Riveting, heart pounding moments.
Upon entering the splash screen, I noticed there are two modes which can be played. The first is normal, and the second, survival. Given the tone of the game ( I had watched a brief developer chat regarding the setting), I decided the only way to play' I Am Alive', is survival. A mode which I feel synergies the game's inherent psychological effects.
I'll begin with the games strengths. Paving the way for the user experience, the combat system. It is gripping the manner in which confrontation arises and dissipates. The magnitude of your decisions thrums throughout each enemy encounter. Limited supply of ammunition combines with aggressive/submissive A.I., and the result is an immensely realistic unfolding. This is probably the games most exciting and tension filled aspect.
The second aspect, is the climbing system. And here, there are adrenaline filled moments to be grasped. Sliding down the face of a collapsed building, only to be left dangling at the end by one hand, creates a now or never atmosphere, this game is so effective at delivering.
Where it fell short is obviously alleviated by the investment altogether. In my opinion this game will serve to assess the market for Ubisoft. I only hope that when, if, they create the full version, will they concentrate on making this world open. Some may not mind the linear game play, and admittedly I quite enjoy it within small doses. I would like to mention. I am not an avid action adventure gamer. So for me to say that I found the story line very integral in the overall satisfaction I pulled from this title says enough. However dissolving the games track would pave way for a much more engrossing experience.