Singularity kicks off sometime during the 1950’s, where Russian experiments with a mysterious element known as E-99 were taking place on Katorga-12, an island which technically doesn’t exist. After a disaster known as the “Singularity” occurs, the island is covered up and omitted from history. Jump to 2010 – This is where things get interesting, as you take control of Nate Renko, Black Ops specialist whose helicopter goes down on the supposedly non-existent island. Renko learns the island is constantly shifting between the 50’s and 2010. While a brief stint in the 50’s Renko saves a man who should’ve died. Jump back to 2010 and this man has now become a fascist world leader bent on destruction. Now Renko, along with the TMD (Time Manipulation Device), must travel through times and fix the course of history which he himself changed. It may sound awfully confusing, but the time-travelling antics and action vs. consequence theme of the game are its high-points with the entire experience delivering a compelling and intriguing narrative.

Singularity mixes up the traditional FPS formula by incorperating the TMD or Time Manipulation Device. With the TMD, players are able to rapidly age or regenerate objects and enemies within the environment, in order to give you an advntage in combat and to solve puzzles. The TMD also has a ability whereby you can literally freeze time in a spherical orb for brief periods. With a combination of all these functions players can cause some serious damage, like freezing enemies, filling them with bullets and quickly aging them into nothing but bones and dust within a few seconds. The puzzles are also pretty unique, and while they aren’t extremely challenging, they make great use of the time manipulating features of the game.

Although the TMD is a core feature of the game, there are a lot of other ways to dispose of enemies, such as an assault rifle, sniper-rifle, pistol and chain-gun which, always do the trick. Along-side these traditional FPS weapons are also a few new ones. The Seeker is a gun which bullets can be controlled and directed after they are shot; while the Grenade Launcher allows you to drop a grenade and roll it into holes and rooms via the remote controlled weapon. Weapons and abilities can also be upgraded at certain inventory points which adds some nice progression, and this being said, Singularity definitely brings a varied aresenal for players to enjoy throughout the campaign.

While the game jumps back in time, the visuals definitely do not. Running on the Unreal Engine, Singularity looks great, but thanks to interesting creature designs, awesome particle effects during regenerating/degenerating and objected littered hallways, the game creates a compelling and unique atmosphere that pulls you in from the get-go.

Singularity is definitely one of the most interesting and entertaining shooters of the year. It may initially appear familiar to those who’ve played Bioshock and Half-Life, but Singularity creates a unique personality for itself with a phenomenal story, intriguing level design and time-manipulating mechanics. Your time will not be wasted with Singularity.