Die Hard Trilogy 2
- November 24, 2000 14:47 PM PST
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Proving once again that Hollywood and game publishers can't get enough of a good thing, Fox Interactive presents Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas, a game sequel based on the popular movie trilogy. Like most sequels, DHT2 has its moments but pales in comparison to the original.
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More Bang
DHT2 features the same three-in-one gameplay that made the first DHT so popular. It's not just a third-person action-adventure; it's also a first-person sharpshooter. But wait, for the same low price, you also get a driving game, complete with fender bending and explosions. Those who have invested heavily in their PlayStation will be happy to hear that DHT2 supports light guns, driving wheels, and even the PlayStation mouse. So break out the peripherals and have yourself a party.
There are two main ways to play through the game, each with exclusive levels. In Arcade Mode, you can choose which of the three styles you'd like to play and proceed through just those levels without all that plot nonsense. Playing in Movie Mode, however, throws you into a different style each level, depending on the direction of the plot. Nice Cool cinemas tie the levels together and flesh out the story. Unfortunately, the cinemas are usually more interesting than the gameplay.
Look? See. Maybe.
Graphically, DHT2 is standard PlayStation fare. It doesn't look horrible, but you couldn't pick any bad guys out of a lineup later. The third-person shooter features the same transparent walls as the original, so if you like being able to see what awaits in a closed room, this is for you. However, the game maintains some suspense (and saves system resources) by darkening everything outside your immediate reach. One foe at a time is fine on the framerate, but if you step into a room full of baddies, prepare for a significant slowdown.
The sound seems to have been compiled using a checklist. One-liners from guy trying to sound like Bruce Willis. Check. Gunfire. Check. Explosions. Check. Glass breaking. Check. Engines revving. Check. Cheesy, pseudo-techno soundtrack you can turn off. Check, thank God.
The game's primary fault lies in its control, or lack thereof. In third-person mode, you can't slide off objects. This doesn't sound bad, but you get stuck on things like chairs, rendering the strafe function essentially useless in crowded combat situations. If you want to slide diagonally along a wall, you're out of luck. You must either turn perpendicular to the wall and sidestep or get close and walk parallel to it. In driving mode, the car seems too loose and -- a little too close to a gunless Twisted Metal. Thankfully, the first-person sharpshooter mode is fun. With a light gun, these levels feel like a good arcade game. However, if you're stuck with your analog controller, it gets a little painful.
Three's A Crowd
Although it the formula worked well in the original Die Hard Trilogy, the three-in-one game approach could use some script-doctoring in this uninspired sequel. Sound familiar?
