Pros
Highly detailed environments
Large levels with several multiple paths to take advantage of, which explains the load times
Fine performance, minus SSAO, vsync on. The reported mouse sluggishness isn't happening on my system.
Musical cues that are throwbacks to the original game
- Ex: offices in intro set to a revisiting of the Unatco HQ theme
Interactivity on the level of the original game, which rewards exploration:
- passwords and codes written on notes, pdas, in emails
- Unique and often helpful dialog from many bystander NPCs
- number pads for secure items with 4 digit PINs
- eBooks with snippits from articles or novels
AI is refined
- Enemies are quite aware and will run an effective search if they spot you
Cover system works well and familiar to Gears of War fans; i turned on the "toggle cover" option
Experience system tied to a wide array of customizable augmentations
Interface is very PC friendly; doesn't feel like a console-ported interface
Voice acting and dialog is good but not great
Cons
Initial troubles starting the game - fixed by moving/renaming an ati dll in the Windows system folder
Long load times - >30 seconds
Many unskippable logos on startup
My system specs:
- Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHz
- 4GB DDR2 800
- GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512 MB
- Installed on WD 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
- Running at 1920x1080, all visual options on except SSAO; I get a solid 60 FPS with occasional stutter. In my opinion this works well with a FOV of 90, which you can set in the in-game options.
Edit: added my system specs
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