|
when the idea of wreckless hit the street, crowds gathered and began spreading the word. it didn't take long until wreckless was one of the most anticipated xbox releases thus far. initial
descriptions and early screen shots provided evidence that rookie developing company: bunkasha publishing had something hot on their hands...only time would tell before the public would get their own
copy and the fantasy game would turn into reality.
time is up...
wreckless begins with no flashy cinematics, in fact you are quickly exposed to the menu in
which your adventures begin. you have the option of loading or creating a new game..the basic components. after choosing to load/create you have the option to receive your mission(s),
change options, view status, etc. so, from my viewpoint, it is quite clear and quite basic...a must for all of people with the inability to follow complex instructions.
one nice option is the ability to choose the scenario that you would like to play. the game consists of 2 possible scenarios with 10 distinct missions in each. these 20 overall missions signify the
shallow depth of wreckless. the game contains no multiplayer/lan options and no multiplayer split screen options...this of course shows what longevity (if any) wreckless has....
on to the gameplay...
wreckless does serve up some rather short cinematics to start your endeavor, but you'll
forget the focus of your mission as you get lost in the frustration. each scenario offers a completely alternate storyline, thus, there is some variety, but it is simply not enough. once
you have been graciously introduced to the game you'll begin your initial mission. each scenario starts things off easy, but don't think for one moment that you'll have smooth
sailing...beware a storm is on the horizon. the mission objectives do vary and they do their best to keep things interesting, but they all have the underlying theme...crash, collect, and
accelerate like hell...
the controls used in wreckless are as basic as the menu system...and just as flashy. the
controller setup returns users to the old nintendo feel...one button controls the pressure on the gas pedal and one button is used to brake. there is nothing more to it...or is there?
when the missions begin, the spotlight shifts onto your lovely face...it’s your time to shine.
the first mission gives you a sufficient amount of time, in order to get the feel for the driving style. you have the option of choosing from a small variety of vehicles (some of which must be unlocked),
thus, there are a variety of driving styles. some cars will turn better than others, as well as accelerate, etc. in general, the cars are somewhat difficult to drive due to the inconsistency of the
game. for example, i have had several instances where i will be driving towards the goal and suddenly the car will end up spinning 180 degrees leaving me behind my competition. another example
occurs when slamming into other vehicles. believe it or not, if your vehicle collides with one of the many vehicles you will notice the "realism" (sarcastic) of the
crash. it is true that your vehicle will express some damage visually, but the vehicle that you crash into will be devastated. there are several times that you will collide with a vehicle
much larger than your own, but it will be that large car that bounces off of you...if i had to choose which vehicle to be in during a crash, i would choose a bus over a dune buggy in
every scenario, but not in wreckless.
this game smells of inconsistency and inaccuracy, but it does offer qualities, which may end
up on the frontier of future driver-like games. the city is yours for the crashing, however, certain items are indestructible. for example, it is impossible to smash any pedestrians, poles,
trees, etc. instead your vehicle passes through the items as if they weren't actually there. when you do crash into items (cars, sim stands, etc.), causing substantial damage they will
blink and disappear...a great feature. i have heard so much criticism about this feature, but i think that it makes the game playable. if i were playing i sure would hate to have a 30 car
pileup creating a barrier that stops me from completing the objective. so yeah i guess it would be nice to see some realistic car pileups it is best to leave the damaged cars blink off of the screen.
the visuals in the game are simply amazing. i feel that this game does show off some real xbox potential, however, the developers did leave several things to be desired. the fact that
all missions are timed doesn't allow you to explore the city and appreciate the graphical aspect. instead it seems like the player is constantly rushed...a free roam (timed free) feature would have
quite nice. wreckless does offer an instant replay feature, but i found it to be useless (after seeing it once). once your mission is complete you are given the option to watch the replay or skip
it...during the replay you are exposed to some unique interpretations of your driving skills, but you also see your skills from some shady angles...angles that don't allow you to see things
appropriately. my suggestion is to skip the replay. if you accidentally choose to watch the replay you can exit the insanity
with the start button; that is a nice touch. but overall the graphics are pleasing to the eye as long as you have time and attention to give a look....
is that a weed eater?
the sound in the game is adequate. the car engines are weak for the most part, but it’s not too annoying. in any event, i don't usually comment on the sound as i wouldn't hold off
buying any game because of it. the sound is ok...enough said.
what am i supposed to do?
once you are given your mission assignment it is up to you to figure out exactly what you must do. the descriptions are extremely vague and at times you must replay a mission
several times just to explore where you are required to go. once you map out your strategy and route you may find out that your execution must be near perfect in order for completion.
with the inconsistency of the driving style, perfection is very difficult to display...in conclusion, be prepared to play certain missions over and over and over and over...well you get the point.
is there more?
there are a few other areas that need to be touched upon: certain missions seem to require
x amount of tasks, but just when you think you are done you are informed that one more thing must be accomplished. that would be fine, but you are constantly timed. this may lead
you replaying the mission...again.
at certain times you will notice your car becoming stuck. the buildings were created with
several corners, which may cause you to get stuck. it is very annoying considering that pesky time issue....
finally, some missions require obstacles that have nothing to do with skill. for example, one
mission requires that you take photographs of some “rebel”. the mission has built in photo "stations" expressed by glowing white
boxes. you must drive your car into the boxes, wait for the photo to snap, and then move on to the next station. you cannot take the photos randomly; in fact a mark on the map tells you which
station to visit next. the problem is that each "station" is located on the cities dock (on the water). the dock seems to be very damaged, as holes are present and some areas of the dock seem
impossible to access. the developers have created ramps and other tricky ways to enter these areas...and yes you must enter them because the "stations" are in these areas. my complaint is
that the inconsistency and inaccuracy of the game makes completing this mission pure luck. i was very frustrated with this mission because i had to play it over and over again because
luck wasn’t on my side...i kept driving my car off of the dock into the water. and then to top off my venting, the game situates your car in the opposite direction that you need to go (if
you fall into the water), so you must find a way to turn your car around on that skinny dock...yes it is as bad as it sounds.
to buy or not to buy
with all of the bad i did manage to find some upsides. although the game is not very rewarding you will find yourself playing it over and over. i think that my "addiction" originated
from the frustration. several missions seemed impossible to me, but as i found ways to proceed further into the level i thought that i could do it...so i would play and play and play
until i did it. at first i totally hated the game, but the more that i played it the more that i liked it (to a point).
the damage to the car seems well done. for example, after you smash into that bus, knocking it 10 - 20 feet off its original path, you will see the cracked windshield, scratches,
and good old dents in both your car and the bus. in fact you will take notice as car parts fling from the car after the damage has occurred...a very interesting feature. in contrast to
that unique feature, your car will get dinged, crashed, crushed and smashed, but never will you be able to damage your car to the point where it is undriveable. if you drive your vehicle
off of the docks or you are flipped by your competition your car will get replaced in good condition...other than that don't expect to be driving around dent-less...it won't happen.
the low down...
wreckless: the yakuza missions is only as fun as you make it. nothing in the game will stand
above the competition of halo, max payne, or project gotham racing for the best xbox title so far. although this game had the potential to make it one of the best releases for the
system, it seems as though it will fizzle out with some of the other duds...thumbs down...
|
