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Rainbow Six 3: BA
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Pub.: Ubisoft
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Dev.:
Ubisoft
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Score: 8.0 |
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Van Helsing Review
by 007
With the theatrical release of the movie into theaters, along came the console version to give the ultimate Van Helsing experience – watch the movie, then experience all the action first hand by playing the game. Without a surprise, the action packed monster flick made a splash at the box office, but how can game be compared to with such little mediocre hype given by gamers.
Features:
-Explore Transylvania in 13 missions
-Battle with The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, and other villains
-Plenty of unlockable content
-480 Progressive Scan Input
-5.1 Dolby Digital
-Online Scoreboards VIA Xbox Live
Gameplay:
‘Deep within the mysterious land of Transylvania, monsters that inhabit man’s deepest nightmares take form. One mans destiny – and curse is to vanquish evil and destroy the lethal and powerful Count Dracula. Descend into the murky depths of the Carpathian Mountains as legendary monster hunter Van Helsing. As Van Helsing, you battle fiendish creatures with a deadly array of weapons, unique abilities, and unparalleled courage.’
While being played in a third person perspective, Van Helsing is your ordinary action title that involves slashing and shooting your enemies, and lots of them. The gameplay in Van Helsing will offer more shooting than melee fighting, as you can see in the weapons list below.
-Pistol
-Shotgun
-Lightning Gun
-Gas-Powered Crossbow
-Gatling Gun
-Elephant Gun
-Tojo Blades
-Dual Scimitars
Each weapon is individually unique and when attacking different enemies, each and every weapon will have a specific mode of attack. Along with the weapons, Van Helsing can also use his special abilities to aid him throughout his quest. By gathering glyphs and other items that are located in various locations in each level, Van Helsing will be able to obtain bonus attributes and health at the Armory.
The game is played at a fixed camera angle and it cannot be controlled, so you’re going to have to take the time and get used to it. Since you can’t control the camera, there are times during battles where the camera automatically changes disrupting the action and it will more than likely steal your thunder. These fixed camera changes are almost impossible to predict, but you’ll learn to accept it as you continue through the game.
Van Helsing will have to claw and fight his way through numerous enemies and bosses, and sticking to a attack first – ask questions later will almost guarantee you dying quickly. Using your melee attackscan be extremely important, because there will be times where you won’t be able to handle numerous amounts of enemies by firing at them with your guns. Melee attacks are quick and will get you through close combats.
There are many bright spots to Van Helsing, but there are many faults that take away from a solid action experience. Some gamer’s might be carried away with the frustrating camera, but others will have it grow onto them. Van Helsing himself doesn’t have an in-depth combo system, but merely some simple attacks. Most levels don’t have to work to get to the boss. In most circumstances you’ll be able to attack select enemies and rush your way through the end. Unfortunately, you aren’t forced to defeat enemies to carry on, which make things a whole lot less challenging than it should be.
Graphics:
While the game can’t be compared to the movie, Van Helsing does well on its own. The cinematic camera angle adds a new dimensional value to the visual experience, but it can still be a problem to players. The monsters will come in big amounts and will range from different shapes, sizes, and methods of attack. The enemy AI is done well to an extent. Once you play the run and chase game, they don’t make an sufficient effort to bring you down. The environments are done exceptionally well, with the mood, weather, and buildings/structures bring the action in the game to a new life.
Audio:
Van Helsing offers some solid sound effects, but for the most part everything is done well. The game supports Dolby Digital, which brings a lot of the sound effects to life, especially the blows coming from the melee attacks and gunfire. The soundtrack is provided by numerous orchestral pieces that tenderly fit right into the games scenario. Most of the character dialogue is professionally done and comes right from the movie.
Overall:
Van Helsing might have had a more promising outcome if there were some minor, but important, issues fixed with the game. The camera, of course, will be the dominant factor in whether or not players will be able to stand the game. If you’re able to get through its faults, Van Helsing offers some valiant action that is quite enjoyable. Other than the gameplay issues, you’ll be quite satisfied with the games audio and visuals. Fans of the movie will definitely want to check out this alternative to the Van Helsing movie, while fans of the action/adventure genre will want to keep this title as a strict rental only.
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| Rating |
| Gameplay: | 7 |
| Graphics: | 6 |
| Sound: | 7 |
| Value: | 7 |
| Tilt: | 7 |
| Overall: 6.8 |
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