MAG
by James Hanyo, Staff Writer
March 31, 2010
Developer: Zipper Interactive
Platform: PS3 only
Genre: Multiplayer only first person shooter
When I think of “MAG,” all that pops in my head is wow… that’s a lot of people. This game is revolutionizing the multiplayer shooting games as we currently know them. “ MAG” (“Massive Action Game”) can support up to 256 players in one map. The way the game creators accomplish that is by doing what the military does. They first put eight players in a squad, then combine four squads to form a platoon, and finally four platoons form a company.
“MAG” has a story behind it, but you don’t actually get to play through unless you count winning against the rival factions as a story. The factions are S.V.E.R., Raven and Valor. S.V.E.R. is a group of poorly trained soldiers coming from China, Russia, India and other countries in that region. S.V.E.R. uses fear as respect. Raven is a highly technological force featuring personnel stemming from Europe. Last, Valor is American made and trained veterans that feel you need to know how to fight a war before you can win one.
Let’s talk about what you can do, and honestly, this is where I got upset. There are four different game types, but each faction has its own map. One involves training by shooting future teammates with, as the game states, “nonlethal ammunition.” Second involves capturing points A & B and destroying C, or defending those points – it all depends on what side you’re on. Third, you capture your rival factions’ armored vehicles. Last is a large, chaotic battle for control over oil refineries. But all the missions, except the first one, involve either attacking or defending.
I enjoyed the game initially, but I thought the action was a bit repetitive. After a while, the missions lack any story. On the positive side, though, “MAG” had a good level system where you choose what weapons you want, including poison gas grenades.
Overall “MAG” is an experience that you should not miss out on. Finally, don’t forget to have fun and just [play]!
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