Stranglehold Review for PlayStation 3

System: PS3, X360, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Tiger Hill Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Midway	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 29, 2007	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1, online mutiplayer	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Unfortunately, the graphics don't hold up the way they should have all the way around. By this I mean the environments look amazingly detailed; they would have to in order for the amount of destruction to look remotely believable, but the character models are not as spot on. This is a really unfortunate thing. When the environmental graphics look this pristine, I would have really liked the character models to look as sharp. With that said, these models are not the worst I have ever seen, but with a game that is supposed to be an accurate representation of the actual stars, it falls just a bit short.

Stranglehold screenshot

I cannot stress enough how vivid the environments look in the game, and every splintered chair is equally matched with the emotion felt in the music of the game. Now, it is nothing new to have a dynamic score for any type of game, but there is a level of magic felt in every beat of drum thumped through my speakers. I would almost say that the music is worthy of its own official soundtrack. To compliment the score, the voice-acting had to be top notch, and even though I would have rather heard the original Cantonese dialogue with English subtitles, it works just as well with the English spoken dialogue.

There are few problems with Stranglehold that need to be addressed, however, one being the length of the game. If you dive into games, this one might only take you about six to eight hours to complete. This really isn't that bad of a thing, especially if you are the type of gamer who loves having that game you pop in every so often just to relieve some tension. This is part of the appeal to Stranglehold. If you prefer playing extremely long games, then this one might not be for you. However, it is so addictive that I will doubt anyone who says they didn't somewhat enjoy the game no matter its length. Another issue is easily fixed, the camera controls. There are regrettable instances where the camera is an irritating piece of work. For example, the camera swings in an insane motion when you are performing any of your various slow-mo movements and trying to aim. As I said, there is an easy fix for most of the problems you will encounter in the game. If you toggle on the Lookspring option, most of the camera woes disappear.

A final complaint I have revolves around the online play. While this could have been a truly amazing feat in online play, considering the many abilities allotted to you when playing the game, most of the features that make the game awesome hurt the online play, or worse are pointless to have. For example, the Tequila Time can only be used if two people start it at roughly the same time. Regrettably, the Precision Aim also works the same way, meaning that you may slow down to take your shot but the other players do not. The online play is at least worth checking out to see if you like it or if you and some friends want to get on and spray each other with lead.

Stranglehold will capture the hearts of anyone looking for an action game, period. It might even capture the hearts of anyone looking for a game. While there are problems with the game, you will quickly forget what those are as you continuously mow down your enemies with various execution techniques. It delivers on its tagline of being a true John Woo experience and then some. While the game may have suffered several delays, I can honestly say that all of the push-backs have been well worth the wait, and it easily strangles all competitors.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator

Features:

Stranglehold allows gamers to play a John Wood directed action blockbuster movie. dual-wielding, stunt-laden gunplay combined with massive destructible environments ensures that Stranglehold will be a true tour-de-force. The environmental interactivity and two-fisted gunplay all come online, bringing the experience to a whole new level.

Gamers will experience smooth flowing gameplay, such as running up railings, swinging on chandeliers and leaping onto moving objects, all without interrupting intense gun battles.

Featuring the cinematic flare of acclaimed action director John Woo, Stranglehold will also benefit from Woo's direction on storyline, camera placement and cutscenes. Starring international action-star Chow Yun-Fat as Inspector Tequila, the game's cast is also comprised of other A-list Hollywood talent.

The innovative physics engine will provide gamers with an unprecedented level of interactivity. With two huge areas to explore (Chicago and Hong Kong), the interactions will be infinite with each level offering massive amounts of destructibility.

Stranglehold's inventive combat camera and Tequila Time™ slow-motion system allow players to simultaneously aim and shoot at the current target while driving, providing for robust gunplay combat between vehicles.

Using a highly modified version of the Unreal 3.0 engine integrated with the Havok physics system, Stranglehold will breathe new life into game environments and characters with stunning graphics, and feature an ever-changing battleground depending on how players approach different scenarios.

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.1

Graphics
The environments a pristine, however the character models are a bit lacking at times

4.0

Control
The high octane action of John Woo is easily controlled with very few practice sessions needed.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Solid enough. The voice acting is really good and somewhat unexpected.

4.3

Play Value
Addictive in every sense of the word. You'll play through several times to see the different things you can do.

4.2

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.