Hunter: The Reckoning

"This game is truly a gem."

Gameplay
You can choose from 4 different hunters, all with different stats, and weapons that are unique to that character. Each hunter gains 3 ''edges'' which is a form of magic in this fantastic game. Each character has a short-range weapon, and a long-range weapon as their unique weapons. Each characters long-range weapon get infinite ammo, but those are the ONLY long-rangers with infinite ammo. As you gain experience points, you gain levels as well. Each time you gain a level, one of your stats goes up(Conviction, Speed, Stamina, Strength, or Accuracy). They go up randomly, by what features of your character are used most.(i.e. If you use your sword a lot, your strength will go up). The controls can be customized to mostly anyones liking. The default controls, however, are the best and the easiest to get accustomed to. You move with the left thumbstick and aim with the right thumbstick. the B button cycles through your special weapons, and the X button cycles through your basic weapons. The Y button is to cycle through your edges. Jumping is controlled by the left trigger, and firing, as you may think, is controlled by the right trigger. You usually face a lot of monsters at one time, and they appear out of nowhere, which can suck at times. Multi-player mode is a fun way to play the game. It is not split screen, you all play on the same screen, which requires cooperation or you will never beat the game with your friends. There is no slowdown, so don't worry.

Story
A year ago, a convict on Death Row by the name of Nathaniel Arkady was brought to the electric chair, but he was possessed, which no one knew. When he was electrocuted, every convict that died in the that penitentiary since 1935 rose from the dead, and began a havok-filled frenzy on the citizens of the town. That's where you come in. You see.. these zombies look like humans to every other human, but you are a hunter. Hunters have the ability to see through the disguise and to vanquish the monsters. Now you must find who possessed Arkady, and stop whoever did this.

Audio/Video
The music in this game is the best music soundtrack I have ever heard. This is the first game out of many, many games I've played that actually has a soundtrack I want to buy. The only problem is, the music only starts when alot of zombies are coming at you or you are at a boss. All the music tracks are heavy metal, and there is one techno-like track. The visuals are Xbox worthy, but couldn't be presented in a contest against Halo. When you shoot glass, it shatters realistically. You can blow up cars, gas cans, break benches, break down walls, and other things. Each character has a great amount of detail, as well as the weapons. The voice dialogue for enemies and allies alike is mind-blowing. They all have unique voices, some will send chills down your spine. For you deaf people out there, don't worry, they have subtitles.

Replayability
There are 4 characters, as I said earlier, and when you beat the game, you unlock two new modes. Nightmare mode, and Alternate Hunter mode. Nightmare mode is where the enemies are 2 times harder than normal mode, and Alternate Hunter mode gives the characters different costumes. There is also an unlockable character, but no one has found out who or what it is. I personally love this game. I have played through it 5 times and I still want more!

Buy it? Rent it? Both!?
If you like games where you see pools of blood, ligaments, and monster limbs, you may want to take purchase into consideration. If you like the above along with using swords and guns, and mindlessly slashing and shooting heaps of monsters, you better get this game and stop reading this review. It is rather short, about 15 hours. So you may want to consider renting. But if you like unlocking things and trying new things, buy it. This game is truly a gem.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/28/02, Updated 06/28/02