Everyone knows that Max Payne's gameplay ripped off...er...paid homage to the cinematic genius of John Woo. Ten-thousand slow-motion perforations later, it's only Hollywod—make that Hong Kong—justice that Woo would return the favor in Stranglehold. This up-coming Midway release is the video game-only sequel to Hard-boiled, perhaps the most spectacular of the action auteur's celluloid Glock-fests. Hopefully, Woo's participation will ensure an equally satisfying bullet ballet on the 360.
I used to buy Woo movies in Japanese-sub-titled Mandarin. Couldn't understand a word and didn't care because watching Chow Yun-Fat get shot 54 times before he fell down made gun-less MacGyver look lame. Midway makes things easier now-a-days with easily-to-comprehend media events. Gamespot has details and video.
According to the press release, Woo played an active role in developing this title. No word if his directorial influence extends to in-game advertising. Stranglehold will be be one of the first games affected by Midway's Mephistophelian marketing deal with ad agency Double Fusion. Both partners promise that the product placements will be "organic and credible." Given the ballistic subject matter, look for Eddie Eagle to show up before gamers complete stage one.
1. This is one game to watch for a number of reasons...
• It's a game sequel in name to Hard Boiled and we all know the wraith of bad movie inspired games. Of course because it's only a game-only sequel hopefully it will fall along the lines of Chronicles Of Riddick or the Thing.
• Product placement, sigh. One topic that just won't die. I'd guarantee as time goes on, this is going to become a bigger deal in the gaming world. Now we just have to wait and see the "organic and credible" results.
• ... and perhaps if this does well enough he can get a prequel in game form to A Better Tomorrow. Just think of the possibilites! You could play as Mark and Ho and take over the criminal underworld in dusters with toothpicks in your mouth. Yes!
Posted at 2:07AM on Mar 3rd 2006 by refinedsugar 3 stars