BLACK (PS2)

Black was released for the PS2 and Xbox in 2006. While this game has a lot going for it, there are also enough drawbacks to keep Black from being a considered one of the “great” shooters of its time.

Black puts you in the role of a Special Forces member named Keller. The short (roughly six hour) campaign has you pursuing a terrorist known as Lennix. What really helps the game play is the need for patience/strategy; it is necessary for you to fight from behind cover and plan your attacks or else you will be ripped to shreds quickly. Also, essentially all environments are destructible and there are exploding objects, which can be used to blow up enemies, scattered all over the various maps. The game really calls on you to cut through various cover with your weapons to kill the enemy and to use explosions as a weapon. This use of the environment and explosions brings an element not present in most shooters of this time frame.



Black pulls every last ounce of horse power out of the PS2. This game looks just as good, if not better, as some titles you see on the PS3. In addition to the core graphics, the aforementioned explosions look amazing. Also, there is a great blur effect every time you reload a weapon. Again, this game still looks quite good even by late 2008 standards.



Black certainly has flaws to go along with its positives. The different levels are essentially a group of disconnected maps tied together by cut scenes showing Keller debriefed after the campaign. Furthermore, the enemy AI is only mediocre to fair. There is also nothing to break up the action; you are running and gunning throughout with no vehicle or alternative sequences to break up the action. Also, there is essentially no variety in the types of enemies you are fighting. Curiously, Black includes NO multi-player component (odd for a 2006 First Person Shooter) and no meaningful unlockable content to speak of.

While Black is a good shooter, it simply does not stand out from the pack. It’s failure to do so many things, which are present in shooters far older than this one, simply leaves you feeling that the game is missing features and content. This game has enough going for it though to justify purchasing or renting it for your PS2. Just don’t expect for there to be a lot of replay value after the initial play through.

Grade: 7

Click here to buy Black on Amazon. Black

Copyright © Chopping Block Reviews 2008