The Getaway

"Redefines the action/ driver genre by adding a strong tone and setting; however it does very little to move the gameplay mechanics forward"

The main problem with this game is that the actual gameplay feels a bit undeveloped. Of course they put a tremendous amount of time and effort into the game, however the modes of gameplay could have been tweaked. For example, in the driving part of the game engine, there is no way to look behind or to the side (switch camera angles) which would have really helped in the chases. For the walkabout/ shooting part of the engine, perhaps a little more interactivity could have been added; more death scenes, noticeably enemy hit points (when you shoot the enemy in the head, arm, leg, its the same animation for each)

Despite average gameplay, the plot, mood and distinct tone manage to drive the game to what seems like gaming greatness. The plot is very good. The script and voice actors are extraordinary, and the graphics (mainly character and building models; not so much environmental details) add to the experience and help to deliver a very entertaining game. The graphics are ot as good as everyone says, but considering the inferiority of the PS2, they do well to deliver a strong setting and mood.(Lets all face the facts; Splinter Cell has some of the best graphics so far on console and Mac Payne on X Box had significantly better graphics than on the PS2)

For those who don't know, players will take the role of Mark Hammond, and eventually Frank Carter. The start of the plot is pretty cliche; dead family members, and nothing left to lose (Hammond is framed for murder and his son is kidnapped; this forces him to do stuff that he wouldn't want to) There are a few twist and turns, but the main strength of the plot comes from (like said before) the voice acting, script and characters.

As an American gamer, this game is probably not as appreciated as it should be; mainly the recreation of London. I have never been to London and don't necessarily plan to go any time soon, so I would not recognize any of the streets, buildings, or even cars that are supposedly extremely accurate and faithful to actual London. However, point aside, the city is still pretty well done.

Many compare this to Grand Theft Auto Vice City. The two are completely different. Just because they are both set in interactive cities that are relatively large, the two provide completely different gameplay (aside from the driving controls: They are similar) a different plot, definitely a different mood and a completely different amount of freedom. The Getaway never really feels like Vice City in the sense of a huge city with everything in it. The amount of interactivity to the city and pedestrians in Vice City was much higher, along with actual exploration. I never really felt too motivated to steer off course and just wander around the city. There is actually little to do in the city itself compared to Vice City. (on a side note; I loved Grand Theft Auto Vice City, and beaten the game twice)

The no on screen menus, status, weapons or health bar is an interesting, innovative touch that actually doesn't do too much to change the way you play a game. Although it does give the game a more cinematic feel, and is definitely innovative in a good way. The way to heal, however, may throw some gamers off, because its simply leaning against a wall and waiting to stop bleeding. This may get a bit tedious, and in certain missions, it does.

Gunfights are fun, but are a little average or possibly below average. There is very little interaction. You cannot open doors and there is little skill to it aside from aiming and shooting, or leaning against the wall or crouching. An interesting touch is aside from being able to come out behind a wall and shoot, you can just slip your hand out and shoot, which makes it impossible to get hit. However, the range is extremely limited. A major flaw is the lack of environmental interaction, which would have been the key to spicing up the gunfight engine. Even a Max Payne like dive would have added a bit of flavour, however, what is left is a very very basic 'aim and shoot' type game engine. Some may argue that this is one of the best action games out there, but aside from the ability to lean against walls and crouch behind things (which actually do little to intensify firefights) the only other thing to really do is aim and shoot.

I saw someone on this site say that this is like Max Payne meets Driver. Well, considering the gameplay elements of the two, its more like a below average Max Payne game meets a below average Driver game. The Max Payne engine while it looks graphically similar, is much better than The Getaway. Driver is also a lot more tweaked and more polished than The Getaway. To sum this up; Max Payne is a much better Action game and Driver is a much better driving game than The Getaway.

So, even though The Getaway offers average gameplay mechanics and not enough environmental or enemy interaction, it manages to overcome these faults with an amazingly well scripted and acted out plot with great characters. This has to be one of the most plot driven games I've played since The Thing. The Getaway is a classic that should be played, even if it is just renting it, because it will definitely up the standard on plot, and the no-on-screen-status aspect of the game may redefine how cinematic action games are done.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/03, Updated 01/22/03