Payback (GBA) (Payback (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Payback (GBA)
Date:	24/05/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Audio balance

"Payback" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2004 by Zoo Digital Publishing. It is an action adventure game focusing on the life of a criminal. In the United States, the game received a rating of "M" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for ages 17 and above due to its extreme violent content and suggestive themes.

The gameplay of this title handles very similarly to the original "Grand Theft Auto" video game. The player assumes the role of a lone criminal who aspires to become rich through illegal acts. He will receive messages on payphones from his superiors who give instructions regarding a specific task which requires execution. It is the players job, then, to complete the assigned tasks. Tasks initially start as simple collection and delivery jobs but progress to more difficult scenarios such as car theft and ones which deal with explosive sensitive vehicles. What sets it apart from the original Grand Theft Auto is that the player is not confined to the city streets. In many instances, he or she will require the use of speedboats and airplanes to complete an assigned task. Also unlike Grand Theft Auto is the police system which do not chase the player until the dire end but instead can be "lost" by remaining in hiding for some time.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which focuses on the player's character. I found there to be numerous well detailed and differently coloured vehicles in the game which each had their own attributes such as a higher acceleration or higher top speed rate. Many finer details of gameplay have been included such as the skidding of tyres which leaves a visible black mark when slamming the brakes. The soundtrack is also good with funkier musical scores and ambiance driving sound effects such as the engine roar and tyre skid throughout. There is a clear imbalance in the audio levels, though, with the music dominating much of the sound effects.

Overall, Payback is a good game which I would recommend to prospective buyers. It does appear to be dated in its delivery but this medium of play seems ideal for the Gameboy Advance console. I personally enjoyed playing this title.

Summary: Thumbs up