24: The Game (PS2)

I waited a long time for 24: The game to come out, and my first impressions were that it was great to be in the eyes of Jack himself. I think the whole concept of the game is great. For example, the save the day style of 24 works really well within the game, and the suspense and twists grow just like the TV programme. The bad points are the poor graphics, and the driving parts of the game really let it down. They are poor, and clearly rushed to complete and fill in the game.

I have just bought 24:The Game and I must say I have really enjoyed playing on it. I think the previous review is slightly harsh as I believe this game has so much more than gimmic value. I'm addicted to this game already and the first couple of missions are great fun.

You play the first mission as Jack Bauer with the object to storm a cargo ship and destroy some deadly ricin gas. This is a great way to open the game, it's not too difficult and it's pure action which will help get you into the 24 spirit.

In between the missions we get to see interaction between some of the major characters and it actually feels like you are part of the show.

For the second mission you play as Agent Chase Edmonds (he's a major character in 24: Season 3) and this game shows how he was brought into CTU. His mission is pretty similar Jack's but harder as you have to lockdown an enemy base and blast your way out of the compound. I'm embarrased to say I'm struggling with this level, I'm not a frequent gamer, so I haven't yet completed it!

It's a very fun game though and very addictive! As an avid follower of 24 and as a casual gamer I recommend it!

Stone Cold here to bring you the bottom line on 24: The Game. I'm a big fan of the TV show, so I was looking forward to getting my hands on the playable version of Jack's manic 24 hours of carnage. I'll start by saying that as a 24 fanatic I'm disappointed with the overall product. Gameplay wise it just isn't upto the job. The upside is that it looks fantastic and you are treated to some real footage from some of the stars of the show whilst your playing the game.

The plot is set between Series 2 and 3 and answers some intriguing questions, such as how did Chase Edmonds begin working at CTU? How did Palmer survive the assasination attempt? And how in the name of god did Kim get a job at CTU???

The production values of the game are stunning and the best bit (for a die hard like me) is the previously unseen footage that appears during breaks in the gameplay.

The problems surround the actual gameplay. Like the TV show this is a pure mixture of action: Car Chases, Shoot-Outs, Strategy & torture. The problem with having a game like this is that tip toes onto all other genre's of game and the bad news is that these games are much better than 24: The Game.

The car chases and shoot-outs just seem so pedestrian when you've played games like Gran Turismo & Halo leaving 24:The Game with gimmic value and little more else. The best part of this simulation should be the actual investigation, however even that is compromised as you have to move along a very specific path with no room for manouvre or diversification.

Despite my disappointment with the above points I did enjoy playing this game because it furthers the story of 24. I would recommend this to other 24 fans because you should definitely try it out - just don't expect the world!

Other gamers will be less impressed and will probably wonder what all the fuss is about.