Ecks vs Sever (GBA) (Ecks vs Sever (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Ecks vs Sever (GBA)
Date:	10/05/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Audio

Disadvantages: Gameplay, Graphics

"Ecks vs Server" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2001 by Bam Entertainment. It is of the first person shooting genre. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for teenage years and above due to its violent content.

The plot of the game is based on two rival individuals "Ecks" and "Server". Central themes of the game include crime and terrorism, and the player is able to assume either the role of the fugitive or authority. The two characters interleave with one another which provides the game with some replay value; when playing as Ecks, he will hunt Server and comparably when playing as Server she will be hunted and must avoid Ecks. It is a very simple game to complete in either scenario as the computer opponents do not offer a substantial amount of difficulty. The controls can present some learning curve, as the use of "L" and "R" will be required to strafe, but after this curve has expired the player will be able to engage fully with the game. The first two levels are assigned training modes which allow the player to become familiar with the control scheme to simplify the process.

The graphics are presented from a first person perspective which focuses on the player's weapon. The visuals here are very impressive at the outset but quickly become repetitive as the game progresses due to the similar level settings. I also found that when I moved closer to an object, for example a box, the image became extremely distorted and pixelated which can become an annoyance in areas where "hiding" is required. The soundtrack is also simple with there only being sound effects to include movement, gunshots and environmental accents. There are no musical scores in game.

Overall, Ecks vs Server is an acceptable first person shooting title which could perhaps be seen as appealing by fans of the genre. The idea itself is excellent but the niggling visual flaws combined with simple gameplay did not enthrall me as a player.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle