Dead to Rights

"It's nonstop action with some of the most unique combat moves ever found in a video game."

Gameplay: 6.5
With all the different possible maneuvers that can be performed by Jack, such as the variety of disarms, using a human shield for cover, diving in slow motion, and having the ability to command Shadow to attack enemies, the game is pretty intriguing. In short, Dead to Rights is nonstop action (a.k.a. nonstop killing). However, even with the backing of the developed storyline and all the unique features the game offers, this action gets somewhat monotonous well before the end of the game. This is partially due to the fact that the game has to be played in a totally linear manner. Not just from level to level, but within each mission there are certain tasks that must be done in a pre-defined order and as a result, the game does get tedious. Including the mini-games to breakup the gameplay is a great idea, but after picking far too many locks or having to disarm more bombs than seems necessary; these too get less enjoyable as the game progresses. Having received a mature rating from the ESRB, it's obvious that this game was focused at the older gaming crowd, so the inclusion of these often laughable button-pressing tasks is surprising.
Graphics: 9
Graphically, despite some noticeable frame-rate slowdowns when there's a lot of action on the screen, this game is actually very innovative. The detail level is high, while the lighting and shadows are generally appropriate for each particular environment. However, Dead to Rights really shines when it comes to the character animations that have been included in the game as well as the player-controlled camera. The combination of these two components makes the game more enjoyable as it's possible to watch Jack perform one of his awesome disarm moves on an enemy in slow motion from any angle you want; this really gives Dead to Rights a Hollywood, even Matrix-esque feel. While the adjustable camera is great for certain situations; the camera mode used during normal gameplay, which automatically moves (rather than staying behind Jack) does get annoying. An option to lock the camera in straight on third-person view would have been nice.

Sound: 8.5
The audio proves to be very well done in Dead to Rights. Continuing with the film theme, the background music consists of an impressive score that complements the action perfectly. The sound effects won't disappoint you either. From the noises that the different guns produce to those made when bullets ricochet off of different objects; all are of great quality. On the dialogue side though, the game could use some work. While not all of it is bad; the handful of sub-par voice actors and the enemies that constantly repeat the same phrases over and over again could have been done without.

Difficulty: Easy
Three different settings allow for a decent variance in the difficulty level, but overall the game is somewhat easy, which is largely due to the auto targeting system. On the normal (middle) difficulty level the game can be beaten within a day or two without much trouble. The game becomes significantly less challenging as you learn how to best take advantage of all the different tactics that can be used during gameplay. These tactics are all explained very well in a short tutorial that's has been implemented into the first level.
Concept: 8
Taking this strong movie-like storyline and putting it behind some great action and innovative gameplay turns out to be a pretty impressive formula. However, the story is somewhat cheesy and predictable, while the gameplay is too often repetitive.

Multiplayer: N/A
Overall: 8

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/19/03, Updated 05/19/03