Clive Barker's Jericho
- October 23, 2007
- MercurySteam
"Clive Barker's Jericho" is a single-player horror shooter game with an intriguing story and excellent game mechanics, featuring stunning graphics and a very atmospheric environment. Players lead the Jericho Team, a specialized squad, in a fight against evil through a lost city. The game provides a unique and captivating horror experience, straight from the mind of screen legend Clive Barker.
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Great atmosphere and music that captures a Hellraiser vibe, appealing to Clive Barker and horror fans.
- Unique gameplay mechanic allowing players to switch between characters with different abilities, enhancing strategy and replayability.
- Engaging storyline with interesting characters and a mix of horror and action elements.
- Short gameplay length, typically around 5-6 hours, which may leave players wanting more.
- Poor AI for squadmates, leading to frustrating moments where players must constantly revive incapacitated teammates.
- Linear level design and repetitive enemy encounters detract from the overall experience.
- story63 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of "Clive Barker's Jericho" is a unique blend of horror and action, following a team of paranormal soldiers on a quest to stop an apocalyptic threat across time and alternate realities. While the narrative is engaging and atmospheric, with strong character concepts and a compelling premise, it suffers from predictability, linearity, and a lackluster ending. Overall, the game is praised for its intriguing storyline and immersive graphics, though some players find the execution and character dynamics lacking.
“The story follows Jericho Squad, a team of paranormal soldiers from the Occult Warfare Department, and their quest in a paranormal dimension.”
“I think the strongest point of the game is the actual story, the actual journey through time and alternate realities filled with dystopia and hopelessness.”
“Written by the horror film director Clive Barker, the story, dialogue, and characters are excellent, and excluding the dull ending, the plot is magnificent entertainment.”
“I myself enjoyed this game for its graphic character concepts and levels, as most Clive Barker things are quite fantastic; however, even noteworthy voice actors can't save the unapologetically linear levels, cookie-cutter characters (old veteran with something to hide, lesbian stereotype, big guy is aggressive), predictable story, and repetitive enemy encounters.”
“The plot is a complete throwaway and it cuts to credits before any sort of ending comes about.”
“This story was written by a 10-year-old... front to back... juvenile.”
- graphics29 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their impressive quality, especially considering its 2007 release, with many reviewers noting the unique, dark atmosphere and well-rendered visuals that enhance the overall experience. While some describe the graphics as somewhat dated, they still hold up well against more recent titles, contributing to the game's immersive storytelling and intense gameplay. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, adding depth to the game's themes and character designs.
“Its graphics are truly amazing; it has a very unique creepy atmosphere, and its movie-like sequences enhance the experience further.”
“Full controller support and beautiful graphics even compared to games coming out today; this title is a must-have for any collection.”
“The graphics are insanely well-rendered: the walls, the ground, the weapons, the sky, and the faces of monsters create an overall bleak atmosphere.”
“Graphically, the game is somewhat dated, but despite being a console-focused game, it looks like a pure PC experience.”
“The graphical style is very dark and foreboding throughout the game.”
“Fun game; it's a little bit old, but the graphics aren't that bad.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring unique mechanics such as character swapping and squad-based elements that enhance replayability, but it suffers from linear levels, poor AI, and frustrating mechanics. While some players find the gameplay fun and engaging, with a solid storyline and atmospheric visuals, others criticize it for being overly simplistic and flawed. Overall, it offers an entertaining experience with interesting concepts, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its challenges and inconsistencies.
“The plot may be pretty far-fetched and the gameplay can be a bit challenging, but the concept of swapping between a team of witches (and warlocks, if you want to get technical) at any time to combat the enemy is a pretty unique concept.”
“Well made visuals and a driving storyline puts this one on the map, and gameplay is meaty and visceral, providing a challenge with even the smallest skirmishes, though it may tend to tire out the trigger finger of those not used to pumping half a clip into each respective enemy.”
“Moderate-minimal replayability, the gameplay is fun since you have a squad of psychic soldiers whom you may possess and control.”
“Poor gameplay mechanics, linear levels, and some of the worst AI I have ever seen in my life make this game unbearable at times.”
“Clive Barker's game has excellent atmosphere but boring gameplay.”
“The game mechanics can be very confusing.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique, creepy, and immersive qualities, enhanced by stunning graphics and a haunting soundtrack that evoke Clive Barker's signature horror style. Reviewers note that the combination of intense visuals, a compelling storyline, and effective sound design creates a foreboding and engaging experience, making it particularly appealing to fans of horror and Barker's work. Overall, the atmosphere is described as powerful and polished, contributing significantly to the game's appeal despite some criticisms of gameplay.
“Its graphics are truly amazing; it has a very unique creepy atmosphere, and its movie-like sequences enhance the experience further.”
“The atmosphere and music just set the mood for this game, not to mention the legendary Clive Barker helping out with the storyline.”
“Very atmospheric and beautiful game, with a good storyline and game mechanics.”
“The graphics are insanely well-rendered: the walls, the ground, the floor, the weapons, the sky, the faces of monsters and hominids. The overall bleak atmosphere makes you want to turn into a Jesus freak just to be slightly psychically alleviated from this non-stop 10-hour journey through the darkest pages of the Bible.”
“Powerful graphics help tell the story and convey drama, while dysfunctional and unfashionable taunts among the team members provide tension and an atmosphere of foreboding.”
“It's drenched in atmosphere, and everything feels polished.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the horror experience with a gothic Gregorian choir and orchestral elements. While some players noted the repetitive nature of certain music clips, the overall soundtrack is considered a standout feature that complements the game's intense and immersive environment. Fans of Clive Barker and horror genres will particularly appreciate the haunting melodies that contribute to the game's mood.
“Really nice game... must buy for Clive Barker's fans and horror fans too... really nice music with a Hellraiser atmosphere.”
“Another game that kinda went under the radar... the atmosphere and music just sets the mood for this game, not to mention the legendary Mr. Clive Barker helping out with the storyline of the game.”
“The gold, however, is the soundtrack... a gothic Gregorian choir and orchestra makes the environment all the better.”
“There is nothing after them and the whole time it plays about a 30-second clip of music on loop.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel stale after a short time.”
“The soundtrack is underwhelming and fails to enhance the overall experience of the game.”
- stability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a high level of stability, with no glitches, lags, or crashes experienced during gameplay. The game runs smoothly at 60fps, indicating solid performance across different systems.
“I haven't had any trouble with it so far, no glitches and no lags.”
“I played from beginning to end, 60fps, no glitches, no crashes (Windows 8 64-bit).”
“Runs great; movement is solid.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability due to its linear gameplay and the ability to control a squad of psychic soldiers, which adds a layer of fun. While it lacks traditional gameplay elements like health kits or secrets, this straightforward design enhances its arcade-like replayability.
“It makes the game interesting; gameplay-wise, it is very linear, so this option somewhat increases its replayability.”
“Moderate to minimal replayability, but the gameplay is fun since you have a squad of psychic soldiers whom you can possess and control.”
“There are no gimmicks to the game, such as health kits, ammo pickups, or secrets, which I actually like. It's totally linear and search-free, making it easily replayable in an arcade way.”
“It makes the game interesting as gameplay-wise it is very linear, so this option somewhat increases its replayability.”
“There are no gimmicks to the game - such as health kits, ammo pickups, or secrets, which I actually like - totally linear and search-free, which makes it easily replayable in an arcade way.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of absurdity and creepiness, primarily stemming from the brief glimpse of reality at the start, which contrasts sharply with the rest of the game's surreal environment. This juxtaposition creates a unique comedic effect that resonates with players.
“The funny thing is that, aside from seeing some footage of our reality for about 15 seconds at the beginning of the game, you don't really see any of our own world.”
“It's just funny and very creepy.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, highlighting a sense of camaraderie and belonging that makes them feel like long-time members of a squad. This deep engagement enhances the overall gaming experience, fostering strong emotional ties to the characters and narrative.
“I've never played a game that has made me feel like I've been a member of a squad for years.”
“The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal.”
“I was moved to tears by the storyline; it felt like I was living through the characters' experiences.”
