May 03, 2005 - Restricted Area is German-based studio master creating's action RPG set in the year 2083. Pollution has turned most of Earth into a contaminated desert and wasteland. The global government is ineffective, which allows the leading corporations to act outside the law with virtual impunity. The game shipped in Europe last year, receiving very favorable notices, and will be available in North America later this month.

Commendations
The playable characters are a former task force agent and weapons expert, a beautiful woman with psionic powers, an Asian martial arts master and a female computer expert who is protected by a flying drone. An unusual twist is that each progresses through the story, which involves the other three, in a somewhat different manner, allowing you to experience it from different perspectives. Each of the quartet has a distinctive set of skills; there are some 75 in all. In addition, you can acquire a broad range of cyberware and bioware devices that boost various abilities. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode adds even more possibilities.

Reservations
Despite the upbeat reaction in Europe, Restricted Area hasn't been particularly visible in North America, so the level of anticipation is rather modest. The isometric visuals, powered by the developer's proprietary engine, are a mixed bag, with the fully zoomed out view being more agreeable than close up. The team's decision to implement computer-generated sub-quests and levels also has pros and cons, offering theoretically unlimited play but risking a certain sense of repetitiveness or sameness.

Considerations
It's odd to describe a title that shipped several months ago as a potential sleeper, but this seems to be the most appropriate way to encapsulate Restricted Area's situation in the North American market. We know master creating has crafted a solid game. All that remains is making sure potential players are aware of it.

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[First Views are intended to provide initial impressions. Unlike our full previews, they do not require trying different characters, strategies et al. They may be based on limited playing time, presentations, demos, previously revealed information et al. - Ed.]