10-Apr-2005 The meanest alien in the galaxy to wear hair braids without shame has a fearsome reputation. Predator 2, the 1990 sequel to the 1987 movie, pitched the action in moody, downtown streets, and this is where Concrete Jungle steps in.
Being as familiar with the Predator universe as we are, it's great to see the game retains tons of the neat little features that made the films so absorbing. Obviously, being king of the proverbial jungle means slaughter is your number one priority. Fists, Wrist Blades, Staffs and Spearguns are all literally on hand to slice, dice, skewer and decapitate your prey with. You can even use your trusty size 11s to squash a guy dead if you land on him from high enough. The Plasmacaster is also present, which along with all the other weapons, can be upgraded throughout the game.
But it's not all merciless slaying; being the good hunter, only honourable kills count for anything in the Predator's universe. Several modes of vision are available (see I Seeee Yooooou, right), adding a huge spin on your traditional run/slash/jump gameplay. Concrete Jungle piles on the atmosphere too, from the menacing clicking of the Predator's voice, to the disturbing electronic resonance when switching to Thermal vision. Your active camouflage crackles and malfunctions in the wet, though stay away from the rain and this invisibility provides some claw-bitingly tense moments, along with some brutally satisfying, stealthy Execution kills. Factor in some great-looking FMV, and we could almost be there ourselves, cackling maniacally and letting off thermonuclear devices. Or something like that. Full review next issue.
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