A couple months back, I reviewed Max Payne for the PC. The orginal game is famous for its gripping graphic novel style police story/adventure with Matrix-style bullet-time effects. Now, fans of that game have a similar game to indulge in, Dead to Rights.
Presentation 9 out of 10: Like, Max Payne, Dead to Rights has that same cop movie-type feel with great cinematic scenes and intriguing dialogue (at least for the main character). You are Jack Slate, a cop seeking to avenge his father's murder. Along the way, Slate is framed for a crime and winds up in jail. Once Slate escapes, it is time to clear his name by going through the underworld and dealing with some shady characters. Slate's only companion is his dog, who helps from time to time. While venturing in this underworld, Slate uses all types of cool weapons through 15 challenging but entertaining chapters.
Graphics: 7 out of 10: While Max Payne looks so much nicer, Dead to Rights is an awesome looking game just not for the X-Box.
Sound: 7 out of 10: Musically and acting wise this game was nothing special. But that's not what you are buying the game.
Gameplay: 8 out of 10: This is a great game to play! There is a nice tutorial that gets you right into the action. Like Payne, you kill lots of bad guys, but unlike Payne, too much time is spent in fist fights and outsmarting the enemy in mini games involving timely button-tapping, much like dancing games. For instance one of the mini games has you make a stripper dance to distract thugs away from Slate. However these mini games did add some element of excitement that really makes Dead to Rights a cut above the rest.
In addition, other features of the game included the ability to disarm the enemy and even use the enemy as human shields. Like, Max Payne, Dead to Rights is a trendsetter.
However, despite all these cool features this game is just too damn difficult. Games with a lot of fighting should be easier to control and contain a lot more combos than punch, kick and throws. Also, some of the missions like protecting a girl while fending off 100's of thugged out ladies with guns is almost impossible. Some of the antics in this game made me want to throw my controller into the TV.
Replay value: 6 out of 10: I quit during the mission against the girls. I don't even know what happens next. I don't even care. I was just upset by the futility of it all.
Overall: Rent it don't buy it. Get all the good out of it that you can and enjoy, but don't let yourself get a headache over it. It's a fun game that should be at least given a try. However, it was just too frustrating for me at times.
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