Parents' Guide to Dead to Rights: Retribution

Unfortunately, Dead to Rights: Retribution doesn't feel that new or intriguing. You've been immersed in this kind of plot -- outsider gets back at his enemies -- many times before. Slate, who runs and guns through various environs, also uses his hands to kill and maim his opponents. Four letter words spew forth almost with the same amount of gusto as the blood that spatters. But the plot of outlaw-cop-as-anti-hero has become cliché.

There was also an opportunity missed in the game mechanics: It would have been nice to have the ability take complete control of the dog Shadow, from both a physical and mental standpoint. This Cujo of a feral canine (who sometimes attacks the groin) could have been the saving grace of the game. Instead, Shadow is only sometimes fun to use because you don't feel you have truly assumed the form of this crazed half-wolf. Though there are good points to the game, including the adrenaline rush of sneaking up on baddies, you might think about renting Dead to Rights: Retribution before making an investment in buying.