Publisher: Vivendi Universal
Ages: Mature.
Parental
Advisory:
Violence and blood
For exciting action that's set in the far future, Vivendi Universal Games' Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter delivers the sci-fi-based shooting and space combat goods. It's not a ground-breaking title, but for mature players, a good time may be had by all.
In a future that's controlled by a corrupt organization (haven't we heard all this before?), players become Mace Griffin. Once a valued member of an elite police force called the Rangers, Griffin becomes an unsuspecting pawn in an incident that kills his comrades, disbands the Rangers and puts him behind bars.
In the new world after the conspiracy and fall of the Rangers, law enforcement is left to an organization known as the Enforcers, who can't control the system's criminal elements. To deal with rising crime, a new organization called the Guild of Bounty Hunters-a group that includes former members of the police and military, along with known criminals-emerges. After being released from prison a hardened and bitter man, Griffin becomes a bounty hunter, a vocation that lets him search for the people who set him up to fall.
The game offers 11 large levels, and offers multiple mission objectives. In addition to the shooter action, players also get to pilot a variety of different ships that include quick alien scout fighters and massive carriers. Combat within space vehicles, however, while well done, is typically less satisfying than the game's main shooter action. The game offers various weapons that include tridal nova cannons, quad-barreled shotguns and sonic shock cannons, and you can execute primary and secondary attacks.
Computer-controlled enemies vary in their intelligence. Some can sense players from a distance while others are seemingly asleep on the job. In addition to lots of shooting and killing, the game serves puzzles that have players searching for routes to return to their ships, defusing bombs and more.
The controls are responsive and the game automatically locks the reticle onto an enemy after players have targeted it for awhile-a plus. The graphics are first rate-the game looks great. As a shooter, as one would expect, Mace Griffin is violent and bloody.
While Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter has a tendency to recycle elements found in other games, it's an entertaining, first rate title. Those who are into shooters should find lots to like.
8/11/03 Daytrum Editorial Staff
