Condemned: Criminal Origins Review

Sporadic nightmares filled with drug induced criminals, with zombie-esque motions, men with metal parts, murder, and of course, the occasional dead bird. Maybe after a horror movie, but these night time terrors don’t often come after a late night of video gaming. That is, of course, assuming that you’re not playing Condemned: Criminal Origins.

The player assumes the role of Agent Thomas, one of the FBI’s most trusted investigators, specialized in serial killers. After being called in on one case, Thomas is accused of being the murderer, after evidence framing him is found at the scene of the crime. The player is excommunicated from the force, with the sole exception of his lab scientist, the only apparent FBI source that believes in their agent. Thomas, with the help of the lab, must independently go around proving his innocence, while collecting evidence against the real serial killer.

The city is infected with these drug addicted criminals, with little or no independent thought to separate them from enemies commonly found in zombie games. While they impede the player from time to time, generally their numbers aren’t great enough to stop game play.  The real challenge from the game comes from the investigative techniques that must be used to discover new clues. It’s easy enough to miss clues, and if clues are missed, it can leave the player wandering around looking for their next breakthrough. The dark and gritty background gives it a depressing feel, like the player is thrown straight into a horror movie.

The horror movie aspect of the game really gives it it’s trademark feel. In a lot of “detective” games, the game play is either incredibly easy and child friendly, or else wise incredibly unrealistic. The graphics take a hit on the style, and those of you who can’t play a game with older graphics might want to just skip to the sequel. {Author’s Note:  Condemned 2: Bloodshot, can be found in our older reviews} The game itself is unique; so far away from the traditional “go to this point and shoot bad guys” games that have become rampant in the 360 generation.  The repetitiveness of the game can be boring at times, but is made up for in it’s mind blowing storyline, allowing one’s interest in the game to be renewed every mission.

To the point for you score-whores: the achievements really depend on if you want to play the game by yourself, or have help. A single, straight, play through of the game will probably net a gamer maybe 400-450 points. Anyone with a walkthrough FAQ on their computer screen will find much more success, after being told where many of the hidden items that can win some serious g’s are located. For the legit gamer however, it can be nearly impossible to find them, saving  hours of long comb throughs of every single level. Achievement Difficulty: 7/10.

Condemned: Criminal Origins, is a new (for the time) sort of game. Even four years later, it retains its value and uniqueness, as so few of the games in the 360 ‘s catalog do. If you’re willing to ignore the graphics, and are sick of the same old thing, pick it up. Seriously, it’s easily at in the top five bargain box games, if not the number one.  Game Rating: 7/10