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. This game sparkles because of the Offensive Cover System and animations, otherwise it is a straightforward shooter that sets up with some pretty simple and standard missions.
  2. A good shooter, perched on the boundary between realistic and cinematic. It's got a great story, too.
  3. My only complaint is that I have beaten it, and now I'm done. It was a bit short for me.
  4. Even though the gameplay is a bit lacking in length and diversity you can’t help but admit the game is just plain fun to play, and the level of difficulty will provide a challenge for jaded veterans of the genre.
  5. Play Magazine
    83
    Other games have tried to slow the pace down a bit, forcing you to strategize with a more real-world instinct, but none have ever been able to do so with this level of intensity and keen sense of design. [Nov 2003, p.64]
  6. A little better than your average shooter and worth checking out for the unique Offensive Cover System.
  7. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Serves up round after round of smart, strategic firefights, challening both mind and reflex. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.99]
  8. These battles, they feel real. More important, they seem dangerous.
  9. 80
    Easy to pick-up, difficult in all the right places, and oozes Hollywood atmosphere without sacrificing too many gameplay convictions. While we can't say that we approve of its particularly short-sided length and occasional camera problems, it's still one hell of a fun ride while it lasts.
  10. 80
    This game can be nail-bitingly suspenseful as you have no radar or warning system of any sort, and never know when or from where enemies pop out and peg you in the head.
  11. Possesses one of most engaging stories to grace an action title since "Metal Gear Solid."
  12. Official Xbox Magazine
    78
    What you end up with is a solid but average action game with only truly great concept. Sure, it's a one-trick pony, but at least the pony's cute and doesn't smell. [Dec 2003, p.156]
  13. As innovative as it may be, Namco didn't back this gameplay up with any substance. [Dec 2003, p.174]
  14. Playboy
    75
    Finally, a shooter for cowards! Kill.Switch is the first game to let you hide behind objects and blindly fire around corners. [Oct 2003, p.37]
  15. 75
    There's no multiplayer, no online play, and only a couple of difficulty modes. But it does its work extremely well, and it's safe to say you won't play a similar game this year.
  16. If you're looking for some pretty intense fire-fights, give kill.switch a try - I'm pretty sure you'll be pleased with what you find. This title proves to be a diamond in the rough.

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 »