Vigilante 8: Second Offense
- January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST
It's time to get back to the future of automobile shooters as Activision delivers the heavy Detroit steel of the 70s and mixes it with 21st century technology in Vigilante 8: Second Offense, the sequel to the popular drivin' and shootin' adventure game Vigilante 8.
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I Can't Drive 55
Spending a lot of time elaborating on the story of V8: SO would be a waste of time and space. Basically there's some sort of time warp which allows futuristic technology to meet 1970s engineering as you spread your road rage from Florida to Arizona to Alaska in Quest Mode. The story elements and mission order vary slightly depending on which character you choose, but all the objectives are very similar, so it won't really matter anyway.
What does really matter is the arsenal of weapons and power ups that create the chaotic battle pace. You choose from the standard array of missiles, mortars, mines and machine guns, but what sets V8: SO apart is the propulsion mechanisms. Your car can fly in the air, hover over water or tread through snow like a snowmobile depending on the level and the power-ups you get. This is where the battle gets really intense; you won't last long on the ground against two airborne opponents.
The Quest and Arcade Modes do get a little repetitive after a while when playing by yourself, but the split-screen action and the Co-Op Quest Mode really add to the replay value.
Burnt Rubber 5: Third Infliction
Graphically, V8: SO has some good qualities, but also some really bad ones. On the positive side, each level is detailed and full of traps based on the locale. So expect alligators in the Louisiana swamp, rockets at Cape Canaveral, and other similar tricks. But the biggest problem lies in the details. The collisions are bad, so bad at times you can't figure out what's going on, and upon close inspection the maps and surfaces look pretty sketchy.
Sound is weaker than graphics, with repetitive catch phrases repeated over and over and music that is just plain annoying (especially the funk theme of Vigilante 8). The car and weapon sounds are fine though, and because you'll enjoy hearing the sound of your opponent exploding into a million pieces, you'll endure the rest of the soundtrack.
Control is very solid, and you'll use the full compliment of PSX controller buttons. The analog stick makes steering and control pretty good, even though you're constantly being blasted one direction or the other. And there is a nice change of touch with each different propulsion mechanism on your car. But what really makes it nice is the hand brake (square button), which allows you to twist and turn in tight locations and also keep your eyes on your circling opponents.
Car Wars
In the battle of vehicular combat games, Vigilante 8: Second Offense puts up some stiff competition to Twisted Metal 4, and V8's superior controls and futuristic extras will keep you coming for seconds.
