Conclusion and final thoughts
So, what do we think of Infected as a whole?
Well, the single player campaign is easy enough to get to grips with and, provided you don’t stick it on ‘easy’, offers up enough of a challenge. The real problem with the single player missions is their fairly repetitive nature. It’s fine enough as a ‘dipping game’ but playing Infected for any length of time starts to feel like you’re only playing to get that next upgrade or watch the next cut-scene.
And while I mention the cut-scenes it has to be said that these really are hilarious. Just as Amped 3 had some superb outrageously funny bits between the gameplay, Infected has hit exactly the same mark. Yes, there is quite a bit of swearing, but only in the context of the humour of the piece. Even the mission briefings, where the Police Chief blusters away and talks himself into a corner are worth listening to. Great stuff.
The ad hoc multiplayer is a blast, though I’ve only been able to play with two others, we still had loads of fun with mad cow (you fight to wear a mad cow costume for the longest) and saviour, where you fight with each other to escort hostage to rescue choppers. I like the idea of the internet play and infecting people but the severely reduced options and lack of choice in who to play make it far less attractive than the ad hoc mode. The main problem is that the lock-on system removes any need for skill in a one-on-one situation… so rather than being a test of wits and accuracy, it’s just a question of who has the most health when you lock-on to each other and start blasting.
So, Infected is a gory, tongue in cheek blaster with bags of humour but is ultimately limited in long term appeal. The shield rating system for completed missions adds a minor reason to go back and try again but in the end you’ll very likely tire of the repetitive gameplay. However, play it in small doses rather than in long sessions and you’ll find Infected has a much longer life-span.
Pros
Nicely gory graphics
Lots of blasting action
Superb humour
Cons
Multiplayer a let down
Too repetitive for long playing sessions
The digital version of influenza; infectious at first but then you get over it
HEXUS Awards
Infected – PSP
