Weapons are plentiful and each can be effective in certain situations. Only the sniper rifle suffers. Controlling this weapon is difficult thanks to overly touchy controls that will send the sight whizzing by an enemy if you move the analog stick one millimeter too far. Yes, everything can be adjusted in the options menu, but this also affects the other weapons in the player's arsenal that control just fine otherwise.
Standard console FPS controls are in effect here. Analog sticks will get a big workout for most of the game and the shoulder buttons send out most of the ammo. The scheme is set up well and everything is very responsive. Oddly, melee attacks can only happen if you get close enough an enemy and an icon appears. There are times when you can be right in front of someone and the icon just won't appear. Finally, it's ludicrous that these people can't jump. Simple obstacles that a three-year old could conquer block paths to keep the game ridiculously linear.
Including multiple soldiers for the player to control is a unique idea and it's implemented well. Yes, you can just run in and start shooting no matter whom you choose, but some characters do better laying back and doing their damage slowly. In fact, that is the best way to play this one. The players' life bar slowly regenerates about 1/3 after taking a hit. All you need to do to regain your health completely is take a quick hit, take cover, and wait. If it doesn't fill, repeat. There is rarely a situation where this isn't possible.
Developer Guerilla has done a fine job in creating memorable moments, something most games in the FPS genre seem to do now. There are plenty of surprises created by pre-planned AI routines, though at other times the Helghast are none too bright. Taking cover and leaving your head fully exposed is not something you should ever do in a war zone, but you'll see it all the time here.
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