Unit 13

UPC: 711719220480

Platform: PlayStation Vita

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.

Developer: Zipper Interactive

Category: Shooter

Style(s): Third-Person 3D Shooter

Synopsis: As an elite operative with a squad of specialists known as "Unit 13," handheld gamers battle through more than three dozen modern-military missions of infiltration, rescue, sabotage, and elimination. Created exclusively for PlayStation Vita by SOCOM developer, Zipper Interactive, Unit 13 presents open levels with multiple paths to success, encouraging players to accomplish objectives using tactics suited to their character's abilities and playing style. Players choose from six specialists of diverse skill sets, each with a distinct selection of weapons, gears, and unlockables. Single players can choose their own paths through the campaign's 36 main missions, to unlock nine additional "High Value Target" missions of enemy engagement. Mission modes include multi-objective assignments, timed assaults, covert operations, and "Elite" challenges of increased difficulty. A two-player Wi-Fi cooperative mode has Vita gamers working together through the missions. High scores and other achievements can be shared online; these competitive social features are accessible over a 3G connection on enabled systems. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Online Pass Activation Code

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

If Unit 13 is any indication of what's to come on PlayStation Vita, then shooter fans will be pleased with the level of control and detail possible on the handheld. The second analog stick makes a world of difference, but Unit 13 isn't just a standard, twitch-based shooter in the vein of Call of Duty. Designed by Zipper Interactive, a developer that earned its stripes with the SOCOM series, Unit 13 offers a more tactical approach to its 40+ missions, giving players options in combat instead of shooting at anything that moves. At times you'll feel like Sam Fisher or Adam Jensen, crouching behind objects, silently taking out enemies from behind, and disabling security cameras, laser alarms, mines, and more. The left analog stick is used for movement, while the right is used to aim. You can quickly snap to your target with the left shoulder button, and the right shoulder button fires your equipped weapon. The interface makes use of the touch screen as well, allowing you the option to reload your weapon by touching an icon, or tapping the screen to use your weapon's scope or hurdle over objects like short walls. The interface will feel natural after the first tutorial mission, allowing you to concentrate on the combat instead of the controls. Unit 13 doesn't offer a traditional campaign or career mode. Instead you'll jump straight to a mission in a variety of enemy compounds and locales. There is no competitive multiplayer mode, which is disappointing considering the developer's expertise in this area, but each mission can be completed cooperatively with a friend. As you take out your enemies and follow the objectives as laid out in a combination of text updates and voice communications, you'll earn points for each headshot, takedown, disabled security device, and more. You'll also be able to level up each chosen operative and unlock special assassination missions against high value targets. The missions offer some different twists, such as trying to complete your objectives within a time limit, avoiding detection by guards, or having a health bar that doesn't replenish over time. The game also earns praise for offering daily challenges (if you're connected online) and mixing up the objectives so that replaying the same missions doesn't feel stale, especially since the way you'll approach them can vary with the scoring system. The enemies aren't particularly smart, at times staring at things they shouldn't be staring at (like blank walls) or rushing straight toward you instead of using cover, but there's still an element of danger. Unit 13 isn't perfect, but shooter fans shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.