Proceed with caution if you're on your own, though.
Fuse does come with skill trees, where you can increase players' capabilities, but really, it's all about having the right team in place. That's how you know you're going to have a good time. And Insomniac did a solid job in creating the co-op experience, as players can jump in and out at any time, like an arcade game, without interrupting what's happening. I just wish the invite system was a little smoother – but at least what's here is somewhat functional.
Insomniac has created more polished efforts than Fuse in the past, but this game has its merits in the presentation department. The weapon effects are quite cool; the bloodshed flows with ease; and some of the level structure is well-built. However, the animations can be jerky, there are a few bugs, and you can't skip the cut scenes, even if you've played through the game before. The audio is okay, filled with a few zingers in the dialogue, but, again, Insomniac has done better. At least some of the sound effects are good, like the black hole explosions. (Others, like the misplaced sirens, need to go, though.)
So, with its first dual console release, Insomniac Games hasn't exactly gone gangbusters. However, it's a start that could lead to bigger and better things. Fuse has its problems in terms of storytelling and making the single player experience fathomable – especially with three idiots in your employ – but the co-op comes together nicely, and the gameplay generates enough gun-toting excitement to get you through a few well-invested hours of play. It's worth a few nights' rental, at the very least.
Also…why didn't it keep the name Overstrike? I always thought that fit better…
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3)
Score: 7.5 / 10
