XIII (2003)

The main pros of the game

• Unique Visual Style: The cel-shaded comic book graphics are widely praised for their charm and creativity, making the game visually distinct and appealing even years after its release.
• Engaging Story: The narrative, centered around conspiracy and espionage, is captivating and reminiscent of spy thrillers, with many users appreciating the intriguing plot twists and character backstories.
• Variety in Gameplay: The game features a mix of stealth and action, with diverse levels and gameplay mechanics, including the use of gadgets like a grappling hook and environmental interactions (e.g., using objects as weapons).
• Soundtrack: The music, often described as fitting the spy genre, enhances the game's atmosphere and adds to the overall experience.
• Nostalgia Factor: Many players have fond memories of the game from their childhood, contributing to its status as a beloved classic.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Users report numerous bugs, including crashes, sound problems (especially in cutscenes), and poor optimization for modern systems, making the game frustrating to play at times.
• Save System: The checkpoint-based save system is criticized for being frustratingly sparse, often forcing players to replay long sections of the game after failing.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Some players find the shooting mechanics inconsistent and the stealth elements poorly executed, leading to a preference for more direct combat approaches.
• Boss Fights: Boss encounters are generally seen as tedious and poorly designed, often requiring repetitive attempts to overcome.

Conclusion

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved Save Options: Users desire more modern save features, such as autosave or manual save points that are more forgiving.
• Better Stealth Mechanics: Many reviews suggest that the stealth system could be refined to make it more rewarding and less frustrating.
• Enhanced Combat Mechanics: Players express a wish for improved aiming and shooting mechanics to make gunplay feel more satisfying and less clunky.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions include modernizing the game to run better on current systems without extensive manual configuration, as well as fixing bugs that hinder gameplay experiences.

Summary

• Overall, while XIII - Classic is celebrated for its artistic style and engaging story, it suffers from technical issues and outdated mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Many players recommend it for nostalgia and its unique qualities, but with caveats regarding its gameplay limitations.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025