| Introduction
xXx the movie is the result of an amicable settlement
between Sony Pictures and EON Productions regarding
the lucrative James Bond license. Starring Vin Diesel,
who rose to fame in the excellent Sci-Fi shocker Pitch
Black, the movie follows the adventures of a 'new breed'
of secret agent and is set in various locations around
the world. In case you didn't know, xXx has been surrounded
by controversy and a stuntman was killed on set but
Mr. Diesel has reportedly been offered $20 million to
return in a sequel even before the first movie was finished.
Being a resident of Prague I have a personal interest
in the movie as it was filmed around the corner from
where I live and the E3 screenshots feature many landmarks
I pass on a daily basis. Aside from that and most importantly,
however, is whether xXx for the GBA is just another
movie tie-in disappointment or an enjoyable secret agent
romp? Let's see...
GamePlay
Although xXx - The Movie is based around extreme
sports the GBA version only attacks the action in two
ways - a platformer and a bike riding section. As you'd
expect the majority is given over to the running and
jumping sections with the bike riding only to bridge
the plot between different locations. Possibly the best
aspect of the platform section is the arsenal of weapons
that are at your disposal and some of the explosions
are truly impressive. In addition you'll meet intelligent
enemies who hide behind shields while still firing at
you although a quick grenade can usually put an end
to that. Everything is mission based and, as a result,
you may find that you have to 'map out' some of the
levels to find the locations of keys, doors and missiles.
The biking section is a lot more straightforward
except that your fuel hungry mode of transport demands
'top-ups' about every hundred meters or so. In addition,
you have members of the Russian Mafia and other cars
trying to drive you off the road. There are many jumps
and ramps and while these may take you away from the
danger on the ground they will also hamper your efforts
to collect more fuel and so reach your destination.
There's also a damage meter, which will slowly turn
red. Hit too many on-coming cars or misjudge landings
and it's back to the start.
The battery backup is a nice though and once you've
selected one of the three available slots everything
is done automatically after each level. This also opens
up extras and completing a biking section allows you
to replay it to beat your best time. You'll also be
treated to some other bonus items but I really don't
want to spoil the surprise so you'll have to discover
them for yourself.
Controls
xXx is another title, which uses the standard GBC
layout with the most basic of enhancements, most notably
the shoulder buttons for grenades. This isn't a bad
thing though as you'll discover the simplicity of the
control system wont help at all when ten henchmen are
firing at you. It is nice to see developers taking some
time with this important gaming aspect though and the
control for both sections is incredibly responsive.
What's more, the sprite detection is well above what
we'd normally expect from this type of title, which
also makes a refreshing and welcome change.
Graphics
Digital Eclipse have done a surprisingly good job
with their graphical representation of both Prague and
the Czech Republic and anyone who's ever been there,
or indeed lives there, will recognize the surroundings
immediately. The sprite animation is also excellent
and the main character is incredibly smooth in addition
to being very movable. The cut screens are also nicely
done in a comic book style, which, if xXx is a hit,
will no doubt be a guaranteed printed spin off.
Sound & Music
The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard and
you get the impression that this is a big screen score
miniaturized for the GBA. This is always a big asset
as far as the game's success is concerned as a good
soundtrack can significantly enhance the gameplay. If
this isn't enough the sound effects are also well above
average so the enemies really do appear to be suffering
when they've been shot which, to be honest, I'm sure
they are. It's another of the few titles available where
you really require a good set of headphones for the
full effect so if you've got the game, get plugged in.
Final Comments
Activision has really succeeded in producing an entertaining
game, which captures the feel and excitement of the
movie. It's of a reasonable length and the learning
curve is pitched just right for the majority of gamers.
It does, however, omit a great deal of action contained
in the movie but I'm sure there are good reasons for
this move. As movie tie-in titles go this is one of
the more enjoyable ones and while there's absolutely
nothing original here it's all reasonably well put together.
It's not for everyone but if you enjoyed the movie you'll
no doubt find this game quite agreeable.
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