The beauty of sequels in video games is the ability to correct the mistakes of predecessors and create a tighter, more enjoyable experience.
Such is the case with Insomniac Games latest release Resistance 3. The third chapter in the PlayStation 3 series is perhaps the best thus far, featuring a more focused campaign and challenging first-person combat.
The alternate universe created in Resistance is based on an invasion before World War II by an alien race called Chimera. The hostile visitors have slowly staked their claims on Earth, and are on the verge of a complete takeover in Resistance 3.
Players follow Joseph Capelli, one of few surviving humans hiding from the Chimera in the Midwest. After escaping an attack near his home, Capelli joins Russian scientist Fedora Malikov on a trek to New York City to deliver a devastating blow to the Chimeran assault.
Once again, the series' diverse arsenal is the star of the show in Resistance 3. Each weapon feels distinct, from the overall design and sounds each gun makes to the cool secondary attacks and upgrades.
Take the Deadeye, for example. At first glance, it's a simple sniper rifle, but utlitize the secondary fire and you unleash a devastating beam that decimates any foe in its crosshairs. The gun becomes even more entertaining when players add upgrades such as scopes that highlight an enemy's head and a beam that pierces objects.
Each weapon in Resistance 3 features a primary and secondary attack, such as the Rossmore shotgun that fires concussive grenades or the new Mutator, a biological weapon that can shoot a green cloud leaving foes vomiting endlessly.
The more players use particular weapons, the more experience they earn toward upgrades. In the case of the Marksman, the long-range rifle can upgrade to a better scope to shoot targets from further away.
Developers have also brought back the weapon wheel, allowing players to stop action and select from 12 weapons. Players can also tap the triangle button to quickly flip between a pair of guns. The wheel works pretty well for the most part, but when players have access to all 12 devices, the compact space makes it easy to grab the wrong weapon.
The pacing of the game's 6-8 hour campaign feels great. Developers seem to know when to give players time to relax after an intense battle, yet maintain some level of suspense.
Perhaps the biggest and most welcome change is in how enemies behave. During earlier Resistance games, it seemed players were ambushed often. As a result, there were several levels that required lots of deaths and some trial and error before mastering.
Resistance 3 offers a much better approach to combat. Enemy encounters often start with the action right in front of them, so there's no fear of jumping in and awaiting a surprise strike every time.
Since players aren't dying as often, they can enjoy some of the incredible action sequences uninterrupted. However, don't mistake this for a drop in difficulty. Fighting the Chimera is still tough. They surround your position, attempt to flush you out with grenades or send an ally toward your blind side to wipe you out.
Although the campaign can be completed pretty quickly, there are other ways for players to enjoy the game's wonderful arsenal. There are cooperative options for players that want to fight the campaign with friends, as well as an intriguing multiplayer mode.
The multiplayer component, which has recently been available in beta form, features five match types including Team Deathmatch and an attack/defend style option called Breach. Players earn experience to climb up the ranks and unlock new weapons, gear such as shields and passive abilities like extra ammo.
Resistance 3 should have little trouble satisfying longtime fans of the franchise -- and maybe help add a few new ones -- with an impressive selection of weapons and exciting campaign.
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
Price: $59.99
Rating: M for Mature
Release Date: Sept. 6, 2011
Score: 3.5 stars (out of 4)
