Stuntman (video game)
Encyclopedia
Stuntman is a video game for PlayStation 2
and Game Boy Advance
that was produced by Reflections Interactive
and published by Infogrames
and Atari
. The game focuses around the career of a motion-picture stuntman
. It takes the player through various movies in which they perform dangerous stunts as called by the game. It was released on 21 June 2002.
Critical reaction to Stuntman varied. The game was hailed for it innovativeness, good physics engine and unique gameplay, but was criticized for being linear, too difficult and requiring too many retries, making it a frustrating experience. The game was followed up with the sequel Stuntman: Ignition in 2007.
stunt scenes. Each track has several stunts, which are indicated with visual cues and in voice. The player must complete each track in a limited time and with a specified accuracy of the stunts to be able to proceed to the next scene. After all the scenes of the film are completed, a theatrical trailer of the film is shown that combines pre-rendered scenes with highlights from the car scenes based on the actual performance of the player. After succeeding a scene, the player is rewarded with money based on accuracy and time,and unlocking of vehicles and tools for the construction mode. After completing a scene, the player can watch a playback and optionally save it.
The career mode allows the player to participate in six films, each filmed in a different location and in a different genre. Toothless in Wapping is a gangster film made in London
and resembles Snatch
and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. A Whoopin' and a Hollerin is inspired by Dukes of Hazzard
set in rural Louisiana
. Blood Oath is filmed in Bangkok
and is inspired by John Woo
-films. Conspiracy is a Tom Clancy
-type thriller where the player uses a snowmobile in Switzerland
. The Scarab of Lost Souls is based on the Indiana Jones
films where the player uses a jeep and troop carrier in Egypt
. Live Twice for Tomorrow is a parody of James Bond
where the player uses sports cars in Monaco
. Between films, the player must perform stunts in front of crowds.
The Stunt Construction mode allows the player to create their own stunts by placing equipment in an arena and then perform the stunts. The Driving Games mode involves tests of vehicle control, such as maneuverability, precision and timing.
."
During the E3 2006 Expo, it was announced that THQ
had acquired the rights to the Stuntman franchise. Also announced was that the a sequel for next-generation systems is in development at Paradigm Entertainment
. On the 28 February 2007, THQ announced Stuntman: Ignition was released on the Xbox 360
, PlayStation 3
and PlayStation 2 on 28 August 2007.
aggregate score for Stuntman is 71%—the reviews ranged from 35% by TotalPlayStation and Gamecritics to 93% by Game Informer. The Entertainment Software Rating Board
gave the game a "teen" rating, for mild lyrics and violence. While the car scenes only depicted accidents, the lyrics and violence is displayed in the theatrical trailers.
Gamespot
gave the article an 8.0 of 10, appraising the game for its innovation. The game was acclaimed for its "unique gameplay mechanics, great graphics, distinctive style, and terrific vehicle physics". The game was criticized for being an "exhausting exercise in trial and error" because "[y]ou won't really know exactly what you'll be doing until you're actually in the middle of a trial run, and there's hardly any room for making mistakes." IGN
described the game as "refreshing", pointing to the unique gameplay
Gamecritics slaughtered the gameplay, giving Stuntman a 3.5 of 10. The game was reviewed as "linear and restrictive, making the entire game feel instructional rather than entertaining." The game was criticized for requiring too many retries and "just get[s] too frustrat[ing] [...] waiting (read: reloading) at [the] next chance to drive through a frustrating trial." Criticism was also aimed at the game requiring the player to manage each stunt in rapid succession. The extra material was regarded as "unflattering" and the construction mode criticized for not being interesting until components had been unlocked by playing through the career mode. However, Gamecritics appeased the game's graphics, interesting scenery and physics.
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
that was produced by Reflections Interactive
Reflections Interactive
Ubisoft Reflections Ltd., formerly known as Reflections Interactive, is a video game developer based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The studio focuses on racing games and it is best known for creating the award winning Driver series.-History:...
and published by Infogrames
Infogrames
Infogrames Entertainment SA was an international French holding company headquartered in Paris, France. It was the owner of Atari, Inc., headquartered in New York City, U.S. and Atari Europe. It was founded in 1983 by Bruno Bonnell and Christophe Sapet using the proceeds from an introductory...
and Atari
Atari
Atari is a corporate and brand name owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by Atari Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher Atari, SA . The original Atari, Inc. was founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It was a pioneer in...
. The game focuses around the career of a motion-picture stuntman
Stunt double
A stunt double is a type of body double, specifically a skilled replacement used for dangerous film or video sequences, in movies and television , and for other sophisticated stunts...
. It takes the player through various movies in which they perform dangerous stunts as called by the game. It was released on 21 June 2002.
Critical reaction to Stuntman varied. The game was hailed for it innovativeness, good physics engine and unique gameplay, but was criticized for being linear, too difficult and requiring too many retries, making it a frustrating experience. The game was followed up with the sequel Stuntman: Ignition in 2007.
Gameplay
Stuntman has three single-player modes: Stuntman Career, Stunt Construction and Driving Games. In Stuntman Career, the player must attempt a series of car chaseCar chase
A car chase is the vehicular pursuit of a suspect by law enforcement officers. Car chases are often captured on film and broadcast due to the availability of video footage recorded by police cars and police and media helicopters participating in the chase...
stunt scenes. Each track has several stunts, which are indicated with visual cues and in voice. The player must complete each track in a limited time and with a specified accuracy of the stunts to be able to proceed to the next scene. After all the scenes of the film are completed, a theatrical trailer of the film is shown that combines pre-rendered scenes with highlights from the car scenes based on the actual performance of the player. After succeeding a scene, the player is rewarded with money based on accuracy and time,and unlocking of vehicles and tools for the construction mode. After completing a scene, the player can watch a playback and optionally save it.
The career mode allows the player to participate in six films, each filmed in a different location and in a different genre. Toothless in Wapping is a gangster film made in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and resembles Snatch
Snatch
Snatch may refer to:* Snatch , a 2000 British gangster movie by director Guy Ritchie* Snatch theft, grab-and-run theft from a motorcycle, in Malaysia* Snatch, an album by Howie B* Snatch , or Anagrams, word game...
and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. A Whoopin' and a Hollerin is inspired by Dukes of Hazzard
Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard is an American television series that aired on the CBS television network from 1979 to 1985.The series was inspired by the 1975 film Moonrunners, which was also created by Gy Waldron and had many identical or similar character names and concepts.- Overview :The Dukes of Hazzard...
set in rural Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. Blood Oath is filmed in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
and is inspired by John Woo
John Woo
John Woo Yu-Sen SBS is a Hong Kong-based film director and producer. Recognized for his stylised films of highly choreographed action sequences, Mexican standoffs, and use of slow-motion, Woo has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard...
-films. Conspiracy is a Tom Clancy
Tom Clancy
Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy, Jr. is an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage, military science, and techno thriller storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War, along with video games on which he did not work, but which bear his name for licensing and...
-type thriller where the player uses a snowmobile in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. The Scarab of Lost Souls is based on the Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones
Colonel Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr., Ph.D. is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Indiana Jones franchise. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg created the character in homage to the action heroes of 1930s film serials...
films where the player uses a jeep and troop carrier in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. Live Twice for Tomorrow is a parody of James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
where the player uses sports cars in Monaco
Monaco
Monaco , officially the Principality of Monaco , is a sovereign city state on the French Riviera. It is bordered on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about from Italy. Its area is with a population of 35,986 as of 2011 and is the most densely populated country in the...
. Between films, the player must perform stunts in front of crowds.
The Stunt Construction mode allows the player to create their own stunts by placing equipment in an arena and then perform the stunts. The Driving Games mode involves tests of vehicle control, such as maneuverability, precision and timing.
Development
The game's soundtrack contains two songs by Overseer: "Basstrap" and "Velocity ShiftVelocity Shift
"Velocity Shift" is a single by the Big Beat artist Overseer from his album Wreckage. It is well known for being an adrenaline pumping, ambient tune. It was featured in the 2004 film, Blade: Trinity.The vocals are done by Chris Live....
."
During the E3 2006 Expo, it was announced that THQ
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
had acquired the rights to the Stuntman franchise. Also announced was that the a sequel for next-generation systems is in development at Paradigm Entertainment
Paradigm Entertainment
Paradigm Entertainment was an American video game development company. Paradigm is perhaps best known for its vehicle simulation games. Founded as a 3D computer graphics company in 1990, Paradigm primarily worked on realistic flight simulation technology for major space and aviation clients...
. On the 28 February 2007, THQ announced Stuntman: Ignition was released on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and PlayStation 2 on 28 August 2007.
Reception
The game received generally positive reviews upon release. The MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
aggregate score for Stuntman is 71%—the reviews ranged from 35% by TotalPlayStation and Gamecritics to 93% by Game Informer. The Entertainment Software Rating Board
Entertainment Software Rating Board
The Entertainment Software Rating Board is a self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines, and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games as well as entertainment software in Canada, Mexico and...
gave the game a "teen" rating, for mild lyrics and violence. While the car scenes only depicted accidents, the lyrics and violence is displayed in the theatrical trailers.
Gamespot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
gave the article an 8.0 of 10, appraising the game for its innovation. The game was acclaimed for its "unique gameplay mechanics, great graphics, distinctive style, and terrific vehicle physics". The game was criticized for being an "exhausting exercise in trial and error" because "[y]ou won't really know exactly what you'll be doing until you're actually in the middle of a trial run, and there's hardly any room for making mistakes." IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
described the game as "refreshing", pointing to the unique gameplay
Gamecritics slaughtered the gameplay, giving Stuntman a 3.5 of 10. The game was reviewed as "linear and restrictive, making the entire game feel instructional rather than entertaining." The game was criticized for requiring too many retries and "just get[s] too frustrat[ing] [...] waiting (read: reloading) at [the] next chance to drive through a frustrating trial." Criticism was also aimed at the game requiring the player to manage each stunt in rapid succession. The extra material was regarded as "unflattering" and the construction mode criticized for not being interesting until components had been unlocked by playing through the career mode. However, Gamecritics appeased the game's graphics, interesting scenery and physics.