Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. An intense and fun shooter that will sadly be overlooked by most gamers. The main negative aspect of kill.switch is the longevity; basically there is none. The game can be completed in 5 hours or less even in the hard difficulty level and there are no real extras or multiplayer elements to give it legs.
  2. A nice little game with some well deserved kudos for the whole “Cover Tactics” mode. I would think it could use a graphical upgrade and a tweak in the camera department, but again a very solid release from Renderware and Namco.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    70
    The only thing this game doesn't offer is replay value. There is only the single-player mode which a good gamer could complete in a weekend making this an excellent rental choice.
  4. 70
    A perfect length for a game of this quality.
  5. It’s just difficult to wholeheartedly recommend a title that has a mere five or six hours of game time, and no real incentive to play through again.
  6. 70
    While seemingly similar to previously released action titles at first glance, Kill.switch quickly proves to impart its own unique types of spin on the strat-shooter genre, not merely in mechanics and "hooks," but also in the game's very dramatic approach.
  7. This otherwise ordinary-to-a-fault action game is given a shot in the arm by its relatively cool gameplay techniques, which--at least--make the game's short ride interesting.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    67
    It's hardly original (not to mention short and sometimes ugly), but Namco's got both the control and the difficulty level just right. [Dec 2003, p.184]
  9. netjak
    65
    The sad truth is that after playing the first level, you’ve already seen everything that the game has to offer. The game’s unique take on the typical shooter is interesting and well executed, but it isn’t enough to justify Kill.Switch’s decidedly one-dimensional gameplay.
  10. games(TM)
    50
    In a perfect world all budget games would be of kill.switch's quality - that's where it would soar, that's where it would be ideal. As it is, it's almost exactly six hours of gung-ho entertainment from the moment you switch on your machine. But that's still just six hours. [Feb 2004, p.104]

Awards & Rankings

69
77
#77 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Dec 15, 2020
    10
    This game have got a very delicious action
    Scenario is a very sweet main chacter is a very charismatic
  2. Dec 1, 2020
    6
    I found this game overrated but fun nonetheless. More specifically the game design is sloppy and lazy but still provides decent entertainment.I found this game overrated but fun nonetheless. More specifically the game design is sloppy and lazy but still provides decent entertainment. The cover system is not technically sound and when hugging walls ect you encounter a ton of screen tearing and on top of that your aiming reticle can be active (red) but still not hit enemies. The detection system is terrible. Really terrible. For a game that relies on cover all the angles for hit detection are not worked out. What happens in game does not match the screen nor the reticle. Enemy AI is also pretty bad and spazzing around or standing still. The game is lazy rather than having decent strategy it relies on many borderline cheap tactics. Some levels it's volume of enemies, some spawning new enemies behind you out of nowhere, even in blocked corridors and other levels you can exactly guess where you will be mobbed or waited for behind terrible corners. Some areas are just plain cheap. In some areas enemies can hit you through walls too. Not to mention the enemy noises are not always matched to their actions or whereabouts fooling you. Sound also has two levels one while you play and one for loading the next mission where it is much more faint. I've had more problems in this game related to accuracy more than any other game. Besides missing you can also hit enemies while the reticle guide indicates you can't. Its that bad. So I think that is enough justification that this game is highly over rated. I will say though that despite all these technical aspects being subpar the game does keep one immersed in action making the game worth your time. For a 6/10 game this game provides a high degree of fun factor. I think back in the day people were fanatic about the new cover mechanics; personally I've always found they ruin games unless the AI is very smart, which in this game they clearly are not. The only aspect of the AI I found decent was that if you run ahead of the gameplay they will come follow and catch up. This made for some good moments but overall I found most aspects of this game on the bad side. Thankfully sometimes enough enemies does work and despite the quality I enjoyed a decent part of this game while dreading a few select other areas. Quality aside, I'd still recommend a try - It's still worth your time. Full Review »
  3. Uter
    May 21, 2004
    4
    Bad graphics and ill-conceived level design combine in a mediocre game. With the shooter genera so crowded on xbox, kill switch isn't Bad graphics and ill-conceived level design combine in a mediocre game. With the shooter genera so crowded on xbox, kill switch isn't really worth playing. At least 10 other shooters are better options. Full Review »