ST Format


Predator 2

Author: Ed Ricketts
Publisher: Image Works
Machine: Atari ST

 
Published in ST Format #23

Predator 2

The Predator, an extremely unfriendly alien in the film of the same name, enjoyed hunting humans for fun. Now you can watch the sequel, Predator 2, in which loads of extremely unfriendly aliens hunt humans for fun. Not only that, you can play the game too.

It's 1997 AD Los Angeles, it's the hottest summer on record, and rival Jamaican and Columbian drug gangs are fighting the police for control of the streets. You play Detective Harrigan and he's determined to see justice prevail in the drug war. Just to make things worse, you've got the Predator to deal with too. Bet you wish you were on traffic duty.

The game is shown in first-person perspective - your character displayed in wire-frame graphics in the middle of the screen. You aim your gun by moving the sight around the screen with the mouse of joystick. Game objectives are simple: shoot the drug pushers, avoid the innocent bystanders and TV interviewers, collect the ammo and weapons lying on the ground and try not to get hit too many times. The levels get more difficult and the pushers harder to kill as you progress.

Predator 2

From time to time you notice part of the background wavering slightly. This is actually the Predator himself in his light-refracting disguise. He uses his laser sights to focus on a gang member and then rips his head from his shoulders. What a guy to have at parties!

Effects

Intro sequences seem to be the norm nowadays for all but the simplest of games, and Predator 2 is no exception - sampled sound and detailed graphics provide an attractive scene-setter. In-game effects are slightly less impressive, but on the whole the graphics are serviceable and the animation is fine. The sampled sound effects are good too, particularly the scream when you hit the Predator - anything is preferable to the horrible warbly music.

Verdict

It's very hard not to compare Predator 2 to Operation Wolf because the two games are virtually identical. The graphics of Predator 2 are slightly better, but then that's to be expected with a newer game. Apart from that, there's little to choose between them. If you enjoyed Wolf you're going to like this, but it's not likely to stun you. Play it for what it is - just don't expect miracles.

Ed Ricketts

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