Kill Switch (video game)

Last updated
Kill Switch
Kill.switch Coverart.jpg
Developer(s) Namco USA [1] [lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s) Namco [lower-alpha 2]
Director(s) Matt Sentell
Designer(s) Chris Esaki [2]
Programmer(s) Gil Colgate
Writer(s) Alvin Muolic
Composer(s) Kevin Manthei
Engine RenderWare
Platform(s) PlayStation 2
Xbox
Windows
Game Boy Advance
Release
October 28, 2003
  • PlayStation 2
    • NA: October 28, 2003
    • PAL: March 17, 2004
    [3]
  • Xbox
    • NA: October 28, 2003
  • Windows
  • January 4, 2004
  • Game Boy Advance
    • NA: September 9, 2004
    • PAL: August 27, 2004
    [4]
Genre(s) Third-person shooter
Mode(s) Single player

Kill Switch (stylized as kill.switch) is a third-person shooter video game developed by Namco USA in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft Windows. A Game Boy Advance port was released in 2004. The GBA port was created independently of Namco, due to a licensing deal with Destination Software. [5] The PAL release of the PS2 port came with a demo of SOCOM II U.S. Navy SEALs on a separate disc.

Contents

The most distinguishing characteristic of Kill Switch is its cover system, a mechanic that has the player character taking cover behind objects and around corners in a manner similar to Namco's own Time Crisis series of light gun shooters as well as Koei's third-person shooter WinBack [6] and Hideo Kojima's stealth game Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty . [7]

Story

Protagonist Nick Bishop (voiced by Marcus McCollum) is a super-soldier remotely controlled via direct neural connection by a man known only as "Controller" (voiced by Chuck McQuary) in a series of combat missions designed to bring "the North" and "the West" to war. Profiteer Archer (voiced by Adam Baldwin) plans to benefit by selling the technology used to control Bishop, who gives Controller headaches on recollection of suppressed memories featuring a woman and the phrase "Say my name". Moments before launching a biological warhead, Controller is killed by a surge triggered when a woman known as "Duchess" (voiced by Adrienne Wilkinson) seizes control of Bishop. Sent to attack Controller's base, Bishop's memories are eventually restored: the woman from his memories was his new wife, who Archer killed when he captured Bishop to sell the technology inside him. Freed, Bishop kills Archer in a final assault and walks away.

Reception

Kill Switch received a wide range of reviews across all platforms, with the Xbox version receiving a score of 75 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews", while the PC and PS2 versions received scores of 66 and 73 out of 100 respectively, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Criticism was directed towards its thin plot and simplistic level design, while the gameplay mechanics, especially the cover system, were lauded and considered engaging. It was compared to the Time Crisis series. The Xbox version of the game was said to possess enhanced graphics over the PS2 version. GameSpot awarded the Xbox version a 6.9 out of 10. [16]

The GBA version of the game was similarly received, with IGN calling it a "solid portable action title" and awarding it a 7.5 out of 10. [5]

Legacy

The 'Offensive Cover System' (OCS) in the game was one of the foundations for modern cover systems in third-person shooter video games. Kill.Switch Cover System Gameplay.jpg
The 'Offensive Cover System' (OCS) in the game was one of the foundations for modern cover systems in third-person shooter video games.

Kill Switch is best remembered for its cover system as a core game mechanic, [17] and for introducing the blind fire mechanic to the cover system. [18] Several shooters took inspiration from Kill Switch and implemented similar cover systems. In the design of Gears of War , lead developer Cliff Bleszinski of Epic Games credits Kill Switch's cover system as one of the influences they put into the game's design, [19] as Kill Switch's lead designer Chris Esaki was employed by Epic Games and was involved in the development of Gears of War. [2]

Naughty Dog's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune , which began development in 2005 and was released in 2007, [20] also took inspiration from Kill Switch, which Uncharted's lead designers Evan Wells and Amy Hennig credited as inspiration for the game's cover system. [21] Other examples of shooters that featured Kill Switch-inspired cover systems include the 2005 third-person shooter CT Special Forces: Fire for Effect , [22] and the 2006 games Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas , [23] a first-person shooter released in the same month as Gears of War, [24] and Killzone: Liberation , an isometric shoot 'em up released a month before Gears of War. [6]

Related Research Articles

<i>Tom Clancys Splinter Cell</i> (video game) 2002 stealth video game

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a 2002 stealth game developed by Ubi Soft Montreal and published by Ubi Soft. It is the first game in the Splinter Cell series. Endorsed by author Tom Clancy, it follows the activities of NSA black ops agent Sam Fisher. The game was inspired by both the Metal Gear series and games created by Looking Glass Studios, and was built using Unreal Engine 2.

<i>Tetris Worlds</i> 2001 video game

Tetris Worlds is a version of the video game Tetris. Originally released in 2001 for Microsoft Windows and Game Boy Advance, it was later released for Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 in 2002. In 2003, an Xbox Live version titled "Tetris Worlds Online" and a single-disc compilation version were released for the Xbox. The latter was bundled with Xbox systems.

<i>Madden NFL 2004</i> 2003 video game

Madden NFL 2004 is the 15th installment of the Madden NFL series of American football video games. Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is on the cover.

<i>Tom Clancys Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow</i> 2004 video game

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is a 2004 stealth game developed and published by Ubisoft Shanghai and Ubisoft Milan. The game is the sequel to Splinter Cell and the second game in the Splinter Cell series endorsed by writer Tom Clancy. It follows the covert activities of Sam Fisher, an agent working for a black-ops branch of the National Security Agency (NSA) called "Third Echelon". Michael Ironside returns to voice Sam Fisher, while Dennis Haysbert voices the character Irving Lambert, Fisher's boss, making this the only time he is not voiced by Don Jordan. Lalo Schifrin provides the theme music for the game.

<i>Madden NFL 2005</i> 2004 video game

Madden NFL 2005 is an American football simulation video game based on the NFL that was developed by EA Tiburon, along with Exient Entertainment and Budcat Creations, and published by EA Sports. The 16th installment of the Madden NFL series, it features former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on the cover. Al Michaels and John Madden return as game commentators. Released on August 9, 2004, the game is the first Madden game to feature Xbox Live. It was the last Madden game to be released on the original PlayStation, and the first Madden game to be released on the Nintendo DS, where it was a launch title.

<i>SSX 3</i> 2003 snowboarding video game by EA Canada

SSX 3 is a snowboarding video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports BIG label. The game was originally released on October 21, 2003, for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. It was later ported to the Game Boy Advance by Visual Impact on November 11, 2003, and to the Gizmondo by Exient Entertainment on August 31, 2005, as a launch title. It is the third installment in the SSX series.

<i>Madden NFL 06</i> 2005 video game

Madden NFL 06 is an American football video game released in 2005. It is the 16th installment of the Madden NFL series by EA Sports, named for color commentator John Madden.It is the first Madden game for the PlayStation Portable and Xbox 360 and was a launch game for the 360. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is on the cover.

<i>Gears of War</i> (video game) 2006 video game

Gears of War is a 2006 third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is the first installment of the Gears of War series, and was initially released as an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 in November 2006. A Microsoft Windows version, developed in conjunction with People Can Fly, was released in November 2007. The game's main story, which can be played in single or co-operative play, focuses on a squad of troops who assist in completing a desperate, last-ditch attempt to end a war against a genocidal subterranean enemy, the Locust, and save the remaining human inhabitants of their planet Sera. The game's multiplayer mode allows up to eight players to control characters from one of the two factions in a variety of online game modes. Gameplay features players using cover and strategic fire in order to win battles.

<i>Spider-Man</i> (2002 video game) 2002 video game

Spider-Man is a 2002 action-adventure game based on the 2002 film of the same name. It was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, and Game Boy Advance on April 16, 2002, in North America, and June 7 in Europe. The Game Boy Advance version was later re-released and bundled on Twin Pack cartridge with Spider-Man 2 in 2005. Published by Activision, the console versions were developed by Activision's then recently acquired subsidiary Treyarch, who had previously ported Neversoft's 2000's Spider-Man to Microsoft Windows and Dreamcast. LTI Gray Matter developed the Microsoft Windows version and Digital Eclipse developed the Game Boy Advance version.

<i>Madden NFL 07</i> 2006 American football video game

Madden NFL 07 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the last Madden game to be released on the Game Boy Advance. Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is on the cover.

<i>Catwoman</i> (video game) 2004 video game

Catwoman is an action-adventure video game based on the 2004 film of the same name based on the fictional character. It features the likeness of the film's lead actress Halle Berry, while the character's voice is provided by actress Jennifer Hale.

<i>FIFA Football 2004</i> 2003 video game

FIFA Football 2004, also known as FIFA Soccer 2004 in North America, is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in October 2003 with the tagline "Create Brilliance".

<i>FIFA 07</i> 2006 video game

FIFA 07 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label.

<i>Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance</i> 2001 video game

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is a 2001 action role-playing video game developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment subsidiary Black Rock Studios for the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox consoles, with High Voltage Software handling the GameCube port, and Magic Pockets developing the Game Boy Advance version. CD Projekt was developing a version for Microsoft Windows, but was ultimately cancelled. In 2021, a 4K port of the game was released for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

<i>Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines</i> (video game) 2003 video game

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a first-person shooter video game based on the film of the same title, with elements of hand-to-hand combat in the third-person perspective. It was developed by Black Ops Entertainment, with assistance work done by other Atari-owned subsidiaries. The game was published by Atari for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2003. An isometric shooter version was released for the Game Boy Advance during the same year. A puzzle game was also released for mobile phones. The game was also going to be released for GameCube, but was eventually cancelled.

A cover system is a video game gameplay mechanic that allows a virtual avatar to hide from and avoid dangers, usually in a three-dimensional world. This method is a digital adaptation of the real-life military tactic of taking cover behind obstacles, for purposes of attaining protection from enemy ranged or area effect attacks, such as gunfire or explosions.

Guilty Gear X2 is a 2D fighting video game developed by Arc System Works, and published by Sammy Studios. It was first released on May 23, 2002 for Japanese arcades, and later ported to the PlayStation 2 for North America in 2003. The game received updated versions for several platforms, each containing various adjustments: Guilty Gear X2 #Reload (2003), Guilty Gear XX Slash (2005), Guilty Gear XX Accent Core (2006), Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus (2008), and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R (2012).

<i>Defender</i> (2002 video game) 2002 video game

Defender is a shoot 'em up video game developed in October 2002 for the PlayStation 2, and Xbox, and was ported to the GameCube the following month, followed by a port to the mobile phone version published by THQ in 2003. The game was also rereleased for Xbox 360's Live Arcade in November 2006. It is a remake of the 1981 game of the same name. Featuring three-dimensional (3D) graphics, the game is set on multiple planets and moons within the Solar System where the player must defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting astronauts.

References

  1. ↑ "kill.switch". GameSpy . Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Gears of War: Five Things You Didn't Know". TeamXbox . September 29, 2006. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Search | Pegi Public Site". Archived from the original on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  4. ↑ "Search | Pegi Public Site". Archived from the original on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  5. 1 2 Craig Harris (2004-10-01). "IGN kill.switch Review". Gameboy.ign.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-19. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  6. 1 2 Brian Ashcraft (January 20, 2010). "How Cover Shaped Gaming's Last Decade". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2011-03-26.
  7. ↑ Lindsay, Stuart (2009-12-02). "Did Gears of War Innovate the Cover System". Planet Xbox 360. Archived from the original on February 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-12.
  8. ↑ "kill.switch for Xbox". GameRankings. 2003-10-28. Archived from the original on 2012-06-08. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  9. ↑ "Kill.switch". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 2019-04-30. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  10. ↑ "Kill.switch". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 2019-04-30. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  11. ↑ "Kill.switch". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 2019-05-22. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "kill.switch Reviews and Articles for Xbox". GameRankings. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  13. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (2003-10-28). "kill.switch Review, kill.switch PlayStation 2 Review". GameSpot.com. Archived from the original on 2011-10-02. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  14. ↑ "kill.switch - PS2 - Review | GameZone.com". Xbox.gamezone.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-07. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  15. ↑ Jeremy Dunham (2003-10-27). "kill.switch - PlayStation 2 Review at IGN". Ps2.ign.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-10. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  16. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (2003-10-28). "kill.switch Review, kill.switch Xbox Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on 2009-09-22. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  17. ↑ "Why Vanquish will make Gears Of War obsolete". Play . July 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Kill.Switch & Gladius Go Gold". IGN . October 6, 2003. Archived from the original on July 5, 2011.
  19. ↑ "GDC 07: Cliffy B disassembles Gears, mentions sequel". GameSpot. March 12, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
  20. ↑ Randolph Ramsay (2007-10-26). "Q&A: Naughty Dog on Uncharted". GameSpot AU. Archived from the original on 2011-09-20. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  21. ↑ "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Afterthoughts". 1UP.com . January 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  22. ↑ "CT Special Forces Fire For Effect Review". VideoGamer.com. April 24, 2005. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 – Review". Game Critics. July 17, 2008. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on January 30, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  1. ↑ GBA version developed by Visual Impact
  2. ↑ Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe on the PlayStation 2 in Europe. PC version published by Light & Shadow Production and GBA version published by Destination Software
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.