‘Fuse’ will ignite desire for online play
By CHRIS CAMPBELL
“Fuse”
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: EA Games
ESRB Rating: M, for Mature
Grade: 2.5 stars (out of 5)
Some video games encourage you to play cooperatively online to get the best experience. Other titles require cooperative play.
“Fuse” encourages group play, but should require it, because going at the action solo only leads to frustration. The game’s bones are solid, but the execution fails in ways that make you beg for online compatriots.
The campaign mode treads on well-worn territory familiar to anyone who has played a video game since Bill Clinton was president. Mercenaries encounter a situation far worse than anticipated, and soon find themselves locked in a struggle to not only save themselves, but save all of humanity. All four members of the team discover fancy weapons that enhance their own skills, making each one an important cog in the enemy-blasting department. But why shoot a guy with an exploding crossbow dart when it’s more fun to do so after your buddy has frozen him in black crystal?
Mastering each person’s weapon won’t tax you, but discovering combinations of using them together makes for great fun. Dalton’s shield at times makes the action almost too easy (until you run into a powerful mini-boss), and Naya’s flame burst takes on ludicrous appeal once you start timing it with other members’ weapons. This creates a campaign mode in which everything happens fast but can be settled easily.
The best way to appreciate the game is to ditch the campaign mode and swan dive into the online multiplayer. The echelon mode quickly sucks you into its maps and horde-like gameplay. Granted, you may replay a lot, because without friends you have zero chance to survive.
You won’t find a sticker on the package that reads, “Pay $60, but you won’t enjoy this game without friends.” But that’s the truth about “Fuse.”
