Soldier of Fortune: Payback

The Good
Obviously, the violence. The SOF games were noted for their extremely graphic violence and gore at the time; and Payback is no exception to that rule. It's difference is that the violence is more cartoon-like and exaggerated in contrast to the realistic depictions of it in the previous games (particularly SOF II). I mean, the violence is so exaggerated, it's the "9mm bullets from a handgun is enough to eviscirate someone" type than the "you can survive a 12-gauge blast in the chest" one. It makes for a unintentionally well-done comedic device.

The weapons selection is pretty varied, and some are really fun to use, even if they share the same gory results in the end. The dialogue is also corny as hell, almost reminiscent of a low-budget action flick from the 80s.

The graphics and audio aren't bad for a budget title; though there's barely any music. Gunfire effects are meaty and pulpy; though I wish there was more 'splat' with the gore.

The Bad
When coming to realization; Payback is very mediocre, even for a budget title. The drab environments ranging from brothels to stereotypical Arabian warzones, the fact that every weapon is the same, and the game has less depth than a port-a-potty. While the previous games were more storydriven, this one is just a budget title, and it doesn't hold a candle, if any, to the previous games (even if SOF II was more clunky than the previous game, but that's for another day).

There's also a conspicuous lack of a discernible story. I know, it's a budget game, but even Super Mario Bros. had a better plot than what Payback could come up with. Betrayal my pasty butt; it's just an excuse to shoot the nearest crook with a M16.

The Bottom Line
Payback isn't very good, but fortunately what it makes up in it's sheer mediocrity is a heaping helping of blood and guts, and maybe a jingoist attitude. Maybe. Just leave your brain at the door for this one, and come in expecting something really funny.