8.5
gamescom 2012: Rambo Preview
Developed by Teyon, Rambo The Video Game is a fixed-screen, on rails shooter much in the same vein as Time Crisis or the awesome Operation Wolf. Set during the original Rambo trilogy the developers aim to create the ultimate fan service video game by letting the player blast their way through eighteen plot point specific stages of John’s iconic bloodthirsty campaign. Sticking close to the film’s core fundamentals and major plot points the title will feature a heavily destructible environment, a mass of exploding red barrels and of course, infinite ammunition.
To highlight and stay true to just how much chaos Rambo makes, the game has you spraying from the hip with bullets firing everywhere and the cover system allows Rambo to shift his body into different positions; opening up multiple lines of sight which can be used to tactically clear areas of enemies before shifting your focus to taking out the more threatening foes. To combat making the game too easy, certain sections of cover is also part of the games heavily destructible environment, allowing you only a set amount of time to clear each zone before you become totally exposed.
Rambo will also have a micro QTE reload system much in the same vein of Gears of War’s active reload, which is something I feel is underutilized in shooters. I have also been told that the final version of the game will have an unnamed ‘Rambo’ super mode which slows down the game, makes you invulnerable and an unlimited clip, but we will have to wait until the game gets out of pre-alpha to see that.
Game modes include a ‘first play through film mode’ with weapons that correlate loadouts directly with the stock of the movies. Perhaps more interestingly once the game has been completed an ‘arcade’ hud becomes available, featuring combo meters, an in-game shop with customizable load outs and an online leader board. Motion support has been confirmed for consoles, whilst also incorporating an incredibly welcome and unique auto-aim feature for joypads which relies on holding down a shoulder button to snap onto a target.
Motion captured transitions between scenes have been implemented to give the game a more cinematic experience, as well as quick time events that will have an effect in the next scene of a level. These can be in the guise of creating new cover or sending you down an easier route. Speaking of a cinematic experience – the level on show at gamescom was set half-way through First Blood Part 2, where Rambo runs into the village tailed by Vietnam forces. After running through town he climbs a mounting, iconicly screws grenades onto arrow heads and lets rip on his pursuers in the settlement below.
In short, Rambo: The Video Game is unashamedly 80’s, even down to its gameplay and should be a fantastic addition to any fan of the films. It is due for release sometime next year, so in the meantime all the creators have to worry about is picking which one of Stallon’s many plastic surgery dabbled faces to use as the box art.
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