Hulk

"A more kid friendly GTA"

The Hulk Ultiamte Destruction is one of the first to utilize the new 3d evnironment that Rockstar created for the Grand Theft Auto games in a licensed property, and be able to pull it off.

I'll run through this review in a mindless step by step process, a bit like the game.

Story: Well anyone who has seen the movie or read the comics knows at least a little bit about the Hulk backstory. Like how he's really Bruce Banner who transforms into the Hulk when he's "angry". Not too much plot going around, it's the never ending quest to cure Mr. Banner and being a fan of the olders comics it gets old really fast. Either have him be successful or don't delve too deep into something we all know is never going to happen. It's like if Batman decided to retire and play golf in Florida, as long as the character makes money he's pretty much going to stay the same. Although it may work for Batman and Spider-man, Hulk is more like those old cartoons where you wanted the damn cat to get the mouse but it didn't happen, or the trix rabbit to finally get the cereal he endorsed for who knows how long now. That's the biggest flaw with the story, though I can see where they would have to keep it somewhat basic for all those playing the game that aren't Hulk fans (and I'm sure that is probably the majority) so maybe it's just my nit picking. Dialogue and voice acting is bland but if this is your first real experience with the Hulk you may find it interesting. Unbiased score - 7.5

Gameplay: One of the first super heroes to get a free roaming 3d environment game that doesn't suck! Wow! Nothing in this game is really ingenuitive or mind blowing but it's definitely all fun and sometimes being the first at doing something doesn't make you the best and it's always good to improve, but personally I think the Rockstar GTA games are top notch. THe only real appeal is that instead of being a regular guy you're a guy that can run up freaking walls and are almost invincible, and that my friends is what makes this game a worthy piece for your collection. - 9

Graphics/Animations: Don't mix up graphics and animations. The graphics in this game are only somewhat decent, what really counts are the animations. Whenever hulk hits the ground from jumping you see the awesome indents in the ground. The hopping from each building and running up the buildings all looks superb. They did an excellent job with all the Hulks animations, and it couldn't have been easy. The cut scenes are nice but I've seen much better. The best part is defintely the look of the jumping around and smashing stuff. The animations are some of the best I've seen and totally make this game an awesome experience. Graphics - 7 Animations - 10

Overall it's definitely reaching to the kiddy market for all the kids whose parents won't let them play GTA they're hoping their parents will accept the Hulk. While there's no blood and gore this game certainly has its fair share of violence and does get a T rating but what does that mean nowadays. Things are changing. Personally I would have like to see a bit more violence but I'm twisted like that. The story is weird because Hulk is taking a sort of anti-hero approach destorying anything that gets in his way (even civillains, I'm so glad they let you kill them too and not just restricting you to police men). If you're a Hulk fan or just an action movie/game fan check this game out, it's at the least worth a rental.

Overall score - 8.5, I realize it says 9 and that's because I rounded up. Since I can't give the above score an 8.5 which I think is the grade that best represents this game I rounded up instead of down due to the fact that I just love the Hulk. If you're not a fan of the Hulk round down, if you are keep it at 9, giving it an average inbetween at 8.5.

PS THIS IS NOT MOVIE HULK, if you didn't like the movie give this game a try anyway.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/30/05