Publisher: SG Interactive
Developer: SG Interactive
System requirements: TBD
Genre: Shooter
ESRB rating: Not rated at press time
Release date: Q1 2011

So here comes another online shooter ready to duke it out with the likes of Counter-Strike and Call of Duty. Developed by SG Interactive, Project Blackout seeks to bring something new to the table in what is already a highly competitive genre.

Project Blackout takes place in the country of Korogese, which has grown to be a major global power. Because of its rapid success, the country has been unable to sustain itself and has been taken over by corporations seeking to disarm. There are those opposed to the corporations, Aegic Inc and The Corps, who are both fighting for their country and their survival.

Just like Counter-Strike, Project Blackout plays like your standard online shooter. You have your array of weapons that include your machine gun, pistol and grenade. There are a variety of game modes that range from either simply eliminating the opposing team or attempting to destroy the other team’s generator. There is also the option of working with other human players and fighting against NPCs if killing other people goes against your morality.

Bearing in mind that there’s still work to be done on the game, it runs pretty well. There is hardly any slowdown in framerate, and with the action coming thick and fast, everything runs pretty smoothly. It’s a lot of fun, and I found myself going back, eager to get that kill amidst the carnage that ensued in the subway. Along with the subway, there is a library, a very narrow building for claustrophobic combat, and wider-terrain levels where you can pick off enemies with headshots. What is also nice are the various modes. If you like just busting skulls or like to see how long you can survive, the modes are all there for you to try. Another nice touch is working with other players against NPCs. As you hit specific targets, the difficulty goes up and you are forced to become a lot more tactical to rack up more kills.

If this is your kind of genre, I would recommend Project Blackout. It’s fun, it runs smoothly and its fast-paced action ensures that you are always on the edge of your seat. If SG Interactive can spruce up the levels, making them more detailed and can maybe add some more imaginative weapons for those that reach certain kills, then Project Blackout could definitely be a competitor.