bit-tech Shopping: Midway Stranglehold (XB360)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 90 Days

Strengths: Fast "double" gun action gameplay. Slow motion to mimic the very "John Woo" movie feel.

Weaknesses: The continuous diving will make you feel kind of dizzy at times. Short story mode and weak online multiplayer.

Summary: The game itself is a lot of fun, and does a wonderful job of recreating the way movement works in the John Woo universe. However, the game is repetitive, and actually features less interesting environmental attacks as the game progresses through its very short run. But overall i would still recommend this game , since it is hard to think of any other movie to videogame tie-in that's as polished and perfected as this, by allowing the director and main star input into the game truly pays off.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Fun shooting gameplay

Weaknesses: Can be repetitive, story is simple

Summary: Jon Woo Presents Stranglehold is about as much of an action game as an action game can be. There is non stop shooting, but what makes it different from other games, is the use of Tequila Time and Tequila Bombs. Tequila time slows down the game to slow motion so you can dodge bullets and get the upper hand on the enemy. A Tequila bomb are special moves that you can use to eliminate the enemy. Both are very fun to use. The story is pretty simple, standard of an action movie actually. It wont wow you, but it gets the job done. Overall, it is a fun game that has a few shortcomings.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: +special attacks (tequila bomb)+easy pick up and play+authentic+great for Max Payne fans +destructible environments

Weaknesses: -short-storyline basic affair-not much guidance-bit repetitive

Summary: Stranglehold is the sequel to John Woo?s amazing movie Hardboiled. Chow Yun-Fat reprises his role as inspector Tequila a one man army. Characters, cut scenes and environments are richly detailed, although some environments are redundant. Gameplay is this games strength and weakness. Tequila faces off against group after group of villains. Tequila can slow down time (Matrix, Max Payne style) and can execute special moves. Environments are completely destructible and can be used as a weapon against the enemy. In between the gun battles Tequila will encounter gun standoffs and such fun tasks as planting bombs. Unfortunately the villains often appear endless and despite their numbers they rarely prove to be much of a challenge. The standoffs and side missions in Stranglehold also become repetitive quick. Stranglehold can easy be beaten in a rental and aside from a bare bones multiplayer, and achievements there is not much incentive in replaying it again. In closing Stranglehold may not have enough depth to warrant a purchase, but it definitely deserves a rental.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Captures the feel of a John Woo movieMode in which you dodge bullets is very fun

Weaknesses: Repetitive

Summary: John Woo has long made a mark in the action movie genre and now he is lending his name to a fun, but slightly repetitive action title from Midway. The game is actually a sequel to an older John Woo movie called Hard Boiled and the cinematics as well as characters are carry overs from the movie. As such they well developed characters and the cut-scenes are entertaining. Also, the gameplay adds some novel twists to the genre, including the ability to use the environment to increase the action movie feel, i.e. you can jump on a wheeled cart and ride it through the level guns a blazing. The other unique gameplay mode is a slow-mo bullet time mode that involves dodging enemies bullets. It is a fun mode to play and unlike anything I've played before. The only downside is that the game runs out of steam midway through and becomes repetitive. A very fun action title. The multiplayer is nearly unplayable and should not be part of any purchase decision, just ignore it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Lots of action, destructible environments, many character abilities/skills, good voice acting featuring Chow Yun-Fat

Weaknesses: Short single player campaign, repetitive game play, weak multiplayer

Summary: As a gaming sequel to John Woo's action flick Hard Boiled, Stranglehold follows Hong Kong rogue cop Tequila in his continuing fight against street gangs. Fans of the film, the Max Payne series and 3rd person shooters in general should find a decent time here. Tequila must deal with rival gang wars, and when his daughter and former girlfriend are abducted by one gang, you know he's going to have to hurt someone. The body count becomes quite high as the story goes on. You can use a Max Payne-style slow motion to avoid oncoming fire and dish out your own in return. The various environments you'll encounter are also fully interactive and destructible. While the single player campaign ends after a mere six hours (and the multiplayer feels tacked on), the story mode is indeed great fun while it lasts. You won't want to pay full price given the short length of play, but for $20 or less, genre fans should consider picking this up. If you can't find it cheap, a rental will show you everything this title has to offer in short order.