BlackSite: Area 51

 PC
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    80
    If you're looking for a ground-breaking experience or a robust selection of multiplayer modes- BlackSite's don't offer much more than a weekend distraction--this isn't it. However, if you find the idea of fighting aliens in your own backyard appealing, you won't do better than BlackSite's relatable, the-truth-is-out-there experience.
  2. Gamer 2.0
    77
    While the game was well paced, there wasn’t much depth to the individual gameplay facets used to break up regular running and gunning, and the lack of variety in weapons was disturbing for a shooter.
  3. Game Informer
    75
    I can see FPS fans having fun with BlackSite since it provides all the standard FPS rollercoaster thrills, but most of us have been up and down those hills a few too many times.
  5. GameStar
    69
    Whole levels look like they've been done between first and second breakfast. The name seems appropiate though - the sloppyness and laziness of execution may cause players to black out.
  6. Worth Playing
    66
    With a disappointingly forgettable story, solid but unremarkable action, and with little else to look forward to in the multiplayer mode, there's not much of a reason to dig for the truth behind this particular conspiracy.
  7. Computer Games Online RO
    66
    The game is too linear and the freedom of movement is limited, while Crysis, for example, offers a wider environment to explore. At least if this linearity was sustained by a good gameplay, things might have been different.
  8. IGN
    65
    The game underperforms in every aspect, and although that doesn't make it bad, it certainly makes it a major disappointment for everyone who was anxiously awaiting this game's debut.
  9. GameSpot
    65
    BlackSite: Area 51 is an ordinary first-person shooter that's held back by a collection of bugs and other issues.
  10. VideoGamer
    60
    Other than the odd set-piece, Blacksite has nothing to warrant recommending it above the other big hitters and some severe technical issues drag it down considerably.
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  11. Game Over Online
    60
    Apart from exciting moments that are few and far between, the game is dull and uninspiring.
  12. PC Zone UK
    59
    It's a shame this isn't a hopelessly bad game, otherwise I could've called it "BlackShite" and been done with it, but instead it teeters on the edge of being a worthwhile purchase before deciding it's comfortable being ordinary and forgettable. [Feb 2008, p.72]
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  13. Gaming Age
    58
    Blacksite's biggest issues aren't in the controls, but the lack of what you can do with them, not to mention the horrible enemy A.I.
  14. PC Gamer
    56
    If BlackSite were merely bland, it might be a good time waster, but it has a large helping of technical issues, too. [Feb 2008, p.76]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. GameTrailers
    54
    BlackSite: Area 51 features a handful of fun moments blasting giant aliens, but there’s too much time spent in forgettable shootouts, the story fails to engage, and it’s so riddled with bugs that not even the Orkin Man can feel safe purchasing it.
  16. PC Gamer UK
    53
    Repetitive, old-fashioned. [Jan 2008, p.86]
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  17. MEGamers
    50
    Good potential wasted. There are much better shooters out there than this.
  18. PC PowerPlay
    50
    It’s the gaming equivalent of a made-for-TV SF movie in more ways than one, then. Your hoity-toity intellectual forebrain knows you’re too good for this candy floss, but your theme-park glands respond nevertheless. [Jan 2008, p.45]
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  19. PC Format
    43
    Five or six hours of totally joyless shooterage. I played this game so you don't have to. Don't let it all have been in vain. [Feb 2008, p.110]
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  20. 1UP
    40
    BlackSite the narrative and BlackSite the game never meet in the middle.
  21. Edge Magazine
    40
    Blacksite is a thoroughly unexceptional title for which unrealistic promises were made, and one that is further let down by a wide assortment of bugs and design issues. [Jan 2008, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
58
#58 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 58
  3. Negative: 22 out of 58
  1. BraydonS
    Aug 10, 2009
    7
    A great story but i must admit the freedom was limited and the graphics could have been better. The Multiplayer modes are really fun aswell.
  2. TerryD.
    Aug 4, 2008
    7
    BlackSite: Area 51 is just a nice little diversion until some of the big titles materialize a little later. Nothing new here, but fun BlackSite: Area 51 is just a nice little diversion until some of the big titles materialize a little later. Nothing new here, but fun nonetheless - the aliens are disturbing looking things and a blast to kill. Plus there's some fairly humorous dialog along the way. Not bad, just not great.… Full Review »
  3. Goorman1996
    Jun 28, 2022
    7
    One of the first games I've played when got a new PC back in 2008. Not going to say that this is a masterpiece, but a good one for one-time passing.
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