BlackSite: Area 51, Midway’s impressive FPS based on the classic lightgun arcade game, has suffered from some unfortunate multiplayer content cuts, according to a recent IGN preview. While all versions of the game will no longer support the much-hyped online co-op, these cuts have hit the PS3 the hardest. Xbox 360 owners will still be able to play either ranked or unranked matches, as well as utilize a proximity-based voice chat feature allowing members of the opposing team to overhear confidential tactics, but PS3 players are out of luck. At this point, there’s still a slim possibility the PC version may escape unharmed, but I wouldn’t hold out too much hope.
At least the game’s Unreal 3 engine-powered single player campaign still looks fantastic, and standard multiplayer modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, as well as new multiplayer game types like Abduction remain intact. With less than three weeks before BlackSite’s November 12 release, hopefully no more features are left on the cutting room floor. The game will need every advantage it can get in a holiday season saturated with excellent FPS offerings.
