Broken Helix

Plot

Set in a fictionalized Area 51 during 2026, the story follows Marine explosives expert Jake Burton, voiced by Bruce Campbell. When Jake was nine, his father—a scientist at the base—died in a plane crash alongside ten other researchers while en route to work. Afterward, the government denied Area 51’s existence. Years later, Jake receives a phone call from an unnamed man who claims to have known his father well, and he is deployed to the base.

Jake’s mission, assigned by the Sarge, is to disarm bombs planted on levels one and two. A scientist named Fitz demands two million dollars in unmarked bills, a private jet, and a televised interview, setting a twenty-minute countdown. A platoon of six Marines, commanded by the sinister Black Dawn, is ordered to “clean things up” after Jake finishes. Black Dawn’s team includes Tonka, Sweetie, and three lesser Marines: Frick, Frank, and an unnamed soldier.

The first bomb is found in the men’s bathroom on Level 1 for unknown reasons, and Jake defuses it. He then deactivates automated guns on Level 2 via the Satlink before heading down to disarm the second bomb. Afterward, Jake is told to hold his position, while Black Dawn receives orders to kill him.

A mysterious helper warns Jake of this betrayal. A strange field surrounds the base, blocking all outside radio contact. At this point, the player has four possible endings.

Plot 1

Jake encounters reporter Sara Compton, who provides a satellite link amplifier and a key for an express elevator to the Satlink. After installing the amplifier, the mysterious man reveals Project Broken Helix and gives Jake a password to access its file. Jake retrieves the file from the Level 3 Lab and delivers it to Fitz in the Command Centre on Level 4. Black Dawn and his team burst in, killing Fitz.

On Level 6, Jake meets scientist Reese, who explains why Jake’s father was murdered. Reese leads him to Level 7 and shows him the truth: the subjects’ DNA is unraveling rapidly, causing strange mutations. Freezing them was the only way to halt the process until a cure could be found.

Reception

Broken Helix split critics. Most liked how the story unfolded, but the visuals and gameplay drew fire. The biggest headache was the grainy polygons, weak lighting, and stiff over-the-shoulder camera, which often left players unable to see clearly. Control problems were also flagged, and a review that ran in both IGN and Next Generation noted that the camera's detection was glitchy, sometimes causing an instant game over through no fault of the player.

The humor earned praise, especially Bruce Campbell's deadpan line readings, though Next Generation and Electronic Gaming Monthly's Shawn Smith felt every other voice actor was over-the-top and grating. What won over most reviewers was the clever, branching storyline. Many argued that the narrative made the game worth playing despite its flaws. GameSpot's Josh Smith called it a complex web of plotlines in a 3D shooter/adventure where the control and graphical shortcomings are offset by the story's twists and tough real-time challenges.

GamePro agreed, saying the so-so action gameplay needs repair, but science fiction sleuths may find the plot twists and turns a compelling turn-on.

Did You Know?

• The main character Jake Burton is voiced by Bruce Campbell, known for his role in the Evil Dead series.
• In one ending, if Jake fails to help the alien queen, she says she has 'no more use' for him and blows up Earth from her UFO.