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The
first Dead to Rights game was a pleasant surprise for action game fans. The
PS2 version was released first and received good scores while the other
console versions (Xbox & GC) received even better scores. With the sequel
Namco is looking to keep the new franchise going strong with some new
features, new story and better graphics.Jack Slate and his dog companion Shadow return in the sequel. Jack returns to Grant City to rescue an innocent girl. During the process of rescuing the girl Jack will uncover a story just as dark as Grant City. Jack will have to use all the moves and weapons at his disposal to rescue the girl and uncover the truth.
The game on display at E3 was running on PS2 and allowed you to try out a few of the new moves at Jack’s disposal. The beginning of the game had Jack pinned down by several baddies and Jack has to make his way through the stage. The controls are laid out similar to the first game so Dead to Right veterans shouldn’t have a problem picking up and playing. For new fans there will be a time of adjustment to get used to the controls. If you want to run around and shoot the enemies you can but you won’t last long.
In the E3 demo you can hid behind boxes and crates to protect yourself from the enemy. One cool feature in the demo was the fact that these items can be destroyed so you won’t be able to hid behind the items forever. The game even includes disarm moves that gives you the opportunity to disarm a baddie. Once you’ve disarmed the baddie you can even use him as a human shield against the enemy. Another feature is the ability to pick up and use melee weapons such as bats, pipes and other items you find in a stage.
The graphics looked great and improved on the original Dead to Rights game. The game is presented in a 3rd Person perspective that allows you to see almost everything on stage at one time. The game still includes a bullet time like effect that allows you to slow down the action. The demo at E3 showed off this feature and it still worked flawlessly. But the demo at E3 was tough, at least to this reviewer. If you think you can just blow everything up to make it through a level you won’t stay alive for long, as I found out quickly. You need to use the items located on each stage to your advantage and use all of the moves in your arsenal. But if you're looking for a great action game with a very cinematic feel to it then look for Dead to Rights II in the Fall of 2004.
