The Overtaker 3D
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| The Overtaker 3D

The natural limitations of the mobile format initially seem to limit a game's scope, particularly those that dare to venture across the gulf separating handheld games from the modern super-consoles.

But, as the seasoned pocket gamer knows so well, it's all about the quality of the game rather than its technical achievement; and that goes for console titles, too. So, when we see a visually impressive game like The Overtaker, it's especially vital that we look beyond slick 3D graphics and determine whether there's still a chewy centre of fun to be enjoyed.

Beginning play as a small, but powerful robot, the game eases you into the action with a couple of simple tasks. These quick and important tutorials acclimatise you to not only the control system, but the three-dimensional world they move you through.

Naturally the environment isn't sprawling with detail, but the number of textures painting the virtual walls conceals the limitations of the platform quite admirably. An especially impressive heat sensor special effect enables our little robot to see approaching enemies through these walls (to a certain distance), which adds a terrific air of stealth to the FPS mechanics.

The story, apparently, is set in a Nazi research lab in World War II, though without being told this it would honestly be difficult to fathom, especially considering the advanced nature of your remote controlled mind controller.

The tin hats of the soldiers do give it away to some degree, sure, but there's a distinct confusion regarding the time period and the apparent technology. Of course, this isn't intended to be a story-driven experience, so it barely impacts on the game at all. Suffice to say this research facility environment is detailed and well populated with soldiers and gun fodder – regardless of their political affiliation.

Your mechanical protagonist isn't equipped to kill these unsuspecting fellows, however, and it's here that the game derives its name. The robot's weapon stuns its victims, making it possible to quickly approach them and take over their bodies. Suddenly you're much taller and carrying a machine gun.

Swapping in and out of hosts is the real crux of gameplay; ditching one when their energy runs low, or returning to robot form when a smaller passage must be navigated. The typical maze of a 3D first-person shooter is nicely realised as more of an underground bunker or silo, but still winds like a mad rabbit warren and squirrels away plenty of surprises, collectables and side-missions to keep your wee robot very busy.

It's unfortunate that The Overtaker doesn't explore this lilt toward stealth in further detail, however – perhaps allowing the host to carefully pass in disguise, or creep up on unsuspecting colleagues – as the game would be considerably richer and more profound for it. In many respects, the small amount of stealth that is present (and works well) makes it feel as though something's actually missing, rather than unimplemented.

Still, there's a very smooth and responsive game providing foundations for the impressive audio/visual experience that accompanies The Overtaker, and it's certainly one worth exploring for fans of the genre.

The Overtaker 3D

An interesting adjustment to typical FPS fare lifts The Overtaker out of the doldrums and into new territory; although this new ground could have been explored a little more thoroughly
Score
Spanner Spencer
Spanner Spencer
Yes. Spanner's his real name, and he's already heard that joke you just thought of. Although Spanner's not very good, he's quite fast, and that seems to be enough to keep him in a regular supply of free games and away from the depressing world of real work.