Reservoir Dogs review

Its one of those where were you moments when you first experienced Reservoir Dogs. Gamestyle can still recall stumbling out of a tiny screening at the local Robins Cinema (now sadly long closed) in Dunfermline, in a state of shock. Here was a film that delivered everything; the brutality of violence; memorable acting; a compulsive script and that soundtrack. Now fourteen years after the cinema release, the current trend for reviving classic films in the video game format has reached Tarantinos greatest triumph but does it do it justice?Does Gamestyle need to explain the storyline? Oh well, one more time then. A team of criminals is assembled to pull off a daring diamond heist. Their true identities remain only known to themselves (hence the colour scheme names) and their employer. Each did bring some unique skill or ability to the team, however this is ignored in the video game version and instead we have a signature move that cues a bullet time sequence. Unlike many glamorous Hollywood movies, Reservoir Dogs is all about the heist that goes wrong and the scramble for safety. Throw in some bloodshed and you have a video game that has already attracted a ban in Australia even though the worst of it is only suggested or happens off-screen.All the characters are in place as are the scenes and settings from the movie. However the likeness of each character and their voices are not exactly as you remember them, with only Mr Blonde being voiced by the original actor. In spite of this the strength of the original version (i.e the dialogue) is utilised during cut sequences to a reasonable effect. The motion picture was dialogue intensive due to the small production budget. Clearly this would not make for an enjoyable video game, unless you enjoy the passive viewing of Metal Gear Solid. Who would want purchase the video game of the film, only to spend more time inactive when your money would have been better spent on the film DVD? Volatile have expanded on the original events to create opportunities for gaming. In fact this version of Reservoir Dogs is more about what you didnt see in the original. For instance rather than just accepting who escaped from the bungled heist, you are in control of each character as they attempt to escape or in one case just take the opportunity to shoot more cops and go out in a blaze of glory. This can lead to some repetitive chapters, which in turn highlight the limited game play on offer. Quite simply take cover; use hostages and keep firing.Also featured are some driving chapters, with the initial race between the gang being the most enjoyable. In essence it almost feels like Reservoir Dogs. Weaving through the rundown streets with the radio blaring Stuck In the Middle With You and Mr Pink telling tales about previous exploits. Sadly thats as far as the experience goes, as without the film tie-in this would be a more appropriate release as a budget title, which would reflect the pedestrian graphics on display.Reservoir Dogs does capture the look and feel of the environments and characters very well. It just fails to add its own touches and details to keep the player interested. Volatile tried to build upon the apparent professionalism of each character with your actions during each chapter being graded. You can come out at the end either being a career criminal or a psychopath. Of course the dark side is a far more enjoyable leisure activity with hostages being used as human shields and when those cops are dead taking out your hostage, if they survived. Depending on your approach it is also possible to deactivate opponents by threatening your hostage to extremes and forcing cops onto their knees. You can of course leave them in such a state, or like Gamestyle, find the bullet in the head a far more satisfying result. However the downside to all of this is the fact that your rating in the end just doesnt really matter.Another issue is the lifespan of the game. Gamestyle hates using ideal release to rent out for a night or two but its entirely apt in the case of Reservoir Dogs. There isnt anything here to maintain your interest or justify a normal purchase. Volatile have hidden old scripts around each of the levels, but these are easily found thanks to the linear design of the game. These items when collected open up additional artwork with only the pursuits being excited by such a prospect. And that sums up Reservoir Dogs in a nutshell. Only fans of the film will find any real enjoyment in this release one that fails to exploit the film and instead takes everyone for a ride. This is one criminal caper that is best experienced on the silver screen, so fingers crossed that the forthcoming Scarface does not fall into the same trap.