XIII 2003

Is it still worth playing?

Ubisoft's 2003 first person shooter, loosely based on the Belgian graphic novel series of the same name and presented in a comic book style with cel shading. You play the main character, named XIII, who wakes with amnesia and uncovers his identity over 13 chapters and 34 missions, some with stealth and action elements. The comic look is part of the play. Comic strip insets pop up when you land a headshot, and give clues and tips. You have 16 weapons, from a knife to a bazooka, and bottles, chairs and brooms can serve as weapons too, while people can be taken as hostages or human shields. On the quiet side, a sixth sense lets XIII hear enemies behind walls, and stealth options include strangling enemies and hiding bodies. With comic insets and a cel shaded look, it still feels like a comic you control today.