The LithTech engine does an excellent job bringing the world of NOLF to life. From a distance, walls look flat but up close there are pockmarks and flaws that make it seem real. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor missions and everything moves at a good clip. Each level is self-contained once a level is loaded there is no waiting for other sections to load up which is a good way to maintain the pace of each level. Levels range from a small office complex to a space station, but whatever the setting, each looks realistic.
Characters look good too, but most are over the top renditions.
Speaking of characters, there are a lot of them and they all have something to say mostly funny exchanges between themselves. As you approach corners you ll often hear two technicians or guards talking about their lives or the latest HARM policies. The dialogue is funny and a good way to break some of the tension but step out from cover and they will notice you, shout for reinforcements or slap an alarm button. There are a lot of cutscenes to contend with but they are a good way to unwind after a particularly tense mission. Nowhere is this more evident when a HARM hand puppet makes ransom demands.