User Reviews

Ever had the feeling were you just have to shoot at something? No? Well I have and Black is the game I use for it. Basically there is no story to this game. Your just some grumpy soldier who releases his pent up aggression though shooting countless Terrorists. You just simply go through the levels shooting anything that moves and blowing up every thing that can explode. It kinda reminds me of 'Black Hawk Down' with the way it looks, settings and such. It is a pure joy to play. The special effects are brilliant to the point you think your there and actually get post-traumatic stress disorder, the graphics are also very good for a PS2 game. Plus there is a variety of lovely gunshot and grenade sounds to keep you entertained.

There are a few problems however. For example when you reload to screen goes all blurred apart from your gun and arm, and this happens in real life to. Also the cut scenes are awful. But that isn't exactly anything new for this genre of game. Overall though it is a pure joy to play and is one of the if not the best game on the PS2. Still, I'd play on Call of Duty 4 now... But I wont forget this.

Unlike most FPS in the market that are heavy on the good stuff ie Story, plot and character development, lengthy campaign, and set-pieces, "Black" from Criterion Games, is a throwback to '80s action movies that emphasized simple plots, but also outrageously ridiculous action scenes which the game is dripping with. The story is simple, but surprisingly engaging as it shows the dark and dirty world of black ops operations; covert acts of war that the US is reluctant to get it's hands dirty with, or so it seems. The game may not be on par with today's action FPS, but it's a helluva lot playable and enjoyable than lackluster fare such as Duke Nukem Forever. The less said about that one, the better.

But "Black" has bucket loads of intense, frenetic, destructible firefights that are so raw and intense like the '80s action films before it, it almost seems like a homage to it and if you look closely, you'll discover various Easter eggs that reference classic films from that decade. A nice touch by Criterion Games by giving hardcore shooter fans what is aptly described "Gun Porn" for the hog-wild FPS gamer and gun enthusiast alike.

Yes, the game is short, the graphics are a little grainy, which adds to the games Cold War-like setting, but it's movie-like action is what will win fans over and it also helps if you have a surround sound system cranked to the MAX to feel the full force of the weapons and their marvelous chorus. Simply put, "Black" is s symphony of sounds that will delight the inner-action hero in you. I've yet to play "Bodycount", which is a "spiritual successor" to the first game rather than an actual sequel, but with all the amazing technology out there, I fail to see why wasn't a sequel made? If all you want is a simple shooter game that's thin on plot(though I like my games with a lot of story in them)and sounds really good, then "Black" is right in your arsenal.

The creators did an amazing job of replicating the sounds, characteristics, and reloading procedures of real weapons (and some fabricated ones). The AI for both teams and enemies alike is the best I've seen in any game. They communicate with each other, take cover, try to outflank, and use suppressive fire to advance. Not only were the graphics absolutely incredible (close to the quality of the new XBox 360 console), but the fact that you can destroy just about anything--including blowing through walls and doors--and be rewarded with beautiful explosions and ground-shaking sounds make the game that much better. Also, the world in front of you is blurred out temporarily while reloading--to replicate the operative's need to visually focus on the gun and clip in order to reload. I disagree when people say it's not a very strong game; this is the first game since Halo 2 that really impressed me in terms of attention to detail by the creators. The bullet holes stay in the walls, cover can be blown away, and the gunfights will leave you coming down from an adrenalin rush for an hour after playing. Great soundtrack, and smooth, easy-to-learn game play. The only downside is no blood (BOOOO!!!). This FPS really makes you feel like you're watching a big-budget Hollywood action adventure. Some corners were cut in reality--for instance, HUGE magazine capacity (60-90 rounds for most guns), and the fact that almost EVERY enemy will dramatically fall and scream when hit from a balcony or ledge. However, this just ads the the big-time Hollywood feel given off by the game. Overall, this is DEFINITELY going into my Top 3 list. Great, strong game, interesting plot line, realistic dialog ("Somebody put some g**damn fire on that machine gun!"), AWESOME explosions, and enough secondary objectives and hidden treats to keep you coming back for more.

Black keeps you gripped from the start. Though the plot is pretty poor, the mini-movies before each level are very well edited and are better done than most films we have in cinemas today. But when you get into the game, you are thrown into what may be perhaps the most realistic shooter yet. The sound is realistic, the weapons are varied and very satisfying, the graphics are as good as can be, and the destructible environments are really the icing on the cake. Though this game can sometimes annoy you, especially on the harder levels, the checkpoints that you pass as you go through the levels really do prevent you from wanting to throw the game off a cliff, and give you some hope when you are surrounded by well-armed enemies from all angles. The lack of blood makes it less realistic, and the lack of multiplayer gameplay is a slight letdown, but with a game this good, the folks at EA Games are bound to make a sequel to this at some point. This is a truly fine game, and delivers in every aspect. This may be possibly the finest shoot-em-up game yet.

This is a game that must be played. 2006's best game yet! 10/10

By far the best FPS on PS2. It has everything you need for the ultimate gunner. Brilliant looks. Amazing sound (especially surround sound). Plenty of guns in your arsenal for tons of fun. The first time I played it and heard the AK 47 getting emptied... OMG! But, it doesn't have much after finishing the story, except for Black ops mode, which is easy compared to medium and hard. And its a pity that you cant even jump! There is an occasional story to it. Well cm on now, everything has a story to it really right!? If it didn't then you don't know how the hell you got there to start off with. So i the story isn't deep, more like. Mediocre.

But still, One of the best FPS ever!!

The game started selling at thirty dollars, since no multi-player, and also the fact that it was short, even though I didn't finish it, but what it lacks in length, it makes up in everything else. EA and Criterian, (Sorry if I misspelled it) made the game, so it kicks butt. The game is known as "Gun Pornography," so if that helps, in other words GUNS ARE THE STARS. AI for your team members are top-notch, much better than enemy. (TRUST ME) I don't want to give anything away, except for the fact that you're a BLACK OPS member, and later in the game you betray orders, and so , yeah. ANyway, It's definitely worth a rent. I asked for mine on my B-Day, so technically I got it for free!

PROS: Good graphics, great sound, decent AI, great background sounds ( team mates etc.) CONS: No jump, invisible walls, long intro/unstoppable cinematics, not enough check points/ cannot save a partial mission ( XBox).

Decent game, but not the best by any means. In this day and age, not being able to jump and utilize all of your environment is plain ridiculous. And the invisible walls and small drop offs that prevent backtracking make this you feel like you are on rails at some points. The lack of check points/inability to save a partial mission are beyond frustrating, especially when every other FPS has this ability. A decent game, but anyone who thinks this is the best FPS ever obviously hasn't played one.

Is one of those games I wish were better than it is but it is fun mostly because the gun sounds so meaty and it has some beautiful lighting through the grey world.

But it also a double itched problem, for the weapons because they sound me good but the enemies take so many shots that it becomes weird like hey. I'm using the most magnificent gun in the world. Why aren't you dying ?

Weapon sound good but the power is weakened by the enemies taken too many hits

But the game looks very impressive for 2006 PS2 and Xbox game but the thing is it's kind of grey and they environments are spartan and Baron but luckily the lighting is good with the Golden streams for the cracks and Windows it does look good even if I wish it was more colors.

The story is complete and other nonsense that was put in last minute and I can feel it. I wish I could skip it because it doesn't add anything to the game. But it is fun just how bad it is.

Interesting to see what the burnout people could do with a shooting game I can see the Polish in the graphics and the sound effects even if the shooting details isn't there.

Most powerful sounding shotgun.

Not as good as it's been made out to be. The PG-13 feel doesn't help much either

First time i played this game was 11 or 12 years old ...I rent it from a shop and i wish i could buy it but I didnt ...I stopped playing ps2 for a big big period and when i started again i managed to find it and bought it 9 months ago .I missed this game so much.the first thought when i started to play ps2 was this game !It's the absolute gun porn...the missions the story the explosions the grenades are so brilliant especially the rpg .I have to admit is very difficult game at first when you dont know the missions and how to play but when you manage it this game becomes the love of your life. At least I have that feeling especially when i bet this game in all difficulties lots of times.

Not the best game i have ever played. Although the graphics, physics etc. was great, the was not that good.

Since the storyline is quite boring, and you cant skip the opening scenes when a level starts, it gets very irritating to wait for a level to begin.

The gameplay is cool, but gets repetitive, so i only play it with a couple of days apart and only for max. 1 hour.

All in all: A quite good game, with repetitive gameplay, and not that good a story. But excellent graphics, voice acting and physics, i'll give it a 5.