Games Database
PS2
Adventure
| Also for: | Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Namco | Soft. Co.: | Namco |
| Publishers: | Electronic Arts
(GB) |
Released: | 22 Aug 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 16+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card | ||
| Features: | Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only | ||
Summary
Debuting on the Xbox in February, this action adventure from Namco has finally made its way on to the PlayStation 2. Inspired by a combination of Hong Kong action movies and the much-parodied gumshoe detective novels, Dead to Rights tells the story of a guy called Jack Slate who (to be spoken in the style of the guy who does all the film trailers) is a 'good cop' in a 'bad city', 'forced to be a fugitive and fight for his life.'
The game is set in the fictional Grant City, USA - a once-bustling gold mining town gone corrupt - and begins with protagonist Jack arriving at a murder scene only to discover that the victim is actually his father. Okay, not a smidgen of originality so far but stay tuned. Following this shocking discovery, Jack then embarks on a quest to find the killer(s) but, in a rather unfortunate twist of fate, becomes framed for the murder himself. The plot thickens.
The game itself features a whole host of film-inspired, on-screen action, including diving, rolling, punching, and kicking, all performed in a variety of over-the-top ways. Jack is accompanied throughout his adventure by a pooch called Shadow who, living up to the name 'man's best friend', helps Jack investigate crime scenes, sniffs out bombs, retrieves weapons and attacks enemies.
At the heart of the game lies an extensive combat engine, which was designed to recreate the much-vaunted movie-style action. As well as having an impressive array of hand-to-hand moves at his disposal, Jack can also perform such stunts as disarming manoeuvres, to obtain weapons from enemies, and using opponents as human shields. Throughout the duration of the story, there are also a few mini-games to be found, in a similar vein to Shenmue, such as arm wrestling, bench press and dance-key input.
With development staff credited on such films as The Matrix, Fight Club and Resident Evil, Dead to Rights should please a great many gamers with its big screen action style and strong narrative. The storyline itself is unlikely to be dissected by English Lit graduates, but who cares?
The game is set in the fictional Grant City, USA - a once-bustling gold mining town gone corrupt - and begins with protagonist Jack arriving at a murder scene only to discover that the victim is actually his father. Okay, not a smidgen of originality so far but stay tuned. Following this shocking discovery, Jack then embarks on a quest to find the killer(s) but, in a rather unfortunate twist of fate, becomes framed for the murder himself. The plot thickens.
The game itself features a whole host of film-inspired, on-screen action, including diving, rolling, punching, and kicking, all performed in a variety of over-the-top ways. Jack is accompanied throughout his adventure by a pooch called Shadow who, living up to the name 'man's best friend', helps Jack investigate crime scenes, sniffs out bombs, retrieves weapons and attacks enemies.
At the heart of the game lies an extensive combat engine, which was designed to recreate the much-vaunted movie-style action. As well as having an impressive array of hand-to-hand moves at his disposal, Jack can also perform such stunts as disarming manoeuvres, to obtain weapons from enemies, and using opponents as human shields. Throughout the duration of the story, there are also a few mini-games to be found, in a similar vein to Shenmue, such as arm wrestling, bench press and dance-key input.
With development staff credited on such films as The Matrix, Fight Club and Resident Evil, Dead to Rights should please a great many gamers with its big screen action style and strong narrative. The storyline itself is unlikely to be dissected by English Lit graduates, but who cares?
Artwork
