Section 8 is the new sci-fi shooter from TimeGate Studios. Let me say that right off the bat, the main focus of this game is the multiplayer and online component. This is an online multiplayer game, if you have no intention of playing online then this game is not for you.

Section 8 does have a single player campaign but it’s basically non-existent. It’s an hour or two at most and basically serves as an extended tutorial for the online component. There really isn’t a story and there is no real plot to hold everything together. You simply play through a few levels, each having certain objectives, all with the purpose of training you for online play.

Section 8 is all about the online play. It takes place in the future so of course there are futuristic weapons, abilities and equipment. The online can support up to 40 people and essentially boils down to one game type, Conquest. You have to capture control points. It is very similar to Battlefield 1943.

The big draw of Section 8 would be the jetpack and super speed. At any point in the game, you can enable the jetpack or your super speed. The jetpack allows you to jump to incredible heights and is very useful for getting a height advantage on your enemy. Super speed allows you to run at incredible speeds for a limited amount of time. Both “powers” have to be re-charged after every use so they can’t be spammed. Also included is a lock on ability where you can lock on to an enemy while shooting so you are sure to hit him with your weapon. Section 8 also includes a unique way of spawning, instead of just starting on the ground you are dropped from a dropship and can control where on the map you land. It’s a pretty dynamic and awesome feature. Be careful though because if you choose to land in enemy territory, a turret can destroy you before you even hit the ground.

The weapons themselves are pretty good. You have all your standard weapons like shotguns, machine guns, rocket launchers etc. You also get different gadgets depending on which class you are. Gadgets range from healing kits to remote control mines to wrenches etc. There are four classes in Section 8, each with their own pros and cons. Each loadout or class can be customized and like I said, depending on what you want to do in the game determines which class you should pick because each one excels in certain areas.

You also earn money during the game and at any point in the game you can buy things such as mech suits, turrets and other deployables. The maps are all fairly large so capturing control points is not always the only thing going on. During the matches, there are little sub objectives that pop up. These things can range from escorting convoys or protecting VIP’s or blowing up an area etc. You have to choose, do you go for the control points, or try to complete the sub objectives? These are a great feature and add more variety to the gameplay. The games can also get quite long so it’s nice to have these sub objectives.

The game does have its weak spots though. The graphics are terribly outdated, I ran into many bugs with the sound, the vehicles are a pain to control and the learning curve is quite steep. The game does cater to the hardcore, no doubt about that. Although if you give it some time you’ll really get into it.

Also included is an Instant Action mode which is just about the same as any other Instant Action mode you’ve seen in a game, it’s a nice addition though and gives the game some more legs.

One thing I did want to mention is that Section 8 tracks your stats and achievement progress. You can check achievement progress and stats in game and also online. There is a website that you can sign up for and it will show you your stats, it’s very detailed and a great feature that not enough games implement.

Overall Section 8 is a lot of fun. The online is a good even though its been done many times before. The lack of a real single player campaign is disappointing but it’s clear this game was an online game from the start. I can see Battlefield players really enjoying this game, as well as anyone else who is into more of the hardcore multiplayer gaming scene.

When all is said and done though I can’t see Section 8 living a long life, it simply came into the market to be the next Halo and it won’t be able to. The inclusion of really only one online mode is annoying and while the online is good it just won’t last very long, especially with the holiday season right around the corner. Section 8 will keep you busy for a while and will give you a good time, but in a month when the big holiday games come out, I can’t see many people still playing this.

Score: 8/10

• Pros:
  • Amazing stat tracking and achievement tracking system
  • Online supports up to 40 players and maps are nice and large
  • Jetpack and speed boost are fun to use
• Cons:
  • Can’t compete with the big shooters like Halo and CoD
  • Weak single player campaign
  • Vehicles are tough to control
• Random Fact:
  • Go to www.joinsection8.com to view your online stats.

  Section 8 was developed by TimeGate Studios and published by SouthPeak Interactive and released September 4th for the Xbox 360 and PC