El Matador
Preview
For a moment, we thought Max Payne had made a return
by jdarksun
previewed on PC
Do that to me one more time...
The locations are convincingly cluttered with appropriate real-world objects, giving these areas a real sense of immersion - and also ramping up the difficulty for spotting hostile targets. And El Matador definitely delivers in the difficulty department; as a seasoned veteran of the gun-wielding action scene (tracing all the way back to Doom), the game feels just right for me. It is very challenging, but in that teasing sort of way that never quite gives you the feeling that you've lost; only suffered a temporary set-back. You know the feeling; that addictive awareness that you can make it through that area if you just try it just ...one... more... time...
It hurts!
The physics of El Matador are very well done, exceptionally so, considering they were developed in-house. Your opponents react believably when shot, and the interaction with both the terrain and objects around the character are equally realistic. Items fly off tables and shelves, or get completely knocked over if they are walked into. In fact, in one rather interesting situation a table actually rolled down the nearby steps, providing some unexpected options for solving the problem of the dug-in defenders.
One weak point I noticed was that I wasn't able to get a good handle on bullet penetration - or, indeed, if bullets even penetrate incidental targets other than glass. And while we're on the subject of glass (breaking), why is it that developers seem to be unwilling to point out that while jumping through glass may be cool in the movies, it is an excellent means to multiple, painful, lacerations? The developers of El Matador are no exception, but this is a minor concern in the grand scheme of an action game.
Steep specs, but worth it
El Matador's locations give it a chance to show off an extremely appealing graphics engine; coastal areas and jungles, docks and industrial zones, urban slums to high-class offices. Loading zones are few, and the game seamlessly transitions from wide-open outdoor expanses to claustrophobic interiors. While the recommended system specs are somewhat steep, the game is a beauty to behold in action.
Until recently, I had never even heard of El Matador, but is has shot straight from obscurity to the top of my wishlist. If you are a fan of intense action games, I recommend checking out the two demos available. It might not get the press of an EA title but if you are willing to give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
