Reviewed by CL on 6/19/2004
Usually, I don't like driving games. I feel that they're too repetitive and require way too much constant attention. However, the Getaway seems to break this rule since I actually enjoy it. On the other hand, this isn't your typical driving game. In fact, the Getaway is like a more refined Grand Theft Auto III. When I say refined, I don't mean less violence or action, but I mean that it has much better graphics and a real storyline. This makes the game a lot of fun to play since everything feels like it makes sense and pertains to the storyline instead of all the levels being a bunch of unrelated goals like in Grand Theft Auto III.
The graphics in this game are top notch. It really looks like you're watching a movie when you're playing the game. The cars and people are all animated with amazing realism. However, the game can't all be top notch and since the graphics are so good, the controls seem to take a hit. Don't get me wrong, the car controls and physics are very good and probably the best that I've played (remember that I don't play many racing games) but once you step out of the car, the awkwardness starts.
It is pretty difficult to control your character walking around. However, it is amazingly easy to target and shoot things. This makes up for the weird walking controls and makes the shooting sections very fun even though your character isn't very nimble.
The game has an overall feeling of a very polished game (except for the walking controls). The graphics are very good and the car driving and shoot parts truly fun to play. But what sets the game a far cry above the rest of the typical gangster games is the superb storytelling in this game. It looks like a movie that you interact with. This is a love-it-or-hate-it game. If you're looking for action action action, then this might not be the game for you. But for the more mature gamer, it’s a great experience and a good addition to any collection.
