The Getaway (PS2)

Getaway has had a lot of criticism. mainly because it seems to live in GTA's shadow. if you look at it in its own merits its actually a really good game and in some ways better than the ultimate GTA series. The emphasis on this game is realism - you wont find random weapons floating 3ft above the ground glowing pink or green, there are no medikits lying on the pavements (although you can 'up your health by leaning against a wall - took me a while to work that one out), there aren't 100 packages of uncut cocaine hidden around the city, and there aren't super-de-duper 250mph cars available from hidden car parks. Don't get me wrong - I'm not dissing GTA at all - I love those games, and those features I mentioned make the game so enjoyable. But Getaway is centred around realism. Gritty, gory, nose bleed, dirty realism. And thank goodness.

You start off the game - as you all probably aware, playing a retired gangsta forced back into his gangsta ways after his wife is shot and kid kidnapped. And you have to do gangsta errands around London. around an incredibly realistic / detailed London. Missions vary through all sorts of crimes; theft / arson / buckets of killing / getaways (dah) / etc etc. When you get shot, you limp; another few times you will be dead. (there's that realism thing again). Part 2 is the cop following all this action. I wont give anymore away about the storyline than that. Half of the time as both characters you will be on foot, in and out of buildings (although note only mission buildings are enterable; approx 20) controls are a little difficult, but as with any game - a couple of hours and you're storming along. the other half time - you are in a variety of cars... less variety than GTA admitably but the cars on the roads are the cars out there on our roads! - you can see the badges of a citreon saxo, instantly recognise the rover metro (and its high pitched scream as you do a burnout pulling away), The black cabs although a shade of dark green are perfect imitations. Its almost refreshing. Even handling is accurate as anyone who has dared drive a nissan micra will know!

Police tactics are again realistic (really need a thesaurus - getting bored of typing this word). Expect chases (as opposed to random battering), experience the frustration of real life criminals and those evil spiked stinger traps (driving around with no tyres - a challenge to say the least), police will shoot tyres & radiators & set up roadblocks straight out of 'The Bill' textbook. I actually found losing the police the most enjoyable part of this game. - an unexpected swerve into back alley or a dive through a narrowing gap as a bus pulls out: Brilliant!

Weapons are limited to gangsta profile as opposed to out and out terrorist, and with exception of pistols, can only handle 1 at a time (where does Fido / Tommy conceal that bazooka and up to 99 molotov cocktails?!?) There is no directional map on the screen - a unique flash of indicators tells you where to go...

Overall opinion. Buy it, play it & enjoy it - (its platinum now so less than a tenner). Don't get caught up comparing it & arguing over which is better.

The final question - which do I prefer? I'm more of a Braeburn man myself, however I do like a good pair. er pear.

The graphics and FMV sequences are superb. A real Lockstock style game with language and characters to match.

Unfortunately, the problems and omissions far outweight the gorgeous graphics and innovation.

Firstly, and in my opinion the most ridiculous thing about this game (and it has a dramatic effect on gameplay) is the view-point. When driving, you can only see your vehicle from behind, making smooth driving impossible. Your car will obscure the car in front making it extremely difficult to judge how close to it you are or if it's even there. I find myself driving like a drunk trying to weave between cars whilst being chased by the police or rival gangs.

Also, you can't see behind you. There is no rear view. So, you only hear them coming.

There is no on-screen map or compass (there's no on-screen anything), so you have only your indicators to give you an idea of which way to turn. You do get a map with the game, but as there are no street signs you have no idea where you are unless the is a known structure: Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch etc.

The instructions for each mission can be insufficient, leaving you groping around until you stumble on the right solution.

The streets, cars and buildings are superb. It seems that the developers have spent most of their time faithfully rendering the London streets whilst ignoring important things like gameplay. Although, it does have a sterility about it with a lack of bustle on the pavements...

Finally, you have no choice but to watch the long FMV sequence before each mission. You can't jump it like most other games. And if this is your fifth attempt at the mission, it's wearing a little thin!

If you have GTA and Vice City (which have playability and longevity), I'd recommend you give this one a miss. It just isn't there yet. It feels like it was rushed to get it out before Christmas.