Log Status
Completed
Playing
Backlog
Wishlist
Rating
Time Played
7h 27m
Days in Journal
3 days
Last played
October 30, 2023
First played
October 28, 2023
Platforms Played
Even with all the jank of getting it to boot and how stiff it moves, condemned starts off on a strong foot.... then fumbles it all away.
It plays the same during its whole tenure you wield one weapon, either a gun or whatever sharp or blunt object you can get your grubby hands on. You swing your makeshift weapon or block, guns can't be reloaded even with similar guns which is stupid considering Ethan is an FBI agent, it doesn't even gel well mechanically since you'll be leaving behind a weapon of choice for a sluggish weapon since you need specific hammers or axes to proceed.
The combat loop doesn't change at all, enemies slightly change but not nearly enough to carry the combat. Plus the investigation aspect is a mindless point and click.
The reason I decided on it is because of its well regarded atmosphere, which it IS there but the devs apparently didn't recognize it as a strong suit to utilize it further. I've had moments of tension where the room layout, lighting, and music were on point only to pay it off with a crackhead or two running at me. It was a big sore fault not to lean into its unnerving atmosphere. I wished so hard for at least one level to be horror oriented, and some were so close to that but I am disappointed.
The story is a piece of shit except for a few good beats. Weaponized crackheads make up most of the goons you'll be fighting, who get ramped up in their depravity as the plot progresses. The general synopsis is you've been framed for killing 2 cops by an anonymous fugitive and have to conduct rouge investigations to clear your name, anything after that was unceremoniously horrible. Almost a half or more of plot points don't get solved or even recognized later in the game. You've got mass bird deaths, rampant crime and a lot of dehumanized drug fiends, like really a lot... A LOT. It doesn't explain what's happening to the birds or the addicts, or what's happening to your MC, both physical and supernatural elements are at play and the game ends with one of the blandest anticlimactic and confusing wrap ups I've ever played. The story is nonsensical without the sequel's knowledge, and even after skimming through its plot it's embarrassingly disappointing.
It plays the same during its whole tenure you wield one weapon, either a gun or whatever sharp or blunt object you can get your grubby hands on. You swing your makeshift weapon or block, guns can't be reloaded even with similar guns which is stupid considering Ethan is an FBI agent, it doesn't even gel well mechanically since you'll be leaving behind a weapon of choice for a sluggish weapon since you need specific hammers or axes to proceed.
The combat loop doesn't change at all, enemies slightly change but not nearly enough to carry the combat. Plus the investigation aspect is a mindless point and click.
The reason I decided on it is because of its well regarded atmosphere, which it IS there but the devs apparently didn't recognize it as a strong suit to utilize it further. I've had moments of tension where the room layout, lighting, and music were on point only to pay it off with a crackhead or two running at me. It was a big sore fault not to lean into its unnerving atmosphere. I wished so hard for at least one level to be horror oriented, and some were so close to that but I am disappointed.
The story is a piece of shit except for a few good beats. Weaponized crackheads make up most of the goons you'll be fighting, who get ramped up in their depravity as the plot progresses. The general synopsis is you've been framed for killing 2 cops by an anonymous fugitive and have to conduct rouge investigations to clear your name, anything after that was unceremoniously horrible. Almost a half or more of plot points don't get solved or even recognized later in the game. You've got mass bird deaths, rampant crime and a lot of dehumanized drug fiends, like really a lot... A LOT. It doesn't explain what's happening to the birds or the addicts, or what's happening to your MC, both physical and supernatural elements are at play and the game ends with one of the blandest anticlimactic and confusing wrap ups I've ever played. The story is nonsensical without the sequel's knowledge, and even after skimming through its plot it's embarrassingly disappointing.