Hunter: The Reckoning - Xbox

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Also for: GameCube
Viewed: 3D Third-person, floating camera Genre:
Adventure
Shoot 'Em Up
Media: DVD Arcade origin:No
Developer: High Voltage Software Soft. Co.: Interplay
Publishers: Avalon Interactive (GB)
Released: 5 Jul 2002 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 18+, ESRB Mature 17+ (M)
Accessories: Xbox Memory Unit

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Summary

Apparently we live in a world surrounded by monsters. Taking the form of werewolves, vampires and the like, these demons are disguised as your everyday, regular citizens, their evil-doing normally explained away as rogue bear attacks or suspicious missing persons cases. Certain members of society, however, possess the ability to see through the deception, recognise the evil and are thus burdened with the responsibility of protecting the rest of humanity.

Set in a world that spawned from the popular pen-and-paper role playing game White Wolf, Hunter: The Reckoning presents such a world and, within it, players begin by choosing from four characters. Each character possesses unique moves, weapons and magical abilities, allowing for a tactical approach to the ensuing fights. With up to four players simultaneously, battle takes place across 23 different environments, including a derelict prison, a graveyard and a gothic church. The game engine is able to throw out up to 30 enemies on screen at one time, so things can get a bit frantic.

Graphically, Hunter impressively exploits the power that resides under the Xbox's hood. Commendable textures populate the environments, mist hovers in the graveyards and the sewer levels are notably slimy in appearance. Character detail has been intricately implemented, all the more noticeable when the camera zooms in on the action. Another nice touch is that all blood spilled remains throughout the game, so that, placing a rather morbid spin on Hansel and Gretel, you can mark areas where you've already been.

Hunter: The Reckoning has more of an emphasis on its multiplayer aspect than most titles. The game is more or less the same, no matter how many allies you start with, so there's a definite advantage to teaming up with your mates. Lives are pooled in multiplayer, presenting an element of compassion and, if friendly fire is turned on, making you more cautious about where you point your weapon.

For those of you with friends, this is definitely a worthy addition to your Xbox catalogue.