HORROR CLASSICS – CONDEMNED: CRIMINAL ORIGINS

     Condemned: Criminal Origins was a fairly groundbreaking horror title when it first came out during the early Xbox 360 era. In Condemned, players assume the role of Ethan Thomas, an FBI Agent assigned a case involving a ruthless serial killer. As part of the Special Crimes Unit, Ethan has access to advanced forensic tools to aid him in his investigation. Ethan must venture to some of the filthiest, darkest, most depraved places in the city as he continues his investigation. Crime Scene analysis segments are fascinating and help the player feel immersed into the world of criminal investigations.

     The enemies in the game are ruthless, vagrants with a thirst for violence. Combat is up-close, personal, and bone crunchingly brutal. Just about anything that you can pick up can be used as a weapon, with heavy iron pipes being a frequent tool of choice. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that this serial killer is no ordinary man, and that some malevolent force is at work. The story is a fascinating tale, and holds up respectably well with some of the classic crime thriller shows and movies. If you are a fan of the crime thriller genre, definitely check out Condemned: Criminal Origins. The title is playable on Xbox One via Backwards Compatibility.