Smuggler's Run: Warzones

"Sha-weet."

I wanted this game for awhile... The original Smuggler's Run looked entertaining. And a 'cube exclusive version was too good to pass up. I rented it from Blockbuster, popped it in the console, and I was blown away.

GRAPHICS : 10/10
Amazing. Simply amazing. The graphics are smooth, textures are wonderful. There's a surprising amount of variation in the vehicles. You can select from some 8 unique vehicles. The enemies (free traders and cops) have their own arsenal of cars and trucks. The terrains aren't very varied, but still look wonderful. Flora and fauna (mostly humans you can mow down) dot the landscapes, providing nice scenery and opportunities to smash up your opposition.

GAMEPLAY : 10/10
Possibly the best aspect of SR:WZ. Although it doesnt change much through the game, all the action keeps you busy. Objectives range from destroying an enemy spy car, collecting and delivering contraband while avoiding the cops, and racing to collect and deliver goods while trying to stop free trader thieves from doing the same. To keep things interested, you can pick from 8 different vehicles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You start with the Super Dune Buggy, a light, speedy craft. As the game progresses, you get new vehicles to use, and sometimes new powerups for existing vehicles, in the form of extra tools to help you. Things like bombs, speed boosts, oil slicks. Reminds me of Mario Kart. Some missions allow you to pick teammates. Each vehicle has its role in the mission, such as assault vehicles and guard vehicles. The AI is pretty good. Cops will surround you, then veer in front of you in attempts to cut you off. Enemy smugglers with hound you and try to steal your cargo. And of course, the rewards. The faster you complete a mission, the better your ranking. If you complete every mission with a 'Great' ranking, you unlock the 8th vehicle, a super cool Hover Sled. Not the biggest reward, but it is a helluva lotta fun.

SOUND : 9/10
Pretty nice sound effects. Engine screetches, loud explosions, etc. The background music is pretty good, and generally fits the mood of the mission. Sometimes it can get annoying, but not often.

CONTROL : 9/10
In a game like this control HAS to be good. SR:WZ does a good job of balancing it out. Certain vehicles will of course have an advantage in certain situations, and if you don't make the right decision, the mission can be come horredously difficult. If you think the game is too easy, pick a vehicle with low handling on a rainy mission! FUN FUN! Anyway, the control. Relatively simple and easy to learn. A button accelerates, B brakes, Z goes reverse. Of course the control stick steers, and Y and X are used to activate your powerups. R drifts your car on turns, and balances the vehicle out if you end up going haywire in the air. That's all you really need to know.

Final Verdict!
Smuggler's Run War Zones is a GREAT game, even for those that aren't fans of this genre. (What genre is that, anyway?) I give this game a 10/10. It's great fun alone, great fun with friends, and it looks damn good, too. Controls are a breeze, and the sounds and music are easy to listen to. If you want my opinion on buy/rent, I'd have to say BUY. I myself only rented it, but as soon as I take it back, I'm out to buy it.

All in all, this is a wonderful fun game, a worthy game for anyone to check out.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/11/02, Updated 08/11/02