Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (Preview)

Syriel, GamePro

12/03/2004 11:48:35

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy Originally introduced as ESPionage, Midway’s Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy has come a long way since its initial debut at E3 last year. Completely reworked, the game concept remains the same, however everything else about it has been retooled.

Players take on the role of Nick Scryer, a government special agent with Psi (mind) powers. As a Psi-Operative, you will use multiple abilities such as telekinesis, pyrokinesis, mind control, remote viewing, mind drain and aura view. These Psi abilities are limited in duration, but when used properly can make for some interesting situations. They also give the game developers the ability to create puzzles that are a bit more than your standard “point A to point B, find the lock and use the key” type.

For example, the remote viewing ability allows the player to have an out-of-body experience and roam the area freely as a phantom. This is a great way to do recon, as the enemy will not be able to see your astral self. Telekinesis allows you to move remote objects so you can flip an inaccessible switch, or pull a camping sniper out of his foxhole. Pyrokinesis on the other hand has nothing to do with moving items. Instead it allows you to send forth a wall of fiery death. Carrie would be proud.

When aura view is used it will reveal things that are normally hidden from the naked eye. Players searching for secret areas will likely use this often. Mind control can be used to “take over” an enemy temporarily -- very nice for checking out dangerous situations without risking your own skin -- while mind drain lets you suck away an opponent's Psi reserves. Yes, that's right. You're not the only man with superpowers.

According to the story Scryer is tasked with infiltrating and eliminating "The Movement" a terrorist organization comprised of Psi powered humans. As expected, they want to take over the world, enslave the rest of humanity and generally do mean things. In order to infiltrate the organization, you will start the game with a mind wipe, which also provides a convenient excuse for keeping your initial abilities somewhat weak. You have to "relearn" them as you go along.

In addition to the Psi powers, players will also be equipped with an arsenal of destructive firepower ranging from guns to grenades. If it will help you "blow things up good" it's here, which should be music to the ears of all the action gamers out there. Midway is promising a heavy emphasis on action for this game, with roughly 80 percent of play being action sequences and the remaining 20 percent comprising of tactical decision-making and puzzle solving.

With non-linear play, eight huge levels and a plethora of abilities that are not often seen in an action title, Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy holds a lot of potential. What's going to make or break this title is the level design. Having all of those Psi abilities at your disposal is definitely fun, but it can break a lot of traditional gaming paradigms. Midway's level designers are going to have to think outside the box if they want to make the game compelling. Here's hoping they do so.