Watchmen: The End is Nigh

Rating: 6/10
Achievements: 7/10. Half of the achievements can be unlocked simply by completing the game once as Rorschach and once as Night Owl. There is an achievement for completing a co-op game and this would be a lot easier if Watchmen had online co-op, but for some crazy reason there is none. The most difficult achievement is to complete a level while sustaining no damage…good luck.

Review:
If you have not read the book or seen the movie there is no need to worry about The Watchmen spoiling the plot, since this is a completely separate story. Instantly I was disappointed with this game, because it stated co-op, but online play was not available. The sole reason for me downloading this game via Xbox Live was to play a simple button masher reminiscent of Streets of Rage, while having a couple beers with a buddy. You can still do that, but just not as easily.

You have the option to play through as either Rorschach or Night Owl. The story is the same with each character; the only difference is their special attack and finishing moves. Personally, I think Night Owl is kind of a whiner, so I select the never compromising Rorschach for my first playthrough. When you start the game don’t let the opening scene ruin you’re your first impression, because the actual game play looks better than the cut scenes. Heck, South Park looks better than these cut scenes. Just as expected this is a pure button masher where you travel though six different levels with countless waves of enemies coming at you. Some of the enemies have some foul language and others are pretty funny with their insults. In the movie and book costumed heroes were outlawed and you would understand why when playing the game. In one of the levels the enemies were actually the New York City police.

This button masher actually makes you slow down the mashing and press the buttons slowly to perform the very powerful combo attacks. They are actually pretty easy to perform and be ready to counter attack when surrounded. The other enemies do not hesitate to attack you while you unload on their buddy. Once you beat on the enemy long enough you will be prompted to press a single button to perform a gory finishing move. This was another reason I was surprised to see Rorschach snapping the necks of NYPD with reckless abandon. It also makes you wonder why the police keep coming at you with their night sticks and don’t just shoot you. While you fight you will also power up your additional attack power. Rorschach has a rage mode that makes him faster and a lot stronger, while Night Owl has the ability to electrify his suit to shock those around him. Yea, it sounds pretty lame because it is. Rorschach’s rage is the way to go.
When the game is completed there is a quick scene that made me chuckle and then it was over. The Watchmen left me with this ‘Meh’ feeling. Overall, it wasn’t a bad game, but I don’t think I ever really got over the lack of online play. At a hefty 1600 Microsoft points I have a hard time recommending this game. If you’re lucky enough to still have your Sega Genesis I would break it out and pop in Streets of Rage III instead.