Well, you think, at least the graphics are pretty, right? Wrong. The graphics are mediocre. Although some of the cut scenes look good, reminiscent of the very film that's being mimicked (complete with the dramatic "slow-walk" at the beginning), the in-game content looks like a second-rate Total Overdose engine. The animation is decent, but none of the characters, aside from Mr. Blonde, will ring a bell to anyone unless names are mentioned. It's not a matter of playing on an older system. It's just sloppy programming.
The game also suffers from a lack of longevity -- not that anyone would probably want to play for more than an hour anyway. There are only two difficulty settings (not even a hard mode), three endings (depending on how the game is played), and a gallery featuring concept art. There is a total lack of multiplayer options, which is a shame because the idea of having four players compete in the same heist and taking part in a colossal showdown with cops would have been quite cool, actually.
If Reservoir Dogs does anything right, it's the sound. Well,.. parts of the sound, anyway. Some of the better music from the film is included here, such as "Stuck In the Middle With You" and "Hooked On a Feeling". But anyone can snag a soundtrack CD for about a fourth of the game's price. The sound effects are underwhelming, and wholly uninteresting. Bang, bang go the guns. Vroom goes the car engine.
The biggest setback of all is the fact that almost none of the film's voice cast is present. There's no sign of Steve Buscemi, and Harvey Keitel apparently wasn't available. Only Michael Madsen managed to return from the original cast, voicing Mr. Blonde to sheer perfection. The rest of the replacement voice cast seems out of synch, as if they were trying to put life into lifted dialogue and a flood of swear words.
Reservoir Dogs the game relies on its license and its license alone. The graphics are too bland and the gameplay, both on foot and behind the wheel, has zero redeeming qualities. Go watch the movie instead and leave these Dogs to slumber in a clearance bin. Woof.
Related Links
Reader Comments (0)