XIII

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2003
  • Also On: PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 61
  3. Negative: 1 out of 61
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  1. ValC
    Jan 27, 2010
    5
    It's impossible to play, you have no idea what to do and you can't do anything. The graphics make it impossible to see anything and you die around every corner. Shooting is a horrible pain. I do not recommend this game.
  2. drlowdon
    Mar 12, 2013
    7
    XIII is first person shooter based on a series of French graphic novels in which the player takes control of a well trained individual suffering from amnesia and being chased by both government agencies and a shadowy organisation (Think of the plot of the Bourne Identity and you're pretty much there).

    The games comic book inspiration is in evidence throughout which, despite being well    XIII is first person shooter based on a series of French graphic novels in which the player takes control of a well trained individual suffering from amnesia and being chased by both government agencies and a shadowy organisation (Think of the plot of the Bourne Identity and you're pretty much there).

    The games comic book inspiration is in evidence throughout which, despite being well received critically, was largely ignored by the game buying public. With hindsight the reason for this seems to be the games cel-shaded graphics. At a time when other games where striving for realism XIII dared to be different and it is ironic the games visual style stands up better than the majority of FPS titles released at the time. XIII makes further use of its comic book origins by cleverly visualising its sound effects. Patrolling enemies for example will produce a 'TAP, TAP, TAP' visual and by watching whether the TAPs are getting smaller or larger it is possible to tell whether they are moving away or towards you. When shooting enemies from range you will also often be 'treated' a comic book inset showing a close up of whether or not you have killed them.

    Although it now obviously pales in comparison to the more recent influx of FPS games the actual gunplay itself remains solid and a wide range of weapons are available allowing for a good mixture of long and close range combat. The artificial intelligence of the enemies and your numerous part time compatriots is however severely lacking on occasions. One particular section sees you attempting to rescue a high ranking military official. Upon releasing him from his cage he will simply sprint down an enemy infested corridor demanding that you 'cover him'. Should he die at any point, which will most likely happen numerous times, you are forced to restart the section. Once the section is complete he hands you a weapon to aid your progress causing you to ask why he didn't use it to defend himself and save you have an hour of restarts.

    In the end however, providing you can ignore the slightly dated AI and controls, most will see XIII as a unique and enjoyable FPS experience.    … Expand
  3. MarkyB
    Sep 19, 2013
    6
    Unfortunately, this is a disappointing game. The graphics are interesting and good but the gameplay is really unremarkable and not very fun. I enjoyed the comic book that this was based on but would not recommend this game to anyone at the time of writing (2013)
  4. AKthaBeast
    May 18, 2018
    6
    Very tough aiming system and controls. Very innovative during its time and set up to be what feels like the inspiration for games like Borderlands...
  5. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    6
    If you dont like the visuals that much, like me, then it is just an average FPS.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PS2 Game of 2003
77
#77 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
61
#61 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. TotalGames.net
    84
    For all the niggles, gripes and irritations, XIII is a class act that has some supremely impressive aspects that you will thoroughly enjoy. This is a game that delights and infuriates in turn and our advice is to ration your XIII sessions so the frustration doesn't ruin what remains a standout title.
  2. IncGamers
    65
    The more you play XIII the less you'll care about the gimmicky graphics, and the more you'll feel the drag of the "same old, same old" action.
    Read full review
  3. GMR Magazine
    60
    Problem is, the missions are largely cookie-cutter (do tasks like "destroy four generators without being spotted" sound familiar?) and lack the thrill found in similarly themed games, like "GoldenEye 007" (N64). Worse yet, your opponents are unbelievably excellent shots who almost never miss.
    Read full review
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