From Friday’s Weekend LOOK:
By Matthew Price
THE NEXT LEVEL
An alternate World War II is the starting point for “Turning Point: Fall of History,” a game that sounds better as an idea than it fares in execution.
In “Turning Point: Fall of History,” a game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and personal computers, a slight tweak is made to history. Winston Churchill, when still a low-ranking diplomat, was hit by a taxicab when visiting New York City. In our history, he recovered, although he walked with a cane for the rest of his life. But in “Turning Point,” the storyline assumes his injuries were more severe, leading to Churchill’s death.
With Churchill out of the picture, Britain wasn’t able to hold back the Nazi war machine, as Great Britain and Europe fall to Germany in 1940.
Germany continues to expand its reach, occupying parts of Russia and Asia. Now, Hitler sets his sights on the United States.
In “Turning Point,” the gamer takes on the role of Dan Carson. Carson is a New York City construction worker trying to make ends meet in this alternate early 1950s. When Germany attacks the United States, Carson becomes part of the resistance, using guerilla tactics to battle back the German advance.
The game sounds fascinating, but only looks mediocre. The graphics don’t tax the next-generation systems, and seem more appropriate for a PlayStation 2 title. The aiming controls aren’t precise, and the game’s artificial intelligence is pretty questionable.
On the positive side, the soundtrack is by Michael Giacchino (“Lost,” “Alias”) and is one of the game’s high points.
“Turning Point: Fall of Liberty” has an intriguing premise and great music, but only manages a so-so game.