Carrier contains all the survival horror elements that we love. The problem is that it does not set it’s self apart from any other game and falls into a rut. It imitates Resident Evil, which is pulled off well but there is nothing new and you may be bored with the same old gameplay. And with the similar gameplay comes the similar level of unrealism. A positive note is that the graphics do look very smooth and of a high quality. Carrier is a modern day survival horror game set on as the name suggests an aircraft carrier, that and the fact that the ship has been infected with the weird plant growth that turns humans into a variety of flesh eating flowers. You are oblivious to this. Everything sounds fine then you find out that the carrier, named Heimdal has lost radio contact and you, Jack Ingles are sent in as a member of an elite S.P.A.R.K team. Things go from bad to worse as on approach the defensive guns that were supposed to be deactivated shoot you down.

Graphics: 8/10
The visuals are smooth and well drawn but the textures are bland and show no real detail. Metal surfaces shine as the camera shifts. Some of the curved objects show straight lines like your characters clothes but the levels look good. The plant growth you encounter whilst on the Heimdal looks good far away but if you get close enough it loses it’s quality.

Sound: 7/10
Spooky music or rather the lack of it haunts you as you creep around the dead ship. There are some nice sound effects for item collection and weapons but nothing to write home about. Jack looks the part with his 9mm and visor, but then you hear the first words that come from his mouth. His voice is annoying and George Lucas could have written the script. Some of the stuff he coughs up is terrible not to mention making him look like an arse.

Gameplay: 7/10
You have the confusing Resident Evil style controls that are no good for escaping an enemy quickly and Jack still keeps running on the spot even when you are up against a wall. To progress you explore, kill sailors and solve a few puzzles along the way. Gameplay is hardly taxing on the brain and is more boredom than fun. The enemies are detailed but aren’t as scary as other horror games and cause you no problems if you are the right distance away. There are though a lot of rooms and areas to explore, if you want to.

Overall: 7/10
There is nothing terrible about this game but if you have beaten Resident Evil into submission you might be hesitant about giving up your time to a game that is exactly the same. Nice visuals are a plus and if you are looking for a new survival horror challenge then you might like this.

Rent or Buy?
If you are into survival horror and have played all the titles in this genre on Dreamcast then buy Carrier and give it a go. Otherwise just leave it, you won’t be missing out on any new takes on the genre.