What can I say? It's Vigilante 8.
Well actually I CAN say a lot. Some things being that it feels like a whole new game of V8.
But where to start, where to start?
Firstly, the guys from Luxoflux got shut down and years later they've reemerged as Isopod Labs. Their first assignment: remake V8.
Secondly, It can't really be called a remake since it's about half of the first game with a few things from the second thrown in. Only 9 cars are present with just 5 levels to destroy. I've heard there will be DLC later on and I'm hoping the rest of the cars as well as more levels will come.
Lastly, this game may or may not piss you off. For the most part its a smooth ride. But when you do hit a bump it will be something that you know will happen again and again later on.
Gameplay: 7/10:
Interaction: Using the Bezier patch system, the terrains have been smoothed out, which is a blessing and a curse. You no longer bounce around on the ground and can actually steer well, for the most part. There are certain moments when it just screws you over for no reason, such as being thrown into the air for what seems like forever, brakes not working while you're sliding, weapons (mainly missiles) throwing you off-course, and, the worst part, when you come off a jump and land you never know what direction you'll end up in. Or whether you'll be upside down or not.
Difficulty: The AI is a weapons whore. Even on easy difficulty they are constantly, and I mean constantly, firing everything that they have. The AI of the past used to wait until you were close to do so, but now it just seems to be an annoyance rather than an aspect of gameplay. Your main objective is to keep moving or get hit. Also your machine gun overheats and runs down EXTREMELY quickly for some reason.
Variance: If you don't like the new controller scheme you can always switch back to the classic. And you no longer have to remember the control combos for special weapon attacks. Simply holding down the button for a certain period of time will unleash the desired special. But if you do so wish they have included the control combos from the original.
Graphics: 8/10: The levels have been recreated from the ground up but luckily resemble the levels from the first game (aside from the Meteor Crater, which is from 2nd Offense). There are a few curveballs thrown in to each one that you won't remember but nothing that drastically affects the gameplay. The cars are well put together and distinct. They've even thrown in the original car model skins as unlockables.
Sound: 8/10:
Effects: Most of the original sounds have been returned, from the menu to the in-game, it's all reminiscent of the old days. The voice actors have a new touch to them in that you can now taunt by clicking down on the left control stick. There are about three taunts for each car and can only be used about every three seconds. The bullets are the main annoyance in that they ping really loudly when they hit something metal even when you're not all that close to something.
Music: No more replacing the game CD with a music CD to hear your own music. The 360s custom soundtracks are there to save you. However if you want to go "old school" (Vigilante 8 joke... nevermind...) they've got various music styles to choose from: V8 Theme, Disco, Punk, Metal, Rock, and Funk. Personally I'd rather keep it off.
Replayability: 8/10:
Originality: The addition of the upgrade system is taken from the 2nd game. Unforunately its bare bones. You can only upgrade the strength of the cars, meaning they can take more hits. I figure more might come with future DLC. Gone are the Quest mode objectives. Now it's more like Twisted Metal where you just destroy the other cars, collect the upgrades, and move on. This time it gives you 10 seconds to collect the upgrades from the last car rather than making you drive around afterwards trying to steer towards them.
Extras: With only a few unlockables, those being cars skins from the first game and Y the Alien, you might not stick around the single player for very long unless you like car combat in general. There is a multiplayer, both local and online, that is available. I have yet to play online since I wanted my friend to get the game first, I'll have to comment on it later.
Overall: 8/10:
- DLC NEEDS to include the missing cars: Sheila, Clyde, Houston and Loki. It also needs to include a few fixes among certain areas.
- For only 800 Microsoft points, this is a game that fans of the original will enjoy.
- Newcomers may wonder what fuss is all about and be turned off by the little annoyances.
- I'm sure it can be a good party game with four friends playing, or the centerpiece of an old-school gaming party.
BUY IT.
Tags: Vigilante 8 Arcade Xbox 360 Live
