Pariah Critic Reviews

It may not be a "Halo"- or "Halo 2"-beater, but at the moment Pariah is the best alternative - and that alone is high praise indeed.

The single-player campaign, though over too quickly, is immensely enjoyable, and the relentless action never becomes monotonous thanks to the brilliant array of weapons. Multiplayer is a riot.

In introducing weapon modification and more importantly Adrenaline/Healing Tool, Pariah ends up feeling significantly different to the vast majority of shooters on the market, there's a definite sense of survival to the whole experience.

Really, my only complaint with Pariah is the enemy AI.

"Halo" might have the story and those exquisite cutscenes, but when it comes to the raw gameplay and dynamic opponent AI, I'd choose and play Pariah any day of the week. The game is full of "wow" moments, both visually and during gameplay when you see the enemy perform some human-like action.

Digital Extremes provided a rip-roaring play, but neglected to make it mean something.

If you are strictly searching for a great solo FPS with stunning production values aimed at providing a cinematic, story-driven experience, then Pariah is a game you simply can't miss.

Solid, although somewhat short, single-player campaign and multiplayer modes that are just as fun as Halo 2. The story is slow to develop and tends to be hit or miss. The map editor is ridiculously easy to use.

With Pariah, as long as you go into it with an open mind, not even trying to compare it to Halo 2, there's a real fun blast of action packed entertainment to be had.

With the ability to download other players maps we doubt the online experience will die anytime soon.

Once you get around the surface misgivings you'll find a punchy, one-time thrill ride of a game. With multiplayer added it's indispensable.

The single player game is enjoyable but it is over quickly and the driving and rail shooting elements are substandard. The online modes and map editor will provide gamers with a ton of content, but I don't see this game replacing my current Xbox Live standbys.

At times, it's almost as if the game outdoes itself. Storm a room with a gaggle of enemy soldiers dug in, awaiting your arrival with full is pretty exhilarating stuff, but this soon gives way to frustration when you find you've had an enemy sneak up behind you and nailed you enough times to kill you before it even registers.

If you are not grabbed in the first hour or so of play then maybe it's not for you.

The only thing that really kills the gameplay is the drop in framerate, which can kill the action onscreen at times.

There are a few flaws that fracture Pariah as a game, but a better-than-you'd-expect single-player mode coupled with a very good online setup give Pariah enough of an advantage over other Halo wannabes as a perfect alternative to the mass contingent of Xbox FPS online gamers that play "Halo 2."

Most importantly, it has the all-important replayability that can sometimes make or break a game. This game stands up to any FPS out right now, and surpasses some.

Pariah's virtues, ultimately, are adult virtues: it's a solid, serious, deeply competent game. This competence may not prove an adequate substitute for the moment-to-moment buzz of the mindless FPS in its terminally adolescent pomp.

Compared with Halo 2 there is certainly more substance and less of the feeling that it's just an excuse for a multiplayer mode.

The value here ultimately comes down to the creativity of the Pariah community. Decent package overall.