The Getaway

Review - Ben goes all cockney on us in tackling this criminal mastermind.

Boost a bleedin’ motor you muppet!

I was happily sittin’ at home, when the trouble and strife hollers at me that the old dog and bone is ringin’. Leapt down the apples I did, grabbed the dog and listened carefully. This was one call I had been waitin’ for... It was me Guv, Luke. He wanted me to review this game, The Getaway; it’s a 24-carat diamond title he says. I was on it like a Whippet at the tracks. Sorted I says to him. He says we better be or the boy’s will be round again, visitin’ like. I says no worries, soon it’ll be as clear as this paragraph. With that, he slams the phone down. Lets get motorin’ people….

Firstly, this is a game I have been waiting for. I normally don’t get excited about upcoming releases, but there was something about The Getaway that instantly appealed to me when it was still a pipe dream. Perhaps it was because it was like a British gangster film turned into a game, or maybe the thought of most of London being reproduced in true 3D glory…. what ever it was, this game has been anticipated for a very, very long time. So does it deserve it? Does it live up to expectations? Oh yes, read on, read on….

The first things that’ll hit you about The Getaway are the graphics. They may not appear to be that smooth, but the detail is incredible; all the characters have superbly mapped faces that suit their personas well. There are no rush jobs on these models. Secondly, talking of detail, the majority of London is recreated in this game. This is not a small little section here, you can drive across town if you wish, taking in all the sites… that’s if you aren’t being pursued! The detail is astounding, I work in London and I was amazed at the work that has gone into this game. All the buildings look identical and the roads have the exact same layout, granted there is some artistic licence, but for the most part, it is stunning. I can truly see why this game has been in production for so long! Also, with the absence of any on-screen instructions, directions, health info or ammo count, it almost feels like a movie, not a game.

As for the way the game plays, it’s quite like GTA3, although it has some very big differences. Firstly, it is a lot more mission based, there isn’t quite the same amount of freedom as there is in GTA3, not unless you unlock the free roam mode at the end, but that takes some work. Secondly, it’s important to remember that The Getaway is set in a real city, with real locations and real cars, therefore the sense of realism is much greater, although this does hinder some factors, as you are unlikely to find quiet the amount of fun weaponry and vehicles as GTA3. However, one big trump card in favour of The Getaway is the ability to go inside. There are many more buildings to roam around in than GTA3, and the controls and style of game play reflects this. Mark and Frank can both do some fancy shoota moves, including leaning around corners and taking hostages, all adding to the feel that this is a movie and not a game..