You lookin' at me? (The Getaway (PS2))

Member Name: dcoare

Product:	The Getaway (PS2)
Date:	29/10/03 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Linear storyline, Brilliant graphics., Fairly difficult.

Disadvantages: Re-watching cut-scenes.

I am a big fan of the Grand Theft series and when I heard of this game, I was a little sceptical. It seemed as though Team Soho just wanted to cash in on the hype that followed the GTA games by releasing a similar genre game, but basing it on our very own London. I read the reviews, saw the amazing screenshots, and heard my friends describing the game, yet remained sceptical. Finally, after months of wondering, the game was released onto the platinum format and I decided it was time to give it a whirl.

The Story.

The game begins with a cut scene where a small gang of thugs try to apprehend a mother and her son in the street. They are a little over-excited and shoot the mother, before kidnapping the son and escaping. This is where you come in. Said mother turns out to be your (Mark Hammond) wife. You hear the shooting and arrive at the scene just in time to see the gang speeding off in a Jag with your son. Your wife’s dying words are to make sure you get your son back. And so your mission begins.

You jump in the nearest car and follow the Jag through the streets of London to a warehouse, where you depart from the car and begin your killing spree. But this appears to be the plan all along, as you are captured and given an ultimatum.

Charlie Jolson: “We’re gonna play a little game. I ring you. You do the job. You don’t do what I tell you, the kid dies. You don’t do it when I tell you, the kid dies. You don’t do it where I tell you, the kid dies. You talk to anyone, you’re late, the kid dies.”

You get the idea??

So from this point on, Charlie calls the shots. He pits you against every known gang in London and eventually starts playing them off against each other.

Part 2 of the story is that while all the above is happening, there is a member of the Flying Squad trying to nail Charlie Jolson for his crimes. Once Mark Hammond has completed his main mission to get
his kid back alive, you then take over the role as DC Frank Carter back at the beginning of the story. This unravels some of the mysteries behind the work that Mark was completing.

The Game.

Although similar in idea to Grand Theft Auto, this game handles very differently. Driving the cars is very similar to GTA, but your decisions on turns are made by keeping an eye on your indicators. (Whichever side they flash is the way to head, and hazard lights appear when you have reached your destination) It is when you leave your vehicle and start a-shootin’ that you really begin to notice the difference.

Your character handles slightly awkwardly, not always turning around when you really need him to, and targeting the wrong crims, but you soon get used to how it handles and become skilful in the art of baddie-bashing. In addition to running amok with your weapons, you also have the ability to grab unsuspecting gang members from behind and quietly putting them out of action. (Mark snaps there necks, where Frank just ties them up and leaves them.) You can also use passers by as a shield, by taking them from behind (oo-er!!) and letting them take shots in your place.

The game also features some stealth missions, where your aim is to move among the criminals quietly and unseen so as to hear conversations that help you understand what is going on.

The Graphics.

This is where I believe The Getaway really shines. London is so realistic, and geographically correct which was a real joy when I first started playing, although you soon get over it. All the vehicles are easily identifiable as replicas of what you would see driving along any street in the UK. They are also true in their characteristics. (i.e. The Mini isn’t that quick but holds the road well. The Jag is quick but has occasion to swerve and skid at high speeds) All the areas that you venture into on foot are well-drawn and designed to hide things just ar
ound the next corner, so watch out.

The cut-scenes are brilliantly drawn, but usually too long. Not a problem when you are seeing it for the first time, but when you re-load the game later, you have to sit through all the footage again just to get back to the action.

The Sound.

The sound is very good, and required. It helps you pinpoint where your next baddie might be, or if you are being chased when in your car.

There is no real music to this game, but it is not needed as you may miss some of the dialogue that can give you help as to you next move.

Lastability.

I have finished it and it took me around four weeks. I am not the sort to sit at a game until it is done, but if you were that way, you would probably be able to complete over the course of one night. But don’t let that put you off. This game is fairly hard to master and when you have completed all the missions (There are 24 in all, each containing 2-3 sub-missions) you open up the entire area for free-roam.

Overall.

Well, as I said before this game is now available on Platinum, which means it is only £20. I believe that it is a bargain. Yes, it is comparable with GTA, and yes, I would have to say that GTA has the edge, but this truly is a great game in its own right.

If you are of an easily offended nature, then I must admit that this probably isn’t the game for you. The case states very clearly that this is an over 18’s only title, and within the first few seconds you find that the F-word is used continually. All the crims sound like something out of Lock, Stock.

So, if revenge, violence, swearing, and crazy driving are your thing, this could very well be the game you need in your life.

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