Scot tackles this year's most creative and unique title yet.

Every so often a game will arrive and change people's perceptions of this industry. It will make bold claims about changing the future of videogames. It will forever be added to people's lists of inspirational or noteworthy games of the last twenty years. It will be a game of such remarkable significance, such as Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Rez or Fumito Ueda's Ico, that it deserves so much more commercial success than it will ever likely receive.

In this instance, its name is killer7 – and much like those aforementioned titles, it really should be gaming's renaissance.

killer7 is a game that will have critics divided. There will be a lot who decide that it's a waste of time – a moving piece of artistic fluff with little to no substance. I can't help but feel sorry for them. They will be the ones in the future looking forward to the next thrilling instalment of Generic Shooter X. I wish to meet the few who can look at the game objectively. Those who are able to praise its direction, spirit and soul. Those who see it as an intriguing and challenging videogame, designed to provoke reaction, inspire discussion and – above all else – show everyone that individuality is not a mere myth in this neck of the woods.

So let's talk about the game somewhat.

killer7 follows Harman Smith, a deadly wheelchair-bound assassin with seven radical personalities – each of whom are available to control in the game, and each of whom are blessed with unique abilities. You're tasked with an assignment to take out a terrorist organisation called the "Heaven's Smile" – a group of… well, we're not entirely sure what they are. Just that they laugh manically when spotted and explode when within close proximity of you or anything human. Hence, they need to be stopped.

For the purposes of the game, the baffling narrative is best left untouched in this article. killer7 truly is a game you should walk into blind. The story takes many twists and turns and will confuse, intrigue and shock you throughout. It's one of the more mature-themed videogames on the market, and parents should be advised not to put this into the hands of minors – not unless you want them dabbling in explicit themes of mutilation, child molestation, rape and death. Those who are of legal age though will welcome the thought-provoking plot, which, even with the controversial subject-matter, is always handled with care and expertise. This game is case-in-point of a game trying to push the adult end of the spectrum with maturity, and in many ways, it succeeds.

It's also one of the creepifying videogames I've ever played. The story is disturbing enough as it is, but navigating the claustrophobic quarters of its idiosyncratic corridors is often heartlessly unnerving at times, especially when coupled with the hysterical laughter of the unseen enemy and the rather sombre, unsympathetic comments from the lead characters. I can only really turn to the Silent Hill series for a similar example of the application of sound adding so much to the game's uncomforting atmosphere, and what's even more impressive is killer7 manages to achieve it all in a world of bright and colourful visuals, even if the actual imagery is dark and sinister.

killer7 does an excellent job of easing the player into the game, which is just as well since it happens to feature a rather unorthodox control method. Rather than allow free-roaming as most conventional action games would, here movement is controlled by one button to run, and one button to turn. You can enter new rooms when the interface tells you to – move the analog stick in the direction of the "shard" on-screen, and press the run button. It's a simple system, and one that feels completely at ease within the game world. Many people will scream at how linear it is, but does it really matter? What's the point of non-linear pathways if the game is ostensibly linear to begin with, as most games of this field are? Again, it's a daring move that puts the player in a new position, and once you get used to not using the analog stick for movement, it's a system that makes a lot of sense as you quickly dart back and forth through levels.

Trying to be difficult

The control system really is only the tip of the iceberg of decisions that will end up throwing less-committed gamers right off-course. A few will grow bored with the same-old style of combat; target the weak spot, shoot and continue off to the next portion of the mission. Others will tire of the puzzles, which are simple, more observational-based affairs than drawn-out, perplexing enigmas. Others will scramble for the mute button as characters utter their nails-on-blackboard verses, and if you can hold onto your sanity while they whine, you might not even understand what half of them have rambled on about anyway.

It's a bizarre, bizarre game. But it's one with such passion and energy. What makes killer7 so special is that it truly is one of the only few games released in the past few years that can stand up and proudly proclaim that it made the effort. It's got soul. It's a rare thing; one that has captured my undivided attention with its unusual and fresh approach to game-making and excited me at the prospect of finally reaching its unpredictable, inviting conclusion – something I find sadly lacking in many of today's "blockbuster" releases.

killer7 is not just turning up at the prom in jeans. It hired the limousine, the expensive tuxedo, pulled the most-attractive girl in school and organised the after party – at the frickin' Playboy Mansion. Sure, the girl has every chance of leaving with the captain of the football team and people may poke fun at its alternative dress sense or new-wave hairstyle, but it can at least rest easy with the knowledge that it worked harder than anyone else there. It put in the work and people should at least admire the results.

It's brave, original and brilliant. I dare say we won't see another videogame like it in a good few years – possibly ever. The fact is, while killer7 isn't necessarily an exceptional game, it is one of the finest experiences you can expect from this medium.

GAME's Verdict

• The most unusual and creative game of the year.
• A compelling, mature and intriguing narrative.
• The hardest-working videogame in ages.

• Perhaps a little too mature for some people.
• The game isn't as remarkable as its looks.
• Unfortunately, not everyone is going to get its significance.

Review by: Scot Bennett
Version Tested: GameCube
Review Published: 27.07.05