Stranglehold is a third person shooter
Stranglehold attempts to remove itself from the pack as a new original ip in the world of 3rd person shooters. The game is directed by John Woo and includes such talents as Chow Yun-Fat. Even with these great names in theater this game has just enough flaws to keep it out of reach of becoming a "blockbuster" title.
The game uses the typical run and gun gameplay. You use Tequila Time to slow down time and help yourself out of sticky situations. You can also use the left trigger to activate alternate versions of slow motion. Diving is the default command and using the environment will activate different actions. Rolling into fire on a cart, sliding down stairs, and sliding across furniture will all seem like childs play as Tequila accomplishes these task with ease. The aiming system is solid and you can use melee attack in close range using the same button, but it seems in Tequila Time that the aiming is a little more difficult. The weapons also play differently allowing you to really tell the variety of the weapons that you have at your disposal. You may also only carry two weapons at one time. To keep the action fast there is no reloading, you just get rid of the weapon after you use it which is fun, but sometimes leaves unarmed, especially if you use the cover mechanic which is solid as well. Adding on to your list of tools for destruction is Tequila's special moves. These are used to either heal yourself or completely annihilate your enemies, and unlike some shooters that you could go without using the things at your disposal, Stranglehold places you in positions where your powers must be used or failure is inevitable.
The game is a constant riddle of bad guys taunting you, bullets flying, and just the sound of destroying buildings with small arms fire. The game seems to focus more on the sounds of the actual fighting than the voice acting. The story is interesting, but the terrible voice acting is really disappointing. It seems as if the actors involved were just tagging along and not really into the role. Especially the main character which is tragic considering this could have been a much more in depth story.
As with the voice acting, the graphics just pass mediocre. Character models are fine, but poorly animated. Most of the physics in the game are aged and most of the animations of the entire game feel like they should be on the original xbox without the lighting and graphics. Lighting is really where the game shines as shadows and city lights enhance the graphics that exist, but when this isn't in contrast it, you really don't wanna see this up close.
Stranglehold is a fun game for those looking for a descent third person shooter. There is plenty of game to be had as it lasts much longer than many lacking shooters. With plenty of play and just enough interest to keep you wanting more Stranglehold will leave you wanting a sequel that is much more polished and makes a much larger impact than this one.
