SiN Episodes: Emergence

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 437 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 307 out of 437
  2. Mixed: 99 out of 437
  3. Negative: 31 out of 437
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  1. Tmlkml
    May 14, 2006
    10
    Best game ever. If it was 50 bucks, I'd be pissed, I only paid 18 bucks(pre-order). If you aren't stupid, thick headed, or a total moron, you'll love this game.
  2. NathanaelR.
    May 14, 2006
    8
    Decent shooter which suffers from difficulty scaling problems. Otherwise it's a fine example of no nonsense FPS goodness that is well executed and slickly produced. There's little original here, but it's done so well that you don't care that it's a mindless action game because you're having fun. However, if you use quicksaves every time you die, the game Decent shooter which suffers from difficulty scaling problems. Otherwise it's a fine example of no nonsense FPS goodness that is well executed and slickly produced. There's little original here, but it's done so well that you don't care that it's a mindless action game because you're having fun. However, if you use quicksaves every time you die, the game difficulty ends up scaling out of control - something that is usually only found out the hard way. Best advice is to simply make use of the autosaves - they allow the difficulty to be scaled down if you keep dying on a certain area. The MI3 or Armageddon movie of computer games - mindless, unoriginal, not too bright, but slick, well executed, and highly entertaining.… Expand
  3. JamesH.
    May 14, 2006
    10
    Fantastic game. Excellent AI, wonderful storyline and believable characters. I really love Ritual's dynamic challenge system, which helps you (Indirectly) if you get stuck at a particular point without detracting from the challenge. Source really gives this game the thrust it needs and proves once again to be a flexible and powerful engine.
  4. Remmy
    May 15, 2006
    6
    Sin Emergence makes for both a mediocre game and a terrific mod. If you purchase the game expecting hours of gameplay with unique enemies and weapons then you will be sorely dissapointed--as I was at first; however if you purchase this game with the expectation of a mod then the game will be worth it. As reviews before have stated the game is rather linear, somewhat clostraphobic, and the Sin Emergence makes for both a mediocre game and a terrific mod. If you purchase the game expecting hours of gameplay with unique enemies and weapons then you will be sorely dissapointed--as I was at first; however if you purchase this game with the expectation of a mod then the game will be worth it. As reviews before have stated the game is rather linear, somewhat clostraphobic, and the weaponry selection is poor at best (3 weapons overall). Enemies are relentless and have the tendency to shoot through walls; also due to the relentless assault by the SinTEK rent-a-cops there is rarely a lull where you can stop and catch your breath--perhaps the creators thought they could justify such a short game by throwing in twice as many enemies in half the content. The game is also very challenging, which can lead to momentary fustration but in the end it's one of the few positive [unique] aspects of the game which make it enjoyable--nothing is better then that feeling of overcoming the seemingly impossible (I'd just wish they would give you some time inbetween battles to relish). The voice acting and character design is both well done and well thought out, again making this an impressive mod but not a true game.… Expand
  5. GarrettM.
    May 15, 2006
    10
    This game is fantastic. It's based on the HL2 engine, but feels like an enhanced version of HL2, some stuff is just much better. The Dynamic Difficulty system works wonderfully since I'm not the best FPS player in the world, but I was still albe to finish the game. It took me nearly 8+ hours to finish this episode, so I feel like it was well worth the $20. For the price, you This game is fantastic. It's based on the HL2 engine, but feels like an enhanced version of HL2, some stuff is just much better. The Dynamic Difficulty system works wonderfully since I'm not the best FPS player in the world, but I was still albe to finish the game. It took me nearly 8+ hours to finish this episode, so I feel like it was well worth the $20. For the price, you can't go wrong with buying this game. I can't wait for the next episode, and hopefully multiplayer soon too!!… Expand
  6. Buddy
    May 15, 2006
    10
    Great Game, Dynamic gameplay, Detailed Environments, Beliveable characters, Good weapons, Good AI, Physics-Even-Better-Than-In-HL2!!!!
  7. Gerard
    May 16, 2006
    9
    I've read some of the other reviewers comments and I just dont understand how they think this game is so hard.....On the hardest setting, yes, its a monster, but if you adjust the difficulty, its pretty easy. It's somewhat linear, but has excelent graphics and overall, seems like a cross between Counter-Strike and Half Life.....for the $20, its a good game.
  8. MajisterLudi
    May 16, 2006
    6
    I was looking forward to this game for some time - but was mostly underwhelmed with this release. It's a shame, as I am all in favour of episodic games, and don't think this is a good start to the idea. There was simply little else to this game than the same old run and gun (with a mutant boss or two, of course, at the end). Very stale. Fear, or even Doom (which didn't do I was looking forward to this game for some time - but was mostly underwhelmed with this release. It's a shame, as I am all in favour of episodic games, and don't think this is a good start to the idea. There was simply little else to this game than the same old run and gun (with a mutant boss or two, of course, at the end). Very stale. Fear, or even Doom (which didn't do much for me) did a better job with this uninspired approach, and it is no foundation for a long term franchise. There was little development of the great story we were promised, and little to keep a thinking person interested. I could live with the short length if some originality had been there. Though Jessica is cute (which may serve its purpose for the juvenile market), her role is a simple rip-off from HL2. And the run and gun I found pretty straightforward at the moderately difficult level. The AI is average at best. Graphics and sound were mostly good (to be expected with the source engine), with some spectacular scenes. I don't regret the $20 and will not give up on this game solely based upon episode 1, but this team (or tribe, if they prefer) needs to bring something fresh to the genre if this series is to go anywhere far. There are HL2 mods out there with greater creativity, and are more fun to play.… Expand
  9. Brandon
    May 16, 2006
    9
    Overall the game and story is great. AI needs some work.
  10. JonK.
    May 17, 2006
    8
    Very decent and strong game for the price. Cant wait for #2.
  11. Chris
    May 18, 2006
    8
    I enjoyed this game. It was rock hard in sections and a little annoying in places but it was good looking and interesting enough for a few hours blast. Not a patch on HL2 but then what is?
  12. SuperSpas
    May 18, 2006
    9
    amazing gamelpay, ai and story line. however for me it was too short and the range of weapons really was alet down.
  13. WillyA.
    May 18, 2006
    9
    An excellent beginning of the Sin Episodes. The $19.95 I gave for it was well spent in my opinion, as it included the original Sin from back in the day. Five hours of gameplay if rushed through isn't such a bad deal for that amount of money. If you hit up any gaming store here in Norway, you'll find most games costs four or five times that amount, and might not include more An excellent beginning of the Sin Episodes. The $19.95 I gave for it was well spent in my opinion, as it included the original Sin from back in the day. Five hours of gameplay if rushed through isn't such a bad deal for that amount of money. If you hit up any gaming store here in Norway, you'll find most games costs four or five times that amount, and might not include more playtime than this. I'm anxiously awaiting the next episode, as I want more of this.… Expand
  14. Blake
    May 20, 2006
    10
    To all the negative opinions out there.....

    Why even bother? It takes hard work theese days to create games and Sin pushed FPS to a whole new level. With a solid story plot and amazing graphics how could you complain? What game out there cost 19.95 that will compare? If 20 dollars is an issue to you then freakin get a job...its amazing how you even have a pc that will run it. im a hard    To all the negative opinions out there.....

    Why even bother? It takes hard work theese days to create games and Sin pushed FPS to a whole new level. With a solid story plot and amazing graphics how could you complain? What game out there cost 19.95 that will compare? If 20 dollars is an issue to you then freakin get a job...its amazing how you even have a pc that will run it. im a hard core gamer and i will tell you this game was simply awesome. I went to E3 and got to see the real model bianca WOW she was sexy. In anycase if your reading the negative comments and are debating whether to buy it or not save yourself the regret and give Ritual your 19.95 they deserve it! I cannot WAIT for the #2 episode!    … Expand
  15. NigelB.
    May 27, 2006
    9
    a shame it's a bit short, but I'm assuming there will be more coming as it's entitled episode 1; great game based on the HL2 engine, engoyed this more than HL2 itself. great use of pyshics engine, good gums and loads of bad guys. And the evil lady vilian, all I can say is HOT.
  16. TylerD.
    May 28, 2006
    9
    I think it was a wonderful game. It was well paced, fun, and doesn't take itself too seriously. The only issue I had with it was not being able to fire out of the car window, a single-shot mode on the rifle would have been good too. I'll definately buy part 2.
  17. AlexS.
    May 29, 2006
    7
    I
  18. AnonymousMC
    May 30, 2006
    8
    A very solid game. With the latest updates to the AI, it works much better now. The learning curve AI does need work, but is very unique. I would prefer smarter enemies along with tougher enemies, not just tougher enemies. However, they can still manage to pull a fast one on me when they spawn behind me, or below me.

    The weapon selection was a little short, but I don't think you    A very solid game. With the latest updates to the AI, it works much better now. The learning curve AI does need work, but is very unique. I would prefer smarter enemies along with tougher enemies, not just tougher enemies. However, they can still manage to pull a fast one on me when they spawn behind me, or below me.

    The weapon selection was a little short, but I don't think you really need too many more weapons than that. I can handle the selection for the time being. Besides, nothings more funny then taking down a chopper with a pistol!

    Graphics wise, it wasn't too bad. They sure did a lot of work on Elexis. In some respects, it might have been a better idea to not go overly gung ho on the graphics (which is so common these days).

    This is a start to an interesting storyline. I'm excited to see where they will take it.    … Expand
  19. GaryS.
    May 30, 2006
    8
    The first Steam based episodic game. Could have been better but could have been far worse. Future episodes of this and other games released this way should see a fine tuning of the quality and gameplay.
  20. ertertwert
    May 30, 2006
    10
    SiN Episodes: Emergence is a great game. Looking forward to Episode 2.
  21. RayS.
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    Great single player game overall. Very unique take on the half-life system, and definately an improvement. Alot of action and smooth controls make this game adicting and enjoyable.
  22. JamesK.
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    jumping and movement sucks at times but the general gameplay is great and the story seems to keep yea wanting more the whole time cant wait for the next.
  23. AllenB.
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    This game gets back to the roots of shooters, killing badguys, and lots of them, I've personally played throgh this twice, and though it's lacking somewhat in weapon selection, the three you have are enough to get the job done. Mainly the game is a lot of fun, and it's short as well, for those who like to finish these things on one sitting.
  24. DavidF.
    Jun 10, 2006
    8
    A little bit of SIN, a lot of HL2, and a nice game overall. Much better than the original SIN, which dissapointed me greatly.
  25. HalH.
    Jun 13, 2006
    9
    This is a fun game but a littel short... as long as a new one is comeing out in a coupel of months thats cool.
  26. JamesC.
    Jun 13, 2006
    9
    Well thoughtout. Nicely made. A few glitches that keep it from being a ten, but i have full confidence that updates will work these out.
  27. ScottR.
    Jun 25, 2006
    8
    Awesome addition to the other Source games out there.
  28. CarlB.
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    The best game of the year. Fun from beginning to end with no levels that dragged on.
  29. JohnP.
    Jun 29, 2006
    9
    What's not to love? Any game utilizing the Steam engine is bound to be a real good experience. I got off on the Female Partner. Character was very engaging.
  30. PhilO.
    Jun 4, 2006
    8
    I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode of SiN Episodes. First off the HL2 engine was well used, albeit much less use of the physics engines for puzzles than HL2. Not a bad thing, just a fact. The story was captivating...great dialogue but missing the smart-ass Blade comments from the original and more like the Gordon Freeman silent type. Ai seemed weak in the beginning but better I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode of SiN Episodes. First off the HL2 engine was well used, albeit much less use of the physics engines for puzzles than HL2. Not a bad thing, just a fact. The story was captivating...great dialogue but missing the smart-ass Blade comments from the original and more like the Gordon Freeman silent type. Ai seemed weak in the beginning but better later on. You may want to select a harder play level out of the gates if you want a more challenging experience.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best PC Game of 2006
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
83
#83 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Yahoo!
    80
    While it has its flaws, it's paced well, full of action, and managed to keep us smiling all the way to the end. With a tweak here and a polish there, Ritual could really be onto something good. Bring on part two.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    73
    This is a pretty-looking, short, budget-priced, by-the-numbers futuristic shooter that's most notable for its episodic nature and its old heritage.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    70
    It's a bland taste to a cultured palette. But it's fun, too, and self-aware.
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