Starsky & Hutch

"Potentially fantastic mission-based game based on the classic series let down only by its repetitive nature."

Introduction

For those of you who were alive in the 1970\'s, Starsky & Hutch need no introduction. For the most of you who weren\'t, they probably don\'t need much introduction either. This game is based on the TV series of the late 1970\'s of the same name. Starsky & Hutch the TV show was an action-packed police drama series with plenty of testosterone, and a pimp called Huggy Bear. This game version has a simple premise: to emulate the most famous aspects of the TV show in game form with plenty of tongue-in-cheek action and some moments of true hilarity.

Story - 5/10

A vague semi-story is added pretty much for effect. There are occasional cut-scenes where you receive your mission briefs. Huggy Bear\'s voice is provided by Antonio Fargas (the original actor from the show), adding a touch of nostalgia to the whole thing. Overall it is clichéd though, and only moderately existent.

Game Play - 7/10

The game concept is very simple. Missions involve driving in your car, chasing the bad guy. At the same time as driving, you must also shoot your target\'s car, the aim being to stop them. The main thing that you have to keep an eye on is your ratings score though - this appears at the bottom of the screen, and must be kept high or else you won\'t be able to progress. Each mission takes the form of an \'\'episode\'\' - so you\'re playing the game as the actors rather than as the characters. There are also various power-up type items to collect as you drive around, including items to initiate stunt sequences to keep the viewers happy.

The problem here is that the missions are exceptionally repetitive. Every mission is the same - drive around the city, shooting the bad guy\'s car. Thus there is very little value to the game as you basically do the same thing over and over. After two or three missions, it gets rather grating. Still, it is good fun (albeit short-lived). Particularly enjoyable are the secondary mission objectives - including destroying a certain number of cardboard boxes amongst other things (this will make the most sense to those who watched the series).

Graphics - 8/10

The look of the game is very well-crafted. Cut-scenes are cell-shaded, but the majority of the game isn\'t, and appears pretty realistic. The cars are particularly well-molded, which is great considering that this game is mostly about the cars. The streets and buildings are excellently designed, and the layout of the city is very well detailed.

Replay Value - 5/10

Since, as previously stated, this is a very repetitive game, replay value is minimal. You\'re essentially replaying the game every time you accept a new mission - it is over-simplified. This is a great game to just pick up and play for half an hour but beyond that it gets boring quickly. Overall though, it is enjoyable.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/08/03