Dead to Rights
Score: 85% ESRB: Mature Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Media: GCD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Shooter
Graphics & Sound: Graphically, Dead to Rights looks pretty nice on the GameCube console. There are a few clipping issues in the game, but for the most part, the environments look outstanding. Player models look pretty good as well, from the star of the game, Jack Slate, to his stripper girl friend. You will also be treated to some explosions throughout the game, and many, many (too many) cut scenes. The in-game sound fx in Namco's latest are pretty well done. Bullets that whiz past your head really do whiz past your head. However, something has gone terribly wrong with the voice acting. Sure, it's bearable. But it's also laughable. If there weren't so many damn cut scenes, it wouldn't be as big of a deal. But when you're forced to watch more than you are able to play (or so it seems at times), you should at least be treated to a decent 'movie.' This just isn't the case with Dead to Rights. In addition, you will find that some of the scenes in the game have characters who talk, but their mouths don't move. This is a neat trick, but I'm afraid it doesn't go very far in 'the real world.'
Gameplay: If you've never seen the game in action, Dead to Rights is a straight-outta-your-favorite-action-movie shooter. You are Jack Slate (even his name sounds oh-so-Hollywood), and you're a cop on a mission. That mission is to avenge your father's death. In your way, however, are oodles and oodles of henchmen and bosses just waiting to get a piece of your action. Fortunately, man's best friend is at your side, and the two of you can bust it up in 15 levels of mayhem. Throughout each level, you'll encounter puzzles, mini-games, and tons of baddies waiting around every corner. And although Dead to Rights does have a deep storyline, the game thrives on cutthroat run-and-gun action. Using a variety of weapons, ranging from pistols and shotguns to machine guns and exploding canisters, you or your K-9 sidekick, Shadow, will have to mow through enemies quickly and efficiently to finally reach your goal. One of the great features of the game includes the target-locking system to shoot at enemies. Each gun has its own range, so using each in the right situation is the key. But it's not all about using your hardware either. Another method of destruction is to send Shadow in to do the dirty work for you. It's unfortunate, however, that Shadow only appears when you summon him, and his attacks are automatic kills, so keeping him alive is not an issue at all. But the greatest asset to completing the game comes solely in the form of using your head. Even though it's great fun to enter a room with your guns blazing, it's not very practical. Instead, you will need to learn to effectively use the Max Payne/Matrix-style slow motion feature to take out enemies without taking damage yourself. And finally comes the best feature of all. You can also use the evil henchmen as body shields by grabbing them with one hand and shooting others with a gun in your other hand. There are a lot of cool features in Dead to Rights that make the game a sure winner. However, even though the mini-games lend a break from the action, the main part of the game is still a bit monotonous. And, once you get the feel for the game and use your head as much as you use your weapons, it's easy to see why playing 15 chapters in the story just isn't enough. These chapters actually take place within the same levels, too, so it's easy to feel a bit cheated in this respect. Had there been more true levels, and had the enemies been a bit more challenging, Dead to Rights would have been a killer game (no pun intended ... okay, maybe just a little).
Difficulty: Dead to Rights contains three difficulty levels: Rookie, Normal, and Super Cop. While Super Cop is harder, I was able to relatively easily burn through the game pretty quickly playing on the Normal setting. The key isn't so much on the difficulty level, but more on mastering the proper techniques to make your way through the game. In fact, you'll probably find that fist-fighting the baddies in certain levels can be more difficult than entering a room full of guys firing at you. Remember that using your resources is the key to success in Dead to Rights.
Game Mechanics: In this, my first review of any kind for the GameCube, I learned that the GC controller really does feel nice in my hands. So I was happy, then, that Dead to Rights makes great use of all buttons in a manner that makes controlling Jake Slate second-nature. In fact, when you first start the game, you'll actually be taken through a tutorial level, where you will quickly learn each and every move that Slate can perform. Namco did a fine job in configuring the controller, especially in using the C-Stick to control which enemy you are locked onto. It's too bad that Dead to Rights has to have any downside to it, because the fun factor of the game is definitely high. Had there been fewer cut-scenes, better voice-acting, and a bit more variety in the levels, Dead to Rights would have been a must-have. As it is, however, it is a must-rent, with the option to buy. Dead to Rights is a quality game that many people are sure to fall in love with.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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