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Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile TerritoryScore: 8.5/10 When considering a game like Smugglers Run 2 there are two likely responses. The first, likely to be generated by a mad cap gamer drowning in the ecstasy of the November rain of titillating software, will read like a love letter. The second, is found emanating from the hole in the face of a parent or a New English would be VP, reading like a Oprah show; “What are our children being exposed to?!”. I will write this review from the perspective of the former, for that’s what I am.
Smugglers Run 2: Hostile Territory, by way of Angel Studios, continues the diabolically excellent theme founded in the first Smugglers Run which by many was regarded as the crème of the crap of PS2 launch titles. Though not crap per se, the original title was lacking in the plot cohesion department, which in a title so potentially juicy was a serious let down. Hostile Territory, if nothing else, makes it it’s business to ameliorate the plot gaps of the first episode. Immediately after starting the game you are treated to a lengthy FMV sequence which effectively spells out the conflict of the game, though somewhat clumsily. However, the gist is got and has something to do with Russians and Afghanistan and nuclear secrets and Vietnam and smuggling. Even if you aren’t able to keep up with the plot lines, which is difficult, it’s just reassuring to know that there is one and that its playing itself out competently.
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The bulk of gameplay is the same as before and consists of you picking up key materials and transferring them across borders and onto awaiting trucks. To do this you have a garage of eight available vehicles (three have been added to the previous five), seven of which require unlocking. To reduce the monotony of the first entry a variety of mission objectives have been added. Some levels, instead of simply picking up and dropping off contraband you must seek and destroy an enemy spy vehicle, others require you snag contraband that’s falling by parachute. |
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The most major improvement in gameplay is found in the AI of the opposing bandits/Po-Po. Though they are still pack obsessed, they display nice tactics, such as waiting in ambush at the pick up point or by driving ahead attempting to head you off. There is great replay value in trying to out wit your counterparts on the high difficulty settings, which by the way are incredibly hard. As far as the graphics go it is noticeable that a little more quality time with the PS2 hardware produces better looking games. Thought not head and shoulders above its predecessor, SR2 manages to look good while cramming a ton of stuff on screen. The levels have remained massive, and this time instead of cruising through barren wastelands, you get to uproot the dense jungles of Vietnam. Its good to see the foliage, even when up close it remains sharp and leafy instead of a mass off pixilated junk. The elements are more of a factor this time around, nearly every other level has some semblance of rain or snow. This adds to the reality of locals like Vietnam and Afghanistan I imagine, both of which have fairly extreme climates. Night Vision is in effect on a couple of levels and though nifty at first it soon reveals itself as an unnecessary gimmick as are the speed boosts and oil slicks.
The music is of the breed that in my book should be extinct. Thick ambient techno rave house trash, but coupled with the gameplay it kinda works. There are times where it would seem appropriate for the drivers to step out of there cars in a neon x induced haze and embrace in an electric slide, but I guess that and smuggling don’t mix. Smugglers Run 2 proves to be a more than worthy sequel to an impressive debut. Though it remains monotonous and fails to have the spark that will compel you to finish it, it oozes quality and would make a great conversation piece at Christmas Dinner. - Tolkiemingway (December 3, 2001) |
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