically pleasing
Cons
Dire music
Sleepy voice acting
Multiplayer a let down
Clichéd storyline
It'll tide you over until the next shooter, but don't expect too much.
