| Type | First-person action game |
| Genre | Sci-fi neo-noir |
| Series | Condemned: Criminal Origins • Condemned 2: Bloodshot |
| Themes | Crime • drug abuse • conspiracy • violence |
| Gameplay | Combat • investigation • exploration |
| Developer | |
| Platforms | Xbox 360 • Microsoft Windows |
| Publisher | |
| Protagonist | |
| Release dates | 2005 (Xbox 360) • 2006 (PC) |
| Critical response | Strongly positive |
"Condemned" was a first-person action game series developed by Scarface & Associates and released between 2003 and 2010. The games were notable for their highly stylized, cel-shaded graphics, brutal combat, and dark, mature storytelling.
"Condemned" combined elements of first-person shooter, beat 'em up, and stealth gameplay to create an intense, fast-paced experience. Players took on the role of a former special forces soldier named Gabriel "Gabe" Washington. Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Gabe turned vigilante in a desperate attempt to clear his name and uncover the conspiracy behind his betrayal.
Gabe's combat skills were key to the gameplay. Players had access to a wide variety of melee weapons, firearms, and environmental objects to use in battle. The game's physics system enabled creative and improvisational combos to take down enemies in a fluid, intuitive way. Enemies included thugs, gangsters, corrupt cops, and government agents.
A unique feature of "Condemned" was its non-linear level design. Players could choose different routes through the game world, each with their own advantages, risks, and rewards. This open-ended structure allowed for a high level of replayability and player choice.
The "Condemned" series was known for its highly distinctive visual style. Developed using a cel-shaded, 3D graphical engine, the games blended realistic proportions, textures, and lighting with comic-book-style black outlines, colors, and shading. The result was a striking, vivid look that was instantly recognizable and critically acclaimed.
"Condemned" stood out for its mature, cynical take on its futuristic urban settings and characters. The world of the game was dark, gritty, and violent, with rampant crime, corruption, and drug abuse. Player actions had consequences, with innocent bystanders easily caught in the crossfire and moral choices needing to be made. The storylines dealt with heavy themes like betrayal, revenge, and the cost of power.
Despite the grim subject matter, the "Condemned" narrative and dialogue also had a layer of gallows humor and irreverence, which added a surreal, satirical edge.
"Condemned" was admired by critics and gamers for its innovative gameplay and style. It spawned several sequels, each building on the core ideas of the original while adding new mechanics, settings, and weapons. The series was critically acclaimed across the board, winning numerous awards.
Despite its positive reception, the "Condemned" series remained a non-mainstream or "cult" favorite. It was overshadowed by more popular first-person action franchises like Half-Life, Call of Duty, and Doom.
The last title in the series, "Condemned: Paradise Lost" was released in 2010. Since then, no further installments have been announced or planned. However, fans of the series continue to play, discuss, and explore its intriguing, provocative world.
