CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars

Developer(s)	Immersion Games, Timeline Interactive
Publisher(s)	Ubisoft
Engine	Unreal Engine 3
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 (PSN), Xbox 360 (XBLA), Microsoft Windows (Direct2Drive)
Release date(s)	June 1, 2009
Genre(s)	First-person shooter
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars is a downloadable video game for the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Windows. The game was created by Mexican - Colombian Immersion Games and Egyptian Timeline Interactive. Both developers soon went defunct after the release of the game. The PC version of this game is virtually non-existent, as Direct2Drive is no longer selling it.

Gameplay Overview

CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars is a Sci Fi first-person shooter. The player can choose between three classes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Guardian is specialized in guns only and the Bishop is specialized in using telekinetic superpowers while the Black-op is balanced in both. Some of the powers are telekinesis, teleportation and generating energy shields.^[1] Players may complete challenges based upon the class they chose which can improve the powers of that class.

Game Modes

Challenges: Offline there are 10 different challenges for each of the 3 classes available. These challenges are objective based & a timelimit is given to complete them. Bots (A.I. Controlled players) are used in these challenges. Not only are these challenges great for gathering character upgrades (and PSN trophies/360 achievements), they teach gamers to recognize the varying character classes and to manage the special abilities in preparation for the fairly chaotic 12-player online/offline action.

Offline/Online Multiplayer Modes: Up to 12 players enabled, the modes include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the flag, & Assault. One standout is the assault mode, in which attacking players deliver a virtual “hacker” to the defending team’s base and have to hold the fort for a set time. These events end up being real white-knucklers as the timer continues to tick away. Bots are available in these modes & skill level can be adjusted to add more difficulty.

Local Splitscreen multiplayer also available.

Maps: There are seven maps that range from open environments to closed quarters.

Classes

There are 3 classes/characters that the player can choose to play as and customize.

Bishop: A female robot that can not wield a gun but has Psionic powers. These powers include generating a shield for protection, using items from the environment to hurl at her enemies and the ability to fly for a short period of time.

Black-op: A genetically engineered human that is a mix of the Bishop and Guardian class. The Black-op can wield one gun and has some Psionic powers such as generating a shield and the ability to teleport to short distances.

Guardian: A unsightly brute robot designed for combat that specializes in weaponry and agility. The Guardian can wield two guns and has some powers such as super-jump, super-run and ability to dodge.

Weapons

Weapons: There are 6 basic weapons that are representations of the average weapon class in most FPS games. The weapons are scattered around the maps that will re appears after taken. Most guns have no option for aiming down sights, other than the Sniper Rifle. The shooting is primarily done from the hip only.

R4 Lethe: Is the equivalent of a Handgun. It is the starting weapon players will have when a mode begins. This gun is most effective primarily from mid to short range. Not a powerful weapon, but is more than capable of getting the job done.

R2 Phlegethon: Is the equivalent of a Sniper Rifle.... Equipped with a scope lens with a Zoom in/Zoom out option. This gun is Perfect for shooting from long distances. Not as effective in close quarters combat.

R5 Styx: Is the equivalent of an Assault Rifle. This rapid fire weapon is very powerful & ideal for mid to close range combat.

R1 Cocythus: Is the equivalent of a Shotgun. Most effective in close range & is very deadly.

R3 Acheron: Is the equivalent of a Rocket Launcher. This weapon is effective in all ranges because of the detonation on impact. Firing off too close can cause the firing player damage.

Mines: Small devices that trigger an explosion when someone comes in connect.

Reception

CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars has received mixed to positive reviews and has an aggregate score of 71/100 on Metacritic.^[2] IGN gave the game an 8/10, commenting that "it's trying to be Unreal Tournament, but there are a few wonky elements that keep it from reaching that high a level of quality" but praised the graphics for being "one of the better looking XBLA titles."^[3]

References