Dead Man's Hand
Score: 70% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Atari Developer: Human Head Studios Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 8 Genre: First Person Shooter
Graphics & Sound: The western is a neglected genre. I could literally count every western inspired game on one hand. This is what makes Dead Man's Hand both unique and refreshing. You're not shooting at terrorists, aliens or demons; instead it is you versus some of the west's meanest hombres. Unfortunately, the game's unique premise doesn't make up for some of the game's other shortcomings. Dead Man's Hand does a good job of representing the old west, yet the feeling is more Disney than the gritty feel most would expect. As you walk through each of the game's locales, everything feels way too blocked in to feel 'real'. It is almost like you're walking through a western version of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or the western area of 'The Great Movie Ride'. You'll see paths that look like they would lead to another area, but instead lead to an invisible wall. Environments are blocky and suffer from poor textures. Enemy variation is also at an all-time low, so expect to kill the same three guys multiple times. Many of the game's special effects are lame. Frame rate issues also pop up from time to time -- such as when switching between weapons. The audio portion doesn't really help to shake the game's 'theme-park attraction' feel. Again, when walking through the game, you can't help but to shake the feeling you're in a ride. Overly used cliche' lines fill the atmosphere and some effects sound a little too cartoony to be taken seriously. The music is pretty good overall and does a good job of fitting within the atmosphere the rest of the game projects. Whether this is a good thing or not remains to be seen. Some may find the game's presentation appealing, but I was personally hoping for something a little grittier.
Gameplay: This is where Dead Man's Hand's entire premise should work in its favor. Think back to all the westerns you've ever seen and the cool things that happened in them. Train robberies, holding up a stagecoach, showdowns at sunset... the list goes on. Unfortunately, very few of these elements go into Dead Man's Hand -- making the game into just another FPS. The game's presentation during cut scenes is actually pretty good. Everything is presented in the style of grainy, black and white films. You play the role of El Tejon, a bandit who tries to leave his gang (called 'The Nine'). Predictably, the other members of the gang disagree with this decision and leave him for dead. After waking up in a prison, El Tejon sets out to find and kill his former gang. Dead Man's Hand relies heavily on scripted events. Unlike other games that reward you for shooting everyone in your way, Dead Man's Hand rewards you for skill shots. Instead of just shooting three guys, you can shoot a nearby lamp that will fall into a conveniently placed haystack that will set the three up in flames. Finding these events is a lot of fun and makes up most of what is enjoyable about the game. The problem is that these events slowly disappear the deeper you get into the game. The first few levels are full of skill shot events, whereas it becomes more of a novelty in later levels. Another unique aspect Dead Man's Hand brings to the table is how it integrates poker into the game. Those steeped in the lore of the old west will probably get the game's connection to poker right off the bat. According to legend, Wild Bill Hickok was gunned down while playing poker in Deadwood, South Dakota. At the time of his death, Hickok was holding two pair, black aces and black eights. The fifth card is still open for debate -- it all depends on whose display you believe. Getting back to how this plays in the game, at the start of each level you are given 5 cards and allowed to trade in up to three. Pulling the right hands will earn you power-ups. You can then ante those power-ups in another hand of poker. Win, and you get better power ups, lose and you lose them all. Draw the Dead Man's Hand and, well... I have no idea if anything happens, so just save the history lesson for when you're on Jeopardy. A slew of online options is also offered, but are nothing worth mentioning. Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch options are offered, as are two other modes: Posse and Bounty. Bounty has one player facing a group of other players. Posse pits a group of players against AI controlled bots.
Difficulty: Dead Man's Hand offers the option to switch difficulties before the start of each level. Although I'm not the biggest fan of the idea (it steals some of the fun out of the game in my opinion), the flexibility will appeal to some players. If things feel too hard, you can drop the difficulty down a notch. Conversely, if it's too easy, you can bump it up. Overall, Dead Man's Hand isn't very challenging. There are one or two tough moments, but really nothing you can't work through on at least your second try.
Game Mechanics: El Tejon is limited to carrying three guns, a shotgun, pistol and rifle. As you progress through the game, you will be able to pick up new guns that are added to your collection. Once a gun is in your possession, you can choose to equip it as one of your three starting weapons. Weapon variety is nice, and offers some leeway in your playing style. However, this variety is a moot point once you unlock the Revolving Rifle -- which is incredibly powerful and combines the stopping power of a rifle with the speed and reload times of a pistol. Other weapons are also available, such as a knife and dynamite. The art of the Quick Shot plays a major part in Dead Man's Hand. Shooting objects in quick succession form shot chains. The quicker you take out enemies (or shoot other targets), the quicker your power shot meter fills. Filling up your meter unlocks a chance to use your weapon's alternative fire option. Careful targeting objects, like shooting the hat off an enemy, can net bonuses to your Power Shot meter. Much of your like or dislike of Dead Man's Hand will hinge on the game's presentation. If you like the game's spaghetti western feel, then you will probably be able to overlook some of the game's more glaring problems. On the other hand, if you want something with a little more grit to it, then the problems will be a little more obvious. Either way, Dead Man's Hand is a good weekend rental if anything else.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
TrackMania Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow