Pads & Panels

Title: Blacklight: Tango Down

Platform: XBLA (PSN, PC)

ESRB: T

Publisher: Ignition Entertainment

Developer: Zombie Studios

Rating:

Review by: Archie Easter

A downloadable title with big aspirations, Blacklight: Tango Down is a slightly futuristic FPS that’s no slouch in the graphical department. Dashing good looks aside, Blacklight’s central multiplayer mode is fun and includes much of the standard FPS fare in its seven modes like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Last Man Standing. Much in the same way as many popular shooters like Modern Warfare and Battlefield, progression trough the multiplayer allows players to gain ranks and unlock new weapons in addition to armor customizations. While the game’s presentation hints at an overarching storyline, the scant backstory of the game is buried in two small paragraphs in the “How to Play” section. The only single-player mode available is the 1-4 player cooperative “Black Ops” mode that consists of short mission objectives that lack any narrative against waves of AI opponents. In addition, the enemy AI in this mode is out to lunch, with enemies that get stuck behind cover and routinely run to the same positions.

Pros: Graphics are great, especially for a downloadable title. Multiplayer matches are a blast and include a decent number of maps and modes. Excellent level progression and rewards.

Cons: Narrative is nowhere to be found. Enemies in Co-op mode are dumb as rocks. Levels can have a boxy feel to them. No checkpoints when playing single player Black Ops.

For more info, playtangodown.com

Pads & Panels received a voucher for the game courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.

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