Smuggler's Run
Score: 97% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Take 2 Interactive Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: Smuggler's Run is absolutely incredible! This game has three vast 'go-anywhere' environments that are very lush graphically. Vehicles are nicely and realistically rendered, and also abide (for the most part) by real-world physics. The sound fx of the game are pretty sweet too. The crunching of cars and the revving of engines brings you right into the action as you are sprinting away from the law.
Gameplay: Put simply, take the lawlessness of 'Smokey and the Bandit,' mix in some off-road car chasing from 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' and finally mix in the craziness of flying cop cars from 'The Blues Brothers,' and you have Smuggler's Run!!! Basically you are the outlaw, trying to carry contraband from site to site through the grasslands, snow, and dessert. And this ain't yer typical racin' game, folks. In Smuggler's Run you drive virtually anywhere! Seriously, with the exceptions of some huge mountains on the maps' edges, you can drive anywhere you want to. Choose your favorite vehicle and get ready for a blast! Although Smuggler's Run does have a few racing levels, for the most part you are on your own to do what you will (within the time limit, of course), and to carry out your mission by whatever means necessary (exactly how fast can you crash through the border anyway?). Also included is a two-player mode where you are pitted against your buddy to see who can smuggle with the best of 'em. The fun factor of Smuggler's Run is unbelievable, and you will find yourself glued to the screen for hours of pure enjoyment.
Difficulty: The difficulty of Smuggler's Run varies from quite easy to quite challenging, although never too hard. It may take you quite a few tries on some of the levels, but with practice, you should be able to complete them rather quickly. The computer controlled vehicles are fairly smart, giving out a little frustration, but certain things are a bit predicable also.
Game Mechanics: This game is flat-out fun! Smuggler's Run has very easy to use controls, so anyone could instantly be put into the driver's seat within minutes of busting it out of the box. Each level has its own uniqueness, although overall they are very similar. About the only thing I can ask for in the next installment (oh yeah, pleeeeease let there be a SM2...) is a four-player mode and more vast levels. With the PS2's DVD feature, a game like this could have tons of levels for exploration. With that aside, Smuggler's Run is an outstanding game and worthy of buying for anyone that's ever wanted to have fun playing games!
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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