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PLAYSTATION 2 GAME REVIEW

GENRE: CRIME/ACTION

RELEASED: 2005

By definition, a sequel is a continuation of a past creation. These continuations usually feature characters and storylines which are at least similar to those found in the original.

As the sequel to the widely acclaimed THE GETAWAY, BLACK MONDAY fails to match the high standards of its predecessor. Although both games are from the crime/action genre, unfortunately this is where the similarity ends. 

Many people feel that the success of TEAM SOHO’s latest release has been hindered due to recent influx of other follow-ups, namely HALO 2 and GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS. These may be contributing factors which affect sales figures, but do not excuse the often awkward and frustrating game play. It seems more than possibly that BLACK MONDAY was rushed to the shelves in an attempt to avoid competition.

BLACK MONDAY focuses on three characters each with their own storyline and stereotypical ‘dark background’. These include a renegade cop, a technically gifted thief and a former east end boxer.

The setting itself is one of the few successes in the game. In the first mission the council block of flats and trashed play area introduce the gamer to a realistic and highly accurate world. Perhaps TEAM SOHO’s only other accomplishments are the impressive cinematic sequences. The dialogue featured conveys an even more realistic image of London as the use of region specific slang is completely credible. The only problem with this is that those not from the London area may struggle to understand the game.

Despite the graphics and landmarks being highly impressive the behaviour of certain characters is not. The fact that you can speed past St Pancras station pull over, approach a gang of six and slap a pair of handcuffs on any member of the group without any resistance is an embarrassingly obvious fault which I am surprised was not amended by the developers.

The problem with BLACK MONDAY is its failure to be consistent, both in terms of replicating the high standards of the original and by having stunning visuals but poor action scenes.

The tag-line is “London doesn’t know what’s about to hit it”; neither does the gamer if they are expecting a slick and stylish follow up to the original. JG