Not all missions will have you in a car; one of the three
playable missions in the demo features a high speed boat race that will have
you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Some levels will feature more than one objective, including traditional
boss battles. The hardest playable level
in the demo (Wilde's Boys) features a unique helicopter section where you rain
bullets down a convict who is hurling molotov cocktails at you. This sequence reminded me a lot of old school
arcade rail shooters, games like Panzer Dragoon and the Virtua Cop series. I'll admit, it was a nice change of pace and
one of the first times I've seen that style of shooting on a portable game
system.
Despite the fact that it isn't coming out in the U.S.
until next month, Pursuit Force is
not a brand new game. This action-packed
shooter was released in Europe a number of
months ago to mixed reactions. Some
critics had problems with the game's handling and difficulty, two things that
managed to make some of the levels extremely frustrating. Thankfully developers Big Big Studios are
taking the time to address some of these concerns, and from the demo I played
it shows. The vehicles handle without a
hitch; they feel just as natural as Burnout or Ridge Racer. There is also brand new voice acting and a
few other upgrades in store, all of which lead to one of the most exciting new
PSP games of 2006.
Like all those big-budget Hollywood movies it's based on, Pursuit Force could end up being style
over substance, but that was not the impression I was left with after this
three-level demo. Although this demo is
short, I ended up going back through the various chases a number of times to
improve my rating and play it all again, it's one addictive arcade racer/shooter
that I'm not afraid to admit I'm looking forward to.
Expect more information on Pursuit Force as we inch closer to the game's release, including a
full interview with the people responsible for this PSP game. Expect a full review around the game's
release, but until then take a look at these pictures and mark your calendars
for what may just be the first must-own portable game of 2006.
More On:
Pursuit Force Companies:
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