8 June 2008
HAZE
>Platform PS3>Publisher Ubisoft>Rating MA 15+>Price $109.95>VERDICT 2/5HAZE has long been touted as the PlayStation 3's answer to Microsoft's hugely successful Halo franchise on Xbox 360, largely due to its inclusion of a four player co-operative mode. Though the comparisons to Halo are obvious from the first level onwards, Haze never manages to convince it's anything more than a derivative and disappointingly average sci-fi shooter. Where Halo managed to innovate, Haze can only imitate.The bulk of the game boils down to chaotic shoot-outs in a variety of locations, with driving sections thrown into the mix to break the monotony. The weapons, controls and level design are all solid and fairly flawless in functionality, but there's little "wow" factor to really get the adrenalin flowing. The most interesting aspect is the story revolving around an experimental drug called Nectar. At first the player is an addicted soldier with superhuman abilities, but as the drug wears off, a gruesome reality reveals itself. Switching allegiances and learning how to survive without Nectar is an intriguing twist. If shooters are your bag, Haze will supply you with a decent challenge - and it's definitely more fun played with a few buddies.
