The Divide: Enemies Within

Description

Released in 1997 for the PlayStation console, The Divide: Enemies Within is an ambitious attempt to bring a Metroid-inspired experience to the platform. Developed by the Radical Entertainment team, the game offers players the opportunity to explore a vast alien environment filled with mysteries, enemies and diverse puzzles.

At first glance, it's obvious that the game draws inspiration from classic titles such as Super Metroid. Players take on the role of a mecha-pilot who crash lands on an unknown planet. The environment you navigate is divided into different areas, which gradually become more accessible as you find new abilities and equipment. This tried and tested concept of exploration and discovery is at the heart of the game and gives it depth and durability.

Graphically, the game is impressive for its time. The environments are detailed, although they can sometimes be difficult to navigate due to the similar looking locations. However, the design of the worlds is well thought out and gradually reveals its secrets to players who are willing to take the time to explore. Linking different areas and finding hidden paths brings a joy of discovery that is comparable to iconic titles of the genre.

The game's audio is decent, though not overwhelming. The music is atmospheric, but can get repetitive after a while. The sound effects are functional, but don't bear comparison to other top games of the time. However, the sound does its job and adds to the overall gaming experience without significantly standing out or distracting.

In terms of controls, The Divide: Enemies Within has its strengths and weaknesses. Movement and combat are intuitive, but feel somewhat clunky in some passages. Jumping and interacting with the environment can be frustrating, especially when the player has to deal with enemies that aren't always easy to defeat. However, with a little practice, these problems can be overcome and the game offers a satisfying feeling of honing your skills.

All in all, The Divide: Enemies Within is an interesting title in the PlayStation library that is worth checking out, especially for fans of the action-adventure genre with exploration elements. Despite some shortcomings, it offers an experience that can hold the attention and provide hours of entertainment. Radical Entertainment have made a bold attempt to bring something new to the PlayStation and although the game doesn't break the boundaries of its predecessors, it provides a solid and entertaining experience.