Reviewed: November 4, 2006
Reviewed by: Justin Nixon

Publisher
Vivendi Games

Developer
High Voltage Software

Released: September 12, 2006
Genre: Action
Players: 1-4
ESRB: Mature

5
4
6
5
5.2

Supported Features:

Until that time I am stuck playing 50 Cent: Bulletproof G-Unit Edition for the PSP. The console versions of 50 Cent, to put it as nicely as I can, sucked. With that being said I was a little hesitant over playing this game. I figured that it had about as much chance of being a good game as I do of becoming a true gangsta. After playing through it I was surprised, I actually had a BETTER chance of becoming a true gangsta!

You’re stationed in this tiny little neighborhood called the Hood. You have several friends that can sell you ammo, armor, new clothing, extra health in the form of painkillers, new attacks, new songs, new music videos, and even cheats to make the game easier. The cheats you won’t be able to afford until after you play through the game once so don’t worry about those because you won’t play through more than once, if that.

The songs and music videos are probably the best thing to buy. You can set your own soundtrack to play during the game using some of 50 Cent’s music. When you purchase music videos you can view them anytime from the main menu or during the game by hitting start and choosing that option. This just may be the best part of the game. There are quite a few videos to choose from and even more songs.

The game requires you to leave the area, via subway, and track down this man that shot you. Each new area offers new obstacles. You may be in a mansion and have to find different keys to open different doors, and of course you’ll have to ‘cap’ a few baddies along the way. You’ll find clues that will lead you to different areas until you finally track down the guy that shot you. After each area is complete then you will travel back to the Hood until you’re ready for the next area to get new advice, upgrades, heath, or whatever else you need.

The game features a ton of different weapons to use on those wannabe gangstas. Each class of weapon has quite a few different options that you will pick up throughout the game. For example, there are about 6 or 7 pistols found throughout the game, but you can only carry one at a time. Some pack more force but can only hold a few bullets at a time while others might as well be peashooters but can hold large amounts of ammo. This adds a bit of strategy to the game.

The controls are pretty easy. The game utilizes a lock on feature similar to Grand Theft Auto for the shooting and attacking. There is also a neat feature for executing someone. If you get close enough to your enemy, occasionally, you’ll be able to execute your enemy in fashion via a counter. Depending on what weapon you’re using, you will counter their attack, grab them, and perform a unique kill. This can be somewhat entertaining, although it doesn’t always work. Overall the controls handle well and can be fun at times.

There is even multiplayer support available for up to 4 players. The only problem is that you have to find four friends that actually want to play this game.

What kills this game as far as gameplay is the length and complexity of the story. The game will take you about 5 hours to beat and for most of the game you will forget about the story. Sure, it’s there, but who cares. For most of the game you will be just killing countless generic enemies. The game doesn’t really suck you into the action so most of the game feels like a chore. You go collect some clue, kill tons of generic baddies along the way, and…and…boring. This game will put you too sleep as far as the action and story are concerned. It does nothing new, and what it does well isn’t done well enough.

The game is packed full of good voice-over work from the likes of ‘50’ himself, Eminem, and Dr. Dre. They all do great jobs lending their voices to the game and some kind of credibility to a not so credible game.