In Retro: "Dead to Rights II" Review (Xbox)

One of the most disappointing and unworthy gaming sequels... EVER.

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The original “Dead to Rights” was an intense, action-packed experience with varied modes of play and a hard-boiled comic book storyline. On the other hand, its sequel, “Dead to Rights II,” is a watered down arcade shoot ‘em up that goes by in a flash, devoid of story or atmosphere or innovation of any kind. It is what it is, and though that’s not always a bad thing, it pales in contrast to its vastly superior predecessor.

Jack Slate returns with his canine partner, Shadow, to shoot hundreds upon hundreds of criminals – John Woo meets Lassie, if you will. There’s a thin storyline behind all that shooting, but it’s hardly worth mentioning. The original “Dead to Rights” backed up its action with a plot that, while derivative, was at least driving the game forward, but such is not the case here. What’s more, there’s sort of a tongue in cheek tone to the game now that was absent the first time around – Slate, far less likable than ever, now goes out of his way to homage movies that range from “Pulp Fiction” to “Commando,” all while capping people in the face. He’s like the worst stereotype of law enforcement from the 1980s.

The plot wouldn’t be as much of an issue, though, if the gameplay were better – which is not to say that there isn’t fun to be had here. Around virtually every corner, twenty armed thugs are waiting with murderous intent, and shooting them means diving this way and that, taking cover, crouching, and ultimately lots and lots of pressing the shoulder button to target them individually. With a wide assortment of weapons at his disposal, all this blasting can be cathartic. Partially responsible for the fun factor are the hordes upon hordes of villains asking to be mowed down. They don’t behave realistically, by any stretch, and most will charge headlong around corners with their guns blazing, but they come in such droves that the game rarely slows down, and firefights can be hot and heavy.

When the going gets rough, Slate can still summon forth his dog, Shadow, to take out some baddies and collect their weapons for him. This is essentially a wasted mechanic, not employed even half as well as it was in the first game (and even then it didn’t reach its full potential). What’s more, many of the brutal hand-to-hand “disarms” Slate was able to perform in game one are now missing.

Mandatory hand-to-hand combat sequences are still in the mix, forcing Slate to punch and kick “Double Dragon” style, but these too feel dumbed down. The absurdity of seeing Slate armed with uzis one moment only to toss them down to challenge a whole roomful of enemies bare-fisted is better witnessed than described! In any case, as a package, “Dead to Rights II” takes basically everything you liked about the first game and strips it of much of its charm. Improved graphics (that still look dated) and the removal of the button-mashing mini-games (thank god!) notwithstanding, that is.

In terms of complaints, the list is fairly lengthy. Levels are set in the most derivative locales imaginable for a game of this type (warehouses, apartment buildings, etc.), and each one is broken up by ten to fifteen loading screens – most of which you’ll be seeing far too often. The music is irritating, and Slate’s gravelly voice gets old fast. But then these problems only last so long, since the game is a fairly brief affair in any case.

Still, that said, the arcade-like action is solid and pretty enjoyable, but the purpose inherent in creating a sequel to a successful venture like “Dead to Rights” is to improve upon the formula, to ensure the survival of a franchise… not to water it down with backward innovations. The first game was a stand-out, and this follow-up feels like a red-headed stepchild behaving badly and generally making an embarrassment of itself. If there’s a “Dead to Rights III,” let’s hope it’s a true return to form.

FINAL SCORE: 5.8 (Mediocre)

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Apparently they are taking another go at this franchise. My hopes aren't all that high at this point, all things considered, but I'll keep my fingers crossed all the same...