kill.switch

 Xbox
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Serves up round after round of smart, strategic firefights, challening both mind and reflex. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.99]
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  2. GMR Magazine
    80
    These battles, they feel real. More important, they seem dangerous.
  3. 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]
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  5. GameZone
    85
    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.
  6. Game Over Online
    85
    A good shooter, perched on the boundary between realistic and cinematic. It's got a great story, too.
  7. Next Level Gaming
    85
    My only complaint is that I have beaten it, and now I'm done. It was a bit short for me.
  8. Game Chronicles
    84
    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.
  9. Gamers' Temple
    81
    A little better than your average shooter and worth checking out for the unique Offensive Cover System.
  10. IGN
    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.
  11. 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]
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  12. Game Informer
    75
    As innovative as it may be, Namco didn't back this gameplay up with any substance. [Dec 2003, p.174]
  13. 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]
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  14. GameSpy
    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.
  15. TeamXbox
    74
    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.
  16. XboxAddict
    74
    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.
  17. 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.
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  18. GameBiz
    70
    A perfect length for a game of this quality.
  19. GameSpot
    69
    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.
  20. 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]
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  21. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  22. GamePro
    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.
  23. eToychest
    80
    Possesses one of most engaging stories to grace an action title since "Metal Gear Solid."
  24. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    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.
  25. Yahoo!
    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.
  26. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  27. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    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
#69 Best Xbox Game of 2003
77
#77 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Dragoste156
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    This game have got a very delicious action
    Scenario is a very sweet main chacter is a very charismatic
  2. aspentitan
    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 »
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