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 Wreckless:
The Yakuza Missions
Activision
Action/Racing
XBox
I didn't know much about this game when I first looked into it a
few months ago. To me, I was hoping it would be similar to Grand
Theft Auto, especially after playing Grand Theft Auto 3. While
some things were similar, there were many differences between the
two and its obvious that GTA3 is the better of the two.
Wreckless is set in Hong Kong where there are two sets of missions
where you get to either be a pair a Hong Kong police inspectors or
a team of undercover spies. Each has their selection of vehicles
but have characteristics mirrored on the opposite side. Both sides
take on the Yakuza in Hong Kong, armed with their black expensive
sedans.
 All
the missions are incredibly original as you take care of
objectives such as deliveries, surveillance photography or merely
running down a cartel. But the focus is all on driving, unlike GTA
which has a mix of on-foot combat among other things. This works
for Wreckless, although some missions are a bit to swallow,
including driving on the inside of the convention center...twice.
But the game is a fun ride from the beginning and they never
really screw you over through overwhelming odds.
But the game is stunningly beautiful. The cars are as shiny as a
new bowling ball in the sun. Not to mention the gorgeous lights
throughout the Hong Kong streets. And just about everything...and
I mean everything...can be destroyed. Lights hanging from
buildings, shopping stands, fences, mailboxes, cars, buses and
cement trucks even, fold the hands of your maniacal driving.
However, for some reason, lights and large trees are driven
through.
 The
selection of vehicles is outstanding, and it makes it worth it to
unlock each one. Each has its enjoyable moments including the
regular old taxi. But throw in a Tank, an armored transport, a
Delorian-esque rocket powered sports car and even a little Isetta
style police cruiser and this game has a charm simply through the
vehicles. Of course the tank is fun as heck.
Control is a bit weird at first, the cars don't seem very
responsive at first, but its because they require a fairly low
speed and next to no throttle to make them turn well. Mastering a
power-slide is crucial to the success of each mission. Once the
control issue is stumbled over, the game's a blast to play.
Rounding out this good game is a decent soundtrack which combines
Chinese style music with electronica and rock. Squealing tires and
screaming people in addition to the crash of metal and electricity
gives the game a great feel.
 But
the game suffers from two things. It craves for a multi-player
mode where players can either compete in arena style matches or
co-op against the computer. It also desperately wants a free-roam
mode. Hong-Kong looks so incredible, and you just want to tear up
the streets in your Monster Truck...but you can't because you've
got a time limit. It also could use a few more missions. It seems
like the last two missions in each campaign were simply added in
as fillers. The ending lacks since the game really ends after
mission 8 in each campaign.
The game is phenomenally beautiful with gorgeous lighting, cars
and detail to the city of Hong Kong. The sound is great as well
and the game-play and campaign missions are challenging and
intriguing. But the game craves a bit more and leaves you a bit unsatisfied
at the end.
Final Verdict: 8/10
Wreckless
Planet
XBox |
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