Dead to Rights: Retribution PlayStation 3

Released on 23/04/2010

• Dead to Rights: Retribution: Review

  Who let the dog out?

  Resurfacing after the franchise burst on the scene eight years ago on the Xbox, the Dead to Rights series has come a long way - though heed caution. While Namco and Volatile Games have upped the ante by introducing the new ‘Zone Engine' that mirrors the likes of Gears of War and Max Payne, players will find only one available mode, single-player, which is a real shame.
  

  More than just Turner & Hooch!

  Dead To Rights: Retribution casts you as vice-cop Jack Slater, a super-hardened lawman caught in the middle of a conspiracy theory, accompanied by loyal yet dark-natured pet pooch Shadow. The story begins similar to the first Die Hard and Nakatomi Plaza as Jack enters Temple Tower, located at the heart of a plagued futuristic Grant City that's under siege from incestuous gangs, evil mercenaries and kingpin like crime lords. (Sin City, eat your heart out). The enemies are endless - just how many body parts can a dog really eat in one sitting? This, coupled with a ridiculous kill-count that makes Arnie in Total Recall look like a pansy, means Dead To Rights: Retribution isn't for the faint hearted.

  The DTRR kill-count is off the scale and makes Arnie in Total Recall look like a pansy.

  It's difficult to categorise a title such as DTRR, on one hand it's a cinematic third-person shooter roller-coaster ride which harnesses the power of a next-gen console, and on the other, its linear gameplay resembles that of a juiced-up version of Double Dragon which at times can be frustrating. The elaborate story takes some getting used to as players are forced to watch all cinematics without the ability to skip (I now have a broken controller as a result). Despite this minor criticism, it plays unlike any other Third-Person Shooter out there due to the ability to control your canine partner Shadow, whose favourite pastime is ripping enemy throats clean off at every opportunity (or when prompted by pushing up on the D-Pad. Brilliant!).

  Offering various level types, DTRR moves between first-person and third-person over-the-shoulder shooting, up-close-and-personal fistycuff action with even some levels played as Shadow, who needs to be navigated stealthily around enemy territory. Shadow has an enhanced dog sense with the ability to see guards through walls and objects making it easier to avoid detection when sneaking around. Silent kills are a necessity as detection inevitably leads to other guards running to your position and emptying rounds into your well-groomed fur. Not good!

  Mad-Dog and Angry-Men

  Playing as Jack, the impressive combat system becomes apparent, allowing players to engage in dynamic brawls, attacking numerous enemies at the same time thanks to the multi-tasking combat system, which enables you to hold enemies as hostages and use them as human shields whilst kicking others clean out of windows.

  You can also duck and dive behind cover when bullets are showering you, steal an enemy's weapons and batter them with it, and even execute them using the close in-view Brutal Kill finishing move. Then there's Focus, which you build up by pulling off special moves such as a Dog kill or Head Shot. With your focus meter red-lining you can relive the magic of the Matrix by implementing bullet time, making it easier to dodge, shoot and direct your punches with more effect.

  You can control your canine partner Shadow, whose favourite past-time is ripping  enemy throats clean off at every opportunity.

  When the heat is on and your screen begins to bleed as you're taking a battering, the game offers a similar re-charge system to Halo; all you need do is evade danger for a few seconds until you recover, so no need to pick up health as you go along.

  As the plot develops, the immersive gameplay and storyline combine with great visual scenery, and dark undertoned chapters draw you deep into fray. With each level you come across, Jack and Shadow tackle enemies with different combat styles. Some adopt Kung-Fu skill similar to Jack and perform disarming moves which can really cause grief; some are pugilists, only interested in purely-brawling without the need of guns; whilst others have an alarming arsenal including RPG's and BFG9000 wannabes that literally send you packing with your dog in between your legs.

  Overall, it's safe to say Shadow is the polar opposite of Lassie.

  Dead To Rights: Retribution is a well-produced game but from a gameplay point doesn't really push the envelope compared to other titles within the genre. While it's clear a lot of work has been done cosmetically to set the scene, the gameplay is nothing out of the ordinary. It simply does all the easy things very well without pushing the boundaries, apart from the small matter of playing as a dog, which we have to admit is a nice touch.

  Fun while it lasts, you can only run around as your four-legged compadre for so long before your tongue wags and you find yourself a wandering looking for the nearest relief spot or Dog bowl. Salvation may come in the form of choosing a harder skill level, however, and with three to choose from Dead To Rights Retribution could last a good while longer than your first eight-hour run through.
  

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • You get to play as Shadow in a first-person view. Nuff said.
  • Great combat system resulting in enjoyable, seamless fight scenes.
  • Sounds great, thanks to Abbey Road Music Productions.

  

  • Plot is elaborate with players forced to watch all cinematics.
  • Slow burner - once you get past the first few levels the fun really begins.
  • No multiplayer or co-op, including any online play.

  Review by: James 'Doggy-Style' Ashley
  Version Tested: Xbox 360
  Review Published: 27.04.10

  Published: 27/04/2010

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