“A
dark and violent crime thriller” a description that fits best to this cinematic
franchise. Walk
in the shoes of Patrol officer Cole Phelps, who is a former soldier, as he solves
his way up to being a detective. The road is not short and the crime rate in
L.A isn't small either. With one case leading to another, Phelps must uncover
the secrets that are hidden well within Los Angeles. Devoted to the truth,
Phelps doesn't take no for an answer.
The game
sets in the ‘City of Hollywood’, as some would call it. The 3rd
person gameplay is relatively smooth for a game set in the 40’s. The controls
are very smooth; sometimes too smooth that when you move the left stick on your
joystick, you’ll see Phelps tracing a circle in the middle of a chase.I’m just
kidding.It's not that bad! The shooting
system is very spontaneous but that's how the gun shots are supposed to
feel. Rockstar Games got everything down from the feel of a 1940’s city, to the
cars and guns, to even the way people behave during interrogations. The driving
is a bit tight; doesn't matter what car you choose. The story gets more and
more interesting as you move on. How interesting? Well, that’s for you to
investigate! 
The game
features the use of a new highly effective and revolutionary facial animation
technology. With the employment of at least 35 or more High-definition cameras
recording every facial muscle’s movements and digitizing it, each and every
character’s emotions in the game is brought to life. This feature plays a key
role in the story. During interrogation, using your brain and Phelps’s
intuition, you’ll have to narrow down to whether the suspect is speaking the
Truth or is lying or if you doubt him/her. But this is the only thing they had
time for I guess. Not complaining, but they could have improved the
environmental graphics, however, that doesn't mean it isn't playable. It is amazing for a
detective game and the best at its time. Maybe I just feel like it after playing
many new games with amazing graphics. The facial animation thingy, you’re gonna
love it!
Coming to
the cons, the story is long and deep and kind of slow, but then again that’s
how a detective game normally plays. Ah! Fine, it isn't a flaw! The driving
could have been better. Steering becomes pretty hard but it can be handled
after practice. The shooting mechanics are awesome but the moving while behind
cover gets annoying at times, especially when you bump into your partner who’s
sharing the same cover you’re behind; “Oh hey there Phelps!”.The access to the
objects in the environment are limited as well; meaning only objects that
contribute to the story can be interacted with. Doesn't limit the fun though!
So in the
end the game has a few dim lights, but the good stuff far outweigh the
drawbacks.The game is amazing and its story is captivating. The facial
animation is mind-blowing and the 40’s feel of the game,can’t get enough of it!
Be sure to check this game out, you won’t regret it!
My ratings:
Action:8/10
Adventure:7/10
Crime:8.5/10
Overall game rating: 7.8/10
