John Woo Presents: Stranglehold - M

Woo's stylized violence comes to interactive life.

Publisher: Midway Category/Genre: Video Games - Stranglehold Platform: PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 Price: $59.99 Online Enabled: No Graphics: High. Very realistic animations, particularly when stuff blows up. Playability: Medium. The game can get disorienting at times. Reading Level: None Release Date: 09/06/2007 ESRB Rating: M for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense violence, Strong Language

Common Sense Note

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 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?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Andrew Bub

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 John 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.

The story involves drugs, bad guys, and more. There's not much to the cinematics, the dialogue, exposition, or the presentation. 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: Stuff like sliding down rails, swinging on chandeliers, and destroying property in a hail of hot lead. The level design, pacing, and use of Tequila Time make for a fun and intense gaming experience.

The Xbox 360 has seen a handful of diverse and exciting violent M-rated shooting games. If you want more story, pick up Bioshock or the megahit Halo 3.

For younger action fans, check out Spider-Man: Friend or Foe.

Platform Notes

PlayStation 3
The PS3 version comes with a Blu-Ray of the movie Hard Boiled.

Reviewed: 10/22/2007

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Lots of gunplay where the shotgun does major damage. When in slow-motion matrix-type mode, you decide where to place bullets so that they matter when they enter the body.
Language Mild to strong cursing including the use of "Damn," "S--t," and "Hell."
Message
	Social Behavior It's an action crime drama -- specifically a John Woo movie -- come to life. Vengeance is more important that police procedure.
	Commercialism Fake products only.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some characters smoke and alcohol heals you.
	Educational Value Kids learn about vigilantes, violence, and crime.