Calling All Cars, the new game from God of War creator David Jaffe and Incognito Inc. provides the PlayStation Network with some much needed original content. In an interesting twist, instead of pitting cops against robbers, the cops face off against each other.
Calling All Cars works in a simple manner. Prisoners make a run for it from the local jailhouse. Different police vehicles, such as souped-up trucks or speedy little sports cars, attempt to apprehend them. Once caught, however, the real battle picks up. Rival cops enter the picture, looking to take the prisoner and collect the reward -- in this case, points. To do this, they bash into the rival vehicle to jolt the convict loose or use the following three weapons: missiles, a homing magnet and an attachable hammer, items that look like they came straight out of the ACME catalog. It's like a game of tag with weapons. The main station house plays a big part in the game, too. On occasion, it'll close up shop and send out a mobile unit, forcing players to track it down while keeping their scummy cargo in tow.
For $10, Calling All Cars is instantly enjoyable, thanks to the game's old-school arcade appeal. It definitely has a few aspects in common with Incog's Twisted Metal series (in the car competition sense), but introduces a smooth play style to call its own. Playing in single mode proves fun but merely practice for the game's most satisfying moments in multiplayer. Up to four players can take part in these mobile shenanigans, bashing each other while racking up points.
Unluckily, Calling All Cars does take a hit in the replay department. Notwithstanding the thrills of multiplayer, only four playable maps are offered, with only so much terrain to drive around in. Furthermore, all of the cars handle the same; watching a truck perform as equally as a smaller vehicle is difficult to believe. Some more content might be available in the future, but probably at an additional cost above the $10 price tag.
Fortunately, the game's slick cel-shaded presentation shines with delightful looking animations, particularly with the prisoners. They scamper about with a vaudeville-like appearance and pack lots of attitude -- even while being flung in the air. The game only has one camera angle, but it works reasonably well alongside on-screen indicators which point out the location of the convict and the pursuing rivals. The game's audio does the job, particularly with the funky old-school soundtrack and blaring police sirens.
Calling All Cars doesn't quite live up to the other game releases from Incog, due to its limited content and lack of options. However, the cool presentation and multiplayer mode makes it worth dropping $10.
Final Score: 7 (out of 10)
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