The Getaway
Publisher: SCEA
Platform: PS2
OK, so this is what happens when Guy Ritchie makes a video game (without Madonna)... Actually, he didn't have anything to do with it, despite all appearances. This is one of the intriguing games we saw at last year's E3. Its concept is a video game that plays out somewhat like a movie, or rather, a movie that you could play. And let me just say, the concept works fantastically.
Creators, Team SOHO, wanted this to be as true a cinematic experience as possible. So out went quite a few video game aspects and in came a more realistic concept. First of all, where in a movie (or, for that matter, real life), would you see an ammo counter? Or, similarly, a health meter? Sure, you take a few bullets, get run over by a car and jump out of a flaming wreck and instantly you'll know you have one little blinking bar left on your life counter. By walking over and picking up a first aid kit, you'll magically be able to perform reconstructive surgery on complex fractures and internal bleeding.
Fact is, you'll have to keep an eye on your character and be the judge of it. Chances are if he's limping or bleeding profusely, he's probably hurt. Don't forget to check the chamber of your gun too, because it would truly suck some serious ass to stand up and try and shoot someone when both barrels of your twelve-gauge are empty. You get the point, right? Bleeding equals dying, check the barrel before you shoot, and, if your car is on fire, it's probably time to get out and walk...
Of course, to get the true cinematic experience, Team SOHO also did more than just conceptual groundwork. They came up with a bona fide plot, script, cast and crew. Furthermore, they pulled out all of the stops to show you just what Sony's Emotion Engine can do with faces. With its Talking Head technology, The Getaway also shows that rendered baddies have feelings too. One thing that is also commendable about The Getaway is that it doesn't make itself so conceptual that it's rendered unplayable. If you're driving around town chasing someone, then you do get a little help from the turn signals that direct you to the quickest route to catch up.
Gameplay is smooth and the cut scenes blend well with the gameplay. Furthermore, The Getaway also features 40 square kilometers of London mapped out with impeccable details and even landmarks. If this isn't immersive, I don't know what is. You would be a fool not to get this game.
Super Monkey Ball Jr.
Publisher: THQ
Platform: Gameboy Advance
What's so intriguing about monkeys trapped in bubbles? Perhaps it's the fact that this simple concept allows for some very entertaining and challenging puzzles. The most important thing to remember about this game is that the tiny screen and lack of an analog stick make the challenge seem a thousand times tougher than the GameCube version. Keeping this in mind, the gameplay in this version keeps true with the concept heralded by the originals despite the noticeable differences.