Geist Preview

The game is laid out just like other FPS games.  The game is divided up into different missions that you have to complete in order to finish the game.  The demo at E3 showed the objects for each particular mission for a particular level.  The version I played had you taking possession of an engineer to destroy part of the complex.  Once you have your objective you then start the mission.

The controls are similar to other FPS games, but unlike some other GameCube FPS's there is no lock on or auto target button.  The first person you possessed didn’t have any weapons and in order to make it past the guards you could either possess one of the guards or possess a gun security system.  With one button click you are roaming as a spirit in the game.  You then move to another character or item that you can possess.  If you can possess the item or character you will see an indicator on the screen.  Each time you possess an item or creature the game displayed an impressive small cut scene showing this character becoming possessed.

Once you possess another person or item the controls adjust to that particular character.  For example if you possessed a guard, then your controls will display the particular weapon the guard is using.  If you possess a gun turret, then the controls adjust to the gun turret.  Each time you possess another character there is always an option to de-possess this character.  Each time you de-possess you fly through the stage as a spirit looking for another item to possess. 

There was a large assortment of items that could be possessed within the one.  One was a security camera gun turret, another was an explosive box, and probably the most unique was a dog.  It’s a very interesting concept and it was very simple to execute at anytime.  If you’re not sure what to do next you can always fly around and look for something to possess.

The graphics for the demo on display were well done.  The characters had their own unique and smooth animation and the frame rate was very steady.  The different levels shown were also very good, but nothing that will blow anyone away.  The demo on display was a little buggy with the controls seeming to drop player input on occasion.  One of the booth representatives had to restart one game on display. 

Geist looks to be a great game when it’s released in the fourth quarter of 2004.  The concept is very unique and something different than the normal run of the mill shooters.  With the huge assortment of FPS games being released later this year, Geist might be overlooked.  This might not be the next Halo or Half Life, but Geist deserves just as much attention as those other games.