Let me sum up first of all - Wow. This game kicks ass.
I've played the PS2 version at a friends house and I was impressed with what I saw - it still had the slightly jaggedy visuals I've come to expect from many consoles and the loading times leaft much to be desired but it was still a great game and worthy of being proudly put on display as a selling point for the PS2.
Of course, the PC version came out a week after I'd played this and I bought it immediatly (sold on what I've seen of it in the PS2 edition as well as the previous games). So what's it like? Well the short answer is a combination of Driver, GTA and Carmageddon. In short, perfection. It might not have Shivans in it but this game sure as hell doesn't need them, in the PC version the graphics have been improved (hi-res! w00t!) as well as some other improvements, mouse control and so on. What we've got here is a fully functioning city where anything you can see can probably be interacted with at some stage. Want a car? steal it. Don't like that persons suit? Hit him - or better still, find a weapon of some type (baseball bats, pistols and shotguns are readily available)... other stuff is around if you look. There are also some conveniently placed ramps dotted around the place for spectacular stunts and so on (ever tried to jump a coach over three lorry trailers? It's possible...). This is by no means the extent of what there is to do around the place but it's enough for you to get the idea.
However the game is not without flaws - as close to perfect entertainment as it comes it's still a port from a console and as such a couple of things happen now and again that makes this apparent.. I've fallen through the floor a couple of times and the camera has gone...strange... now and again as well. Although this doesn't detract from the game it is noticable from time to time. Also the nature of the game means that system specs are
very important. Like Max Payne if your computer can't cope you
will notice the difference. For the best gaming experience it's essential to have a good PC.
If anyone is having trouble with the game due to it loading music from the CD, get the no-cd crack - it works wonder. I've had a solid high-FPS ever since loading it. This isn't a promotion for warez before anyone asks
So - overall, an amazing experience. Unfortunately there's no demo at the moment but I certainly give it 10/10 and suggest everyone try it at least once. It's a landmark game.
