Binary Domain Review (DreadNaught_002)
This recommendation comes with a major asterisk: only play Binary Domain if you're a big fan of third-person shooters. It's a game that's only really going to work for people who already enjoy the genre, and even then, it's not necessarily a game that'll appeal to everyone.
That said, there are a lot of good ideas here: the underlying concept makes for some fun sci-fi, and the visual feedback from tearing through robots is second-to-none. Level design ranges from OK to great, and there are enough charismatic characters to outweigh the obnoxious ones. The plot is also decent - especially if you like a bit of camp tossed in with your high-concept science fiction - but it's hardly a classic.
The biggest shame is that so many of Binary Domain's bigger ideas fall flat. Building up the relationships between your teammates is a novel concept, but there are zero real gameplay implications, and the narrative changes feel disconnected from the player's action. There was a bunch of hype behind the voice command system, but without a mic, it can often feel like you're guessing which response will boost a teammate's trust. It's not enough to ruin the game - or even feel like much of a nuisance at all - but the game ends and it feels like there was a lot of potential left on the table.
Still, for fans of third-person shooters, it's worth grabbing on sale for a few dollars. At the very least, there's enough style here to merit a playthrough - just don't expect a life-changing experience.