Dom Robinson reviews

for PC CD-Rom

Distributed by
Eidos Interactive Limited

He "moves without sound, kills without emotion and disappears without trace". Yes, someone's been reading the cover of the DVD for Leon. Playing a tall, near-Richard O'Brien-a-like, with a barcode on the back of your head, this third-person game has you playing the hitman of the title who is given assignments like assassinating political targets. You have the ability to blast people into bits and shoot limbs off, then pick up the cadaver's weapon(s) and use them on his colleagues.

As you run about the hitman's world, the graphics are a little on the jerky side but they still move fast and when you need to escape the pursuit of those wanting to help you meet your maker, it's easy enough to nip round the back of a building and position yourself so you can catch them when they follow you. The sound is simple but fairly satisfying as the bullets meet their destinations. The control system is similar to that used in Project I.G.I. in that if you're not used to it, it's rather a dog to play with at first, but you do get used to it eventually, because I never used to use a mouse for first- or third-person-shooters. Regular mini cut-scenes also appear at preset times, but if you're in the middle of a shoot-out, while that action will be paused, the fact it's happened is very off-putting. Pressing 'Escape' will get you back to the action, but you'll be back in the thick of it so keep on your toes. Also - and this is the real pain - there's no facility for an in-game save so as you work your way around your objectives, if you screw up and die, then it's back to square one. That is SO annoying and puts you off playing.

Overall, the lack of in-game saving is the straw that breaks the camel's back. It's a difficult game and one where you'd normally pace yourself, moving a few steps at a time while saving regularly. Constantly replaying the same points does not excitement generate, it makes you switch off.

GRAPHICS SOUND EFFECTS AND MUSIC PLAYABILITY ORIGINALITY ENJOYMENT
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