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> Psi-Ops: The
Mindgate Conspiracy: Written by: Damon Baker
 Publisher: Midway Price: 29.99 Genre: Action M for Mature
In a world of gaming, where the same old
tired played out action game is cloned for every system, Psi-Ops breaks the mold. Nick Scryer was once a part of a government
agency known as Mindgate, where people were trained to use psychic abilities. Scryer must now put his training to the test,
as he battles to defeat the Elite members of Mindgate, that are now members of an underground terrorist organization called
The Movement. After going through dramatic plastic surgery, as well as having his memory erased, Scryer must infiltrate the
organization. You are now the only hope for the world, as you gradually gain back your powers, and memory of the horrors behind
the Mindgate Conspiracy.
Scryer
was the only member of Mindgate to learn all six Psi-Powers, and they play a large role during gameplay. Moving through the
levels, players may find themselves using their Psi-Powers more than their guns. Telekinesis (the ability to move objects
with the mind) is by far the most powerful, as it can be used offensively and defensively, and it has a low drain on your
Psi-Meter. Scryer's other abilities include Pyrokinesis (the ability to create fire), Mind Control, Mind Drain (the ability
to drain an enemies' mind power, and convert it to Psi-Energy), Remote Viewing (the ability to project your mind from your
body), and Aura View (the ability to see things that you cannot with the naked eye).
There aren't many different types of firearms in Psi-Ops. Scryer can only carry two guns at a time, and
his silenced pistol is mandatory. Which means that you can only carry one strong gun with you, and if you want another one,
you have to drop your first. Different guns include an Assault Rifle, Machine Gun, Sniper Rifle, and a Shotgun.
While there isn't a wide variety of guns in Psi-Ops, Scryer will never find himself
short of toys. Nearly everything in the environment around you is moveable, which means that you can use Telekinesis and turn
it into a weapon, or shield. Moveable objects include metal crates, statues, explosive barrels, and even stone pillars.
The graphical detail is well done in this title, but isn’t the most amazing feature about the game. The cut-scenes
are well animated, but there are flaws that you will come across. While casting Pyrokinesis, players will notice that the
fire is initially blue as it leaves your hand. I felt that this detail was nicely added, even though it was not a big deal.
The sound effects were well done, and actually play a role in gameplay. Throw a barrel with Telekinesis, and enemies will
hear it, and investigate. Empty barrels will have a hollow sound, crates sound like wood, etc. The music was there, but it
didn't add a large level of tension to the game.
The control scheme in Psi-Ops is a bit difficult to master at first, so players may want to practice for a little while
before running into battle. After a short period of time, the controls should become a second nature, with only mild flaws.
A flawed example of control occurs while aiming. The right control stick is used to aim, click it, and you use the Sniper
Rifle’s zoom. If you're trying to aim for Telekinesis, but move a bit hastily, you may find yourself zooming in and
getting yourself shot in the process.
After the games completion, there are extra missions that the player may attempt. However, in order to unlock these, the
player must have found the "evil garden gnome" for the missions. There are many extra missions to attempt, including a giant
game of pool, along with a giant bowling alley, in which the player is forced to use only Telekinesis to complete.
When players get their hands on the Sniper Rifle and their Pyrokinesis Psi-Powers, they'll know exactly why this game got
an M-Rating. With burning bodies and exploding heads, an M-Rating is in no question for this title.
After it's all said and done, Psi-Ops stands against the rest. With added features of psychic abilities mixed with gun
fighting, there is definitely an added level of depth to this action title's gameplay. Mild graphical flaws, as well as some
control issues shouldn't deter players too much, but its gameplay depth and extra mission's replay value bring gamers back
into the Mindgate Conspiracy.
Graphics: 8.5 | Sound: 8.0 | Control: 8.0
| Replay: 9.0 | Overall Game Score: 8.7/10
               
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