Hulk - GameCube

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Also for: PC, PS2, Xbox
Viewed: 3D First-person / Third-person Genre:
Adventure
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Radical Entertainment Soft. Co.: Universal Interactive Studios
Publishers: Vivendi (GB)
Released: 13 Jun 2003 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 12+, ESRB Teen 13+ (T)
Accessories: Memory Card

Summary

It won't surprise anyone to discover that the upcoming Hollywood super hero remake is to be accompanied by a cross-platform video game release. After all, it's pretty much the norm these days that the two should go hand-in-hand, especially following the recent Matrix film/game partnership. Also becoming the norm is the tendency for a game to compliment the film with a different story, rather than merely retell that of the film. Telling of events that take place one year on from the film, Hulk does just that, bringing us the story of trouble scientist Bruce Banner, his green and angry alter-ego, and their battle against the terrifying forces of the Leader, who is intent on using the Hulk's gamma energy to unleash a relentless army of gamma creatures on the world.

The game takes the form of a 3D, third-person adventure, which offers players two varying types of gameplay. Players take control of the famous transforming twosome, both of whom benefit from different abilities and must therefore carry out different objectives: Mild-mannered doctor Banner must use the powers of stealth and logic to overcome puzzles and other problems, whereas big fat Hulk has incredible strength and fury at his disposal. Hmm, so that means he destroys stuff, right? And people too.

30 extensive, highly detailed levels play host to the adventure in total, featuring both environments from the film and exclusive to the game. Being a game about a huge, angry and violent monster, it's only to be expected that each of these environments should be fully destructible - virtually anything can be manipulated, picked up, destroyed or used a weapon.

Speaking of the game's violence, players can master over 25 devastating attacks as they come up against the myriad foes, including such super attacks as the Sonic Clap and Gamma Slam. Although the former sounds more like an audibly-transmitted venereal disease, the Hulk's moves shouldn't be sniffed at, as players will need all their power and might when faced with the game's intense boss battles, which feature gamma-enhanced super villains like Flux, Rampage and Half Life.

It seems we have reached a point where film licenses are actually making for good games. Hulk is testament to that and will no doubt prove extremely successful, even if only from the mass of hype that will predictably surround the film's release.

Artwork

Hulk - GameCube Artwork