Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Adventure, Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: Dreamcast, PlayStation 2
- Developers: Amuze
- Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, Sega
Headhunter (2001): A Futuristic Crime Thriller
Headhunter is an action-adventure game developed by Amuze and published by Sega for the PlayStation 2. It was released in 2001 and is set in a futuristic city where crime is rampant and the police are privatized. You play as Jack Wade, an ex-cop turned bounty hunter who must track down the most wanted criminals in the city.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. Jack Wade is a former police officer who was framed for a crime he didn’t commit. After serving time in prison, Jack is released and becomes a bounty hunter. He is hired by Angela Stern, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, to find her father’s murderer.
Jack’s investigation leads him into the dark underbelly of the city, where he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including mobsters, assassins, and corrupt police officers. Jack must use his combat skills and high-tech weaponry to track down his targets and bring them to justice.
Headhunter is an action-packed game with a variety of gameplay elements. Jack can use a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and grenades. He can also use his fists and feet to fight hand-to-hand. Jack can also use stealth to take down his enemies without being detected.
The game’s levels are large and open-ended, allowing players to explore and find their own way to complete objectives. Jack can use a variety of vehicles to get around the city, including cars, motorcycles, and helicopters.
Headhunter was praised for its innovative gameplay, its detailed graphics, and its engaging story. The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Headhunter is an action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective. The player controls Jack Wade, a bounty hunter who must track down and apprehend criminals. The game’s levels are large and open-ended, allowing players to explore and find their own way to complete objectives.
Jack can use a variety of weapons to take down his enemies, including guns, knives, and grenades. He can also use his fists and feet to fight hand-to-hand. Jack can also use stealth to take down his enemies without being detected.
Jack can use a variety of vehicles to get around the city, including cars, motorcycles, and helicopters. He can also use his grappling hook to scale buildings and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
Setting
Headhunter is set in a futuristic city where crime is rampant and the police are privatized. The city is divided into several districts, each of which is controlled by a different criminal gang. Jack must travel to each district and track down the criminals who are wanted by the police.
The city is a dangerous place, and Jack must be careful not to get caught in the crossfire between the gangs. He must also be wary of the police, who are not always on his side.
Characters
Jack Wade is the protagonist of Headhunter. He is a former police officer who was framed for a crime he didn’t commit. After serving time in prison, Jack becomes a bounty hunter. He is a skilled fighter and a master of stealth.
Angela Stern is the daughter of a wealthy businessman who was murdered. She hires Jack to find her father’s killer. Angela is a strong and independent woman who is determined to get justice for her father.
Inspector Howard is a police officer who is investigating the murder of Angela’s father. He is a corrupt cop who is working with the criminals. Howard is a dangerous enemy, and Jack must be careful not to cross him.
Themes
Headhunter explores several themes, including crime, corruption, and justice. The game shows how crime can corrupt even the most upstanding citizens. It also shows how difficult it can be to get justice in a corrupt system.
Headhunter is a thought-provoking game that raises important questions about the nature of crime and punishment. It is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.
Legacy
Headhunter was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its detailed graphics, and its engaging story. Headhunter was one of the first games to feature a fully 3D city environment. The game’s success helped to pave the way for other action-adventure games, such as Grand Theft Auto III and Max Payne.
Headhunter has been re-released several times, including on the PlayStation Network and Steam. The game remains popular with fans today, and it is considered to be a classic of the action-adventure genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
