Stranglehold attempts to remove itself from the pack as a new original
ip in the world of 3rd person shooters. The game is directed by John
Woo and includes such talents as Chow Yun-Fat. Even with these great
names in theater this game has just enough flaws to keep it out of
reach of becoming a "blockbuster" title.
The game uses the typical run and gun gameplay. You use Tequila Time to
slow down time and help yourself out of sticky situations. You can also
use the left trigger to activate alternate versions of slow motion.
Diving is the default command and using the environment will activate
different actions. Rolling into fire on a cart, sliding down stairs,
and sliding across furniture will all seem like childs play as Tequila
accomplishes these task with ease. The aiming system is solid and you
can use melee attack in close range using the same button, but it seems
in Tequila Time that the aiming is a little more difficult. The weapons
also play differently allowing you to really tell the variety of the
weapons that you have at your disposal. You may also only carry two
weapons at one time. To keep the action fast there is no reloading, you
just get rid of the weapon after you use it which is fun, but sometimes
leaves unarmed, especially if you use the cover mechanic which is solid
as well. Adding on to your list of tools for destruction is Tequila's
special moves. These are used to either heal yourself or completely
annihilate your enemies, and unlike some shooters that you could go
without using the things at your disposal, Stranglehold places you in
positions where your powers must be used or failure is inevitable.
The game is a constant riddle of bad guys taunting you, bullets flying,
and just the sound of destroying buildings with small arms fire. The
game seems to focus more on the sounds of the actual fighting than the
voice acting. The story is interesting, but the terrible voice acting
is really disappointing. It seems as if the actors involved were just
tagging along and not really into the role. Especially the main
character which is tragic considering this could have been a much more
in depth story.
As with the voice acting, the graphics just pass mediocre. Character
models are fine, but poorly animated. Most of the physics in the game
are aged and most of the animations of the entire game feel like they
should be on the original xbox without the lighting and graphics.
Lighting is really where the game shines as shadows and city lights
enhance the graphics that exist, but when this isn't in contrast it,
you really don't wanna see this up close.
Stranglehold is a fun game for those looking for a descent third person
shooter. There is plenty of game to be had as it lasts much longer than
many lacking shooters. With plenty of play and just enough interest to
keep you wanting more Stranglehold will leave you wanting a sequel that
is much more polished and makes a much larger impact than this one.
