HYBRID (XBLA): "A 3rd Person Hybrid Shooter"

If a developer were to apply similar gameplay concepts as those from games like "Killzone", and "Gears of War" they'd most definitely wind up with a game like "HYBRID". Staying true to it's title, "HYBRID" seems to borrow a little something from such games as the before mentioned titles. In that sense it's a lot like a hybrid itself. This 3rd person tactical shooter revolves around the scenario of an intergalactic fight for resources that includes an invading alien (Variant) army, and the humans (Paladins) who were thrust into a fight for survival as a result of the invasion. Alongside this reminiscent "War of the Worlds" plot is a unique online 3rd person multiplayer that combines cover-to-cover combat, and territorial domination strategies.

When you first begin your playthrough of "HYBRID" you will immediately be placed into a hands-on tutorial that teaches you everything about the game. You will learn how to move alongside, from, and to the various barriers that block you from the gunfire of the opposing enemies (Paladin/Variant/Traitor). You'll also learn the ropes of flying around, and maneuvering/firing as you do so. Details such as individual button functions, and in-game tactics are also explained. Audio dialogue, and onscreen commands guide you along the way as you engage in this tutorial. I should also note that this tutorial is mandatory as it rightfully should be. HYBRID is a game that is complex, so you definitely wouldn't want to go in without knowing what it is you're supposed to do.

After passing the tutorial you will be given the opportunity to take the game for a test drive with a "Practice" mode. This simple mode will allow you to fine tune your previously learned skills before heading into actual multiplayer combat. It also aids as a good refresher course in case you happened to have forgotten the controls. When you're through with the tutorial, and any practice you need you can finally begin playing the actual game. The game will abruptly prompt you to choose either the Paladin, or the Variant side. After making this choice you will then be shown the territory map on which you will be fighting.

The maps in "HYBRID" play a huge role in the multiplayer since it is what you are actually battling over. There are a total of five different continents (N. America, S. America, Europe, Asia, Africa) which in turn are divided into multiple districts. At the heart of each given district is the resource that both sides are warring over. In order to dominate a area you along with two more squad members will will have to fight over the district via different match types (Artifact, Overlord, Team Deathmatch ...). Through multiple victories, and earned XP the winning race will gain control over the district/s. In the end the side who has the control over the most continents, and districts will ultimately gain control over the world's Dark Matter allowing one race to claim it's victory. There are a total of 100 pieces of Dark Matter to gain control over, so the struggle will be anything but minute in scale.Whenever one race does finally achieve the goal of victory the "Season" will end, and a new one will begin. In that sense the game/war is never the same twice.

Match types in "HYBRID" are not that much different than what shooting game fans have grown accustom to. Artifact for example is a lot like "Capture-the-Flag/CTF". In this match type the goal is to hold onto the "Artifact" the longest, and gain the most kills as your your squad is in possession of it. Overlord is somewhat unique though in that the goal is to have the squad who gains the most kills when the player is in an "Overlord" status. To achieve the "Overlord" status a player get a killstreak with a set number of kills. As far as "Team Deathmatch/TDM" goes it's likely the most familiar out of the available match types. The aim of TDM is to get a total of thirty kills before the other squad does.

Multiplayer maps also play a significant role in HYBRID's matchmaking system. There are a handful of different maps that feature similar yet different futuristic backgrounds. Each map has it's own unique layout with cover placements varying in position. Some maps have  cover barriers that are on the ceiling, and the floor. Others are more complex, and feature cover barriers all over the place including the sides of the walls. There are definitely vantage points, but you likely spend most of your time moving from cover to cover. Otherwise you'll end up being flanked from behind, or in some cases the side. In the end the vantage point on a map greatly depends on what type of gun you are carrying. A sniper rifle for example would best be used from a distance. A smaller gun such as a shotgun would best be used bay those players who don't mind getting up close, and personal.

Aside from "Killzone", and "Gears of War" similarities HYBRID also follows the examples of such games as "HALO" in that it features multiple soldier based customization options. To begin with your Paladin/Variant soldier will be suited up with only the basic helmet, weapon, ability, and boost item. In order to gain access to extra equipment you must earn XP, and rank up by playing through matches within the game. Earning XP, and ranking up will allow you to only unlock one weapon/ability/boost per associated category. After that you must spend actual microsoft points to get credits for other desired things. In that sense the game is sort of a money maker for the developer.

The weapons, and various abilities within "HYBRID" are something that you'd expect from a scifi, or military based shooter. As far as the guns/weapons go you have an assault rifle class, a sub-machine gun class, a shotgun class, sniper class, and a light machine gun class. Within each given class of weapons are Paladin, and Variant types. You can mix, and match the weapons among the different races, but in doing so you will become a "Traitor". The abilities are more or less limited effects/throwing weapons that allow the player to do such things as heal themselves, throw various types of grenades, or even teleport. The game also features a sort of perk type set of features that allows the player to enhance their soldier in different ways. You can add extra armor, add damage to your weapons, or even do things like give yourself an XP boost for match completions.

When it comes down to presentation "HYBRID" is a visually impressive game. The visuals are actually more polished than what I had witnessed while playing the closed beta. I had actually expected the game to be mediocre, but found otherwise when I began playing the actual game. Details such as the fantasy looking intro, and even the strategy based map add to the game's quality presentation. As far as  the sound quality goes it is just as impressive as the visual displays. The audio narration during the cinematic intro, and even the tutorial make the game's story all the more entertaining.

After it's all said, and done "5thCell (the developer)" delivered a quality multiplayer experience. While I wish there were some sort of offline story mode to further the game's plot I still enjoyed the multiplayer action that it offered. The game was definitely something new to the shooter genre. Unfortunately most of that "newness" related to the flight gameplay that was thrown into the mix. If it weren't for the ability to fly from cover to cover the game would basically be a "Killzone", and "Gears of War" mash-up. In an odd off-topic sort of way "HYBRID" also reminded me of strategy based board games like "RISK". Whatever the similarities may be I have to admit "HYBRID" still stands on it's own as a unique arcade game experience. As far as recommending the game goes I think it's definitely worth the points. I've had fun playing it. Keep in mind though that this isn't your simple CoD shooter. It will take some getting used to, and mastering it will definitely take practice.