Dead to Rights 2

PS2, Xbox

Jack Slate and Shadow. When I look at the cover, it kind of reminds me of Turner and Hooch much darker and with more gun battles. The game industry as well as movies seem to be digging the whole prequel thing, so this game is no different. Slate returns only to go back into his past and hit the streets of Grant City with his best friend…and crime’s worst nightmare.

Since the release of the Matrix, bullet time has been something that people apparently want to see more and more. In Dead to Rights 2, it’s back once again. The use of this ability is so you can get an advantage when firing at your opponents. It can save your life. I remember diving off the top of a building and taking down at least five people before they could even get one shot off. The use of slow motion diving is a great way to turn a bad situation in your favor.

The voiceovers could use a little work. It’s believable to hear Jack speak, but it gets annoying when enemies start to talk smack to you. I can only take being called “boy” so many times, among other names.

No matter how many weapons Jack can use, there’s always a great weapon at your disposal: your partner, Shadow. Shadow is a great way to get you out of messy situations. I found myself pinned down by at least five people and can command Shadow to take them all down. Shadow attacks are based on how filled your adrenaline gauge is, so make sure you keep it pretty full. A full one can instantly kill a guy. Shadow can also do handy tricks such as retrieve weapons for you.

Other main staples in the game are disarms and human shield maneuvers Jack can use. The disarms are always good eye candy. The way Jack takes another person’s gun and uses it to kill them looks so fluid in motion. The human shield would be a good option to use, if only it worked. I took several shields, yet I still lose life quickly. With the number of enemies in an area, you have to kill fast without getting blasted yourself while you’re scurrying around looking for extra health.

Dead to Rights 2 is a fun action game. If you like those tough, “don’t take guff from no one” cop movies, then I would recommend you rent this game.

Grade: C