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Platform: PC,
PS2, XB Review: Pirates of the Caribbean (XB)
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Jaws Unleashed
As far as I can tell, the only problem with being the shark featured in Jaws Unleashed (we’ll call him, Bruce) is that he’ll eventually get killed. In the movies it always starts well for Bruce – lots of warm unsuspecting swimmers to munch on – but it’s never a happy ending. He winds up being impaled or blown up by his human pursuers that don’t understand the basic premise at work: stay out of the water and you won’t be eaten. From the same company that brought us the lovable Ecco the Dolphin, Appaloosa Interactive, we get Jaws Unleashed and the opportunity to be the shark. While swimming around eating scuba divers by itself sounds like a pretty fun concept, Jaws Unleashed actually goes a step further and integrates a story, boss creatures like giant squid, and the ability to perform air attacks. But my biggest concern wasn’t with the story so much or the (gorgeous) graphics engine powering the game. My biggest concern was the music.
Nowhere on the fact sheet do the words “the original score from John Williams” appear. When my query was answered by a, “Yes, they are using the music,” by a helpful PR rep I breathed a quiet sigh of relief. After all, how could you have a Jaws game without that classic bass line? Even now, after nearly 30 years (!) it still evokes a strong visceral reaction of dread, foreboding and anticipation that a Jaws game without the music would be like being promised a hot dog and only getting the bun. However, the fact the name John Williams doesn’t appear leads me to suspect that the music will be remixed or at the very least |
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re-recorded. Handled correctly a remix of the classic theme might work; handled poorly the music could wind up being a train wreck. That said, here’s the official line from Majesco: Amity Island is growing, making corporate connections with prestigious companies like Environplus to improve the Island’s economy. Unfortunately the increased population around the Island and recent industrial activity has also attracted YOU--one of Earth’s most fearsome creatures--a Great White Shark. When the Environplus CEO’s son falls prey to your deadly attacks, the CEO hires renowned shark hunter Cruz Ruddock |
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to
track and kill you. Meanwhile, Marine Biologist Michael Brody
tries to capture you for research. Can Ruddock and Brody stop you
from wreaking havoc before the 4th of July celebration? Game
Features: Players
take control of Jaws the Great White Shark while playing out themes and
in locations from the JAWS film universe.
More
than 10 meticulously detailed, destructible environments, each with
unique designs and intense action.
Unleash
real-time damage on intelligent enemies, vehicles and structures.
Perform
a variety of stunning underwater, surface and air attacks via a
user-friendly combat system.
Dismemberment
engine provides multiple points of disconnection.
Follow
story-based missions or choose to freely roam the island and its
surroundings wreaking havoc.
Encounter
multiple side missions/challenges including timed destruction, stealth,
chase and others.
Face fearsome arena bosses including killer whales, giant squid, powerful boats and more. See
your victims before they know you’re coming and target lock on enemies
from afar with Shark Vision.
Created by Appaloosa Interactive, developer of the award-winning Ecco the Dolphin series.
I actually played a little bit of Jaws Unleashed at E3 and I was impressed, even if I didn't get a real feel for how missions will be doled out. Bruce is bigger than a boat but he handles with some agility and switching to Shark Vision™ is a snap. But even better is that as a movie tie-in Jaws Unleashed is on course to be well above average. Jaws Unleashed isn’t scheduled to ship until August 2005 so we’ll have to wait a bit to see if it lives up to (my) expectations.
- Omni (June 22, 2005) |
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