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If truth be told, most cRPGs are about Medieval/Mythical/Fantasy worlds. There are just not enough modern day cRPGs; so when a new one comes along (even if it has some RTS infused into it) I am willing to cut it some slack.
Predictably, "Paradise City" is only an euphemism if I ever heard one. Gangs and thugs and (not so) organized crime have overrun the city. In a classic noir pulp story fashion, your main character (Porter) is pulled out of living-fat-on-the-last-heist retirement by a crooked NSA agent, Boris.
The gameplay alternates between controlling Porter (a marksman), a street-fighter (Angel, pulled out of death row by Boris) and Boris, whose strength lies in...convincing others to do the fighting for him.
Each level's objective is capturing and controlling neighborhoods within a specific area of the city. Some neighborhoods provide income (yeah, wetting your beak in protection money), while others can offer henchmen.
The graphics are detailed and will convey an original inner city feeling. From graffiti tags and street food-vendors to flying paper-liter and flapping clotheslines, the crime-overtaken neighborhoods come alive on your screen. Voice acting is also well done, although it will prove repetitive after some hours.
The game has a Third-Person isometric perspective (usual to both classic cRPGs and RTS games) which means its enjoyment is camera-dependent. Unfortunately, this does not work without glitches. In fact it looses the 5th star on fun because of the fickle camera control. The camera does not follow the main/active character and it will not always respond to the arrow keys or the edge-of-the-screen mouse pointer. As a result, I had my character starting battles at a distant point it was not easy to get to and control.
The 5th star overall is lost due to bad AI. The fact that the enemies are not very bright either is no consolation when your group could elect Forrest Gump as their enlightened leader! I mean, they are SHOOTING at you, DO SOMETHING!
Finally, the 4th star was withheld because of the ever present ...advertising. Urban atmosphere is one thing, finishing the game and knowing about certain upcoming NOKIA and CDV products is quite another. And, to add insult to injury, it is the repetition that gets to you: the same 4-5 billboards alternate everywhere - it is not even informative.
On the other hand, the gameplay is intuitive to pick up and easy to use. Both the interface and the skills options are well designed and user friendly. Working around and getting used to the shortcomings will reveal a good game that can be enjoyed not only by cRPG fans.
All in all, a good solid effort.
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