Reviews/Previews/Features/Goodies/Anime/Classics/Links/Contact

Platform: Playstation 2

Developer: Namco Hometek

Publisher: Namco

Genre: Action

ETA: 2002

Dead to Rights

The next-generation is upon us and thus all genres will be going through periods of redefinition. Because of this many developers who have failed in certain genres or held out completely in the past will be eager to redeem themselves, and will be spending a lot of time and money doing this. Namco is one of these as they enter the foray with their ambitious third person action shooter Dead to Rights, their first title in this genre, ever.

The developers for Dead to Rights (Namco Hometec) are taking the opportunity to advance the genre by creating an over the top cinematic atmosphere , that will be more reminiscent of John Woo's The Killer than Konami's Metal Gear Solid. Though there will be the conventional problem solving and exploration, DTR is firstly suped up action. Suped up in the sense that slo-mo, screen rotation and dynamic camera angles will take effect during real time battles, providing some true Matrix moments.

Namco has sought the guidance of Hollywood not simply in visual presentation but with the storyline as well, as screenwriters have aided in plot development. This will perhaps add some needed spice to the redundant plot scheme which places framed cop Jack Slate on a mission to see justice upheld by means of excessive blasting and mayhem.

This seems a promising title for the PS2 which seems to have finally found it’s pace. Unfortunately we won’t be seeing Dead to Rights on shelves till early next year though Namco will most certainly bring the gaming world up to speed at this years E3 in May.

Previewed by Tolkiemingway