Stranglehold is an extremely fun game. Destructible environments and Slow-Mo effects make every level a unique experience. The down sides are, enemies kind of run at you kamikaze style hoping to take you down by sheer numbers and in some of the cut scenes the characters look "Shiney". There's blood of course, nothing overly gratuitous. Language...not over the top. Drugs/Alchohol, drugs are mentioned but all you do is destroy "Labs" and stuff, and Tequila drinks and smokes in a few of the cutscenes.
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John Woo Presents: Stranglehold
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Woo's stylized violence comes to interactive life.
Why We Rated This 
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Violence:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of John Woo Presents: Stranglehold was written by Andrew Bub
Parents need to know that the game glorifies violence in a graphic and, some would say, irresponsible manner; and the game's central message is that one badass cop can take down entire crime families with firepower. Not a real-world lesson, but one you can find on the silver screen. The game lets you jump in various directions and shoot bad guys in slow motion.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about how this game compares to a John Woo movie. Are the characters the same? Is the plot? Are the mood and tone? What makes interactive games and movies different? In real life, is vengeance ever acceptable?
More on John Woo Presents: Stranglehold
What’s the Story?
JOHN WOO PRESENTS: STRANGLEHOLD could call itself Hard Boiled 2 because it functions as a spiritual sequel to the original groundbreaking film by John Woo, the Hong Kong action director. The game features the likeness, voice, and attitude of that film's hero, international action star Chow Yun Fat. Since it's based on director Woo's cinematic oeuvre, fans know what to expect. Guns, more guns, doves for symbolism, and slow-motion ballet-type carnage that attempts to make mass-killing seem picturesque. Needless to say the game is rated M-Mature by the ESRB.
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Is It Any Good?
Given that there's not much to the cinematics, dialogue, exposition, or presentation of Stranglehold, Mr. Woo might want to reconsider lending the game his name. But the action is satisfying, even though what you're playing is essentially a one- or two-trick pony.
Stranglehold features a major gimmick in search of a game. And that gimmick is: "Tequila Time" (no, Jose Cuervo isn't involved -- the character's name is Tequila), a way to slow everything down and let you place bullets exactly where you need them to go. You gain this miraculous trick by doing other cool stunts ripped from preposterous action movies. The level design, pacing, and use of Tequila Time make for a fun and intense gaming experience.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 09/06/2007, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense violence, Strong Language)
ESRB rating: M (for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense violence, Strong Language)
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Awesome...
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
awesome game
lots of ways to take out enemies and cool slowmotion effects
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A game for mature teens
Parents this game is very violent but it has a good story even though its a little cliched. Fathers daughter and wife are kidnapped and he goes to save them. But the enemies in this game are villains and youre not going around killing civilians. There is some drugs and alcohol in this game but it is not used simply seen. Overall i would recomend this game for teens ages 15 and up
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