Blackwater (video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Zombie Studios |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Blackwater (video game) |
| Parent | 505 Games (publisher) |
Blackwater is a first-person shooter created by Zombie Studios, placing players in the role of contractors from Blackwater Worldwide. Unveiled at E3 2011, it launched the same year on Xbox 360 under the publishing of 505 Games. This title stands out as the inaugural Kinect-compatible shooter, employing the Unreal Engine 3 to deliver an engaging gameplay experience.
Gameplay
The game’s narrative unfolds in a fictional town located in North Africa, where players command operatives assigned to defend aid workers and VIPs against a warlord known as General Limbano. Its on-rails shooting mechanics are reminiscent of arcade classics like Virtua Cop and Time Crisis, requiring players to aim by hovering over targets and seek cover through crouching or leaning movements.
Playable characters include Devin, Baird, Smash, and Eddie, each equipped with distinct firearms: assault rifles for Devin and Baird, a shotgun for Smash, and a sniper rifle for Eddie. Richard Dormer from Zombie Studios explained that the game prioritizes survival and protection missions over heroic exploits, highlighting Blackwater’s flawless record in successfully safeguarding individuals.
Gamers have the option to engage using conventional controllers or the Kinect’s hands-free system, which intensifies immersion within the FPS category. Core gameplay elements encompass actions such as jumping across gaps, forced door entries, and melee defense through kicks. Ian Howe, president of 505 Games, emphasized Kinect’s capability to deeply involve players in simulated elite combat scenarios.
Development
Erik Prince partnered with 505 Games to develop and publish this title with the goal of crafting an immersive Kinect experience that simulates Blackwater team operations without exposing players to actual combat dangers. Prince clarified that this product is intended purely for entertainment rather than as military training, comparing it to children’s role-playing games like cops and robbers. Collaboration between 505 Games, Prince, Zombie Studios, and former Blackwater personnel aimed to authentically capture mission intensity. Prince also viewed this release as a potential foundation for a franchise.
Reception
Blackwater was met with predominantly unfavorable critiques, holding an average rating of 38.45% on GameRankings and scoring 37 out of 100 on Metacritic. The Official Xbox Magazine provided a somewhat mixed yet generally favorable assessment (7/10), acknowledging the Kinect controls positively despite issues such as predictable enemy behavior and frequent level restarts. GameSpot noted its physical engagement aspect, suggesting it could double as casual exercise while delivering shooter gameplay.
In contrast, GamesRadar awarded it a 1/10 score, condemning its inability to offer satisfying Kinect functionality. James Newton from KINECTaku rated it 5/10, praising its pacing but describing it as "a gun game missing a gun." Blackwater also received the dubious distinction of "worst game of the year" for 2011 by Giant Bomb.