Stuntman Platinum (PS2) ref map206

• From the creators of the blockbuster Driver and Destruction Derby series
• A totally unique game genre for next generation consoles
• A story/mission mode and an arcade "stunt arena"
• Six real world locations based on blockbuster film sets and a whole array of fully smashable vehicles
• A thrilling "movie trailer" replay mode
• For 1 player

Stuntman, from the makers of the highly acclaimed Driver series, is a very unique game that, despite its flaws, still packs a lot of fun--especially for those who love action-style driving games such as Burnout. Stuntman puts you on the sets of several fictitious, stunt-heavy movies, such as the 007-inspired "Live for Two Tomorrows" and the Guy Ritchie-inspired "Toothless in Wapping". You're to execute detailed driving stunts by following the director's instructions over a radio and the visual cues that appear on-screen. The stunts are constructed mostly out of driving around, through and over obstacles, but there are more than a few inventive sequences that you have to time just right. If you do it wrong, or mess up the timing of the shot, you have to retake the scene.

The game can be quite a strain on one's patience, however. There's no initial "walk-through", as there would be for a real production, so it takes several passes through to even get a grasp on what you're doing. Plus there's a reloading pause between each scene which can be grating. Still, there's tremendous satisfaction from mastering a scene.

Players may be disappointed in the quality of Stuntman's graphics--it seems only a half-step above Driver 2--but they'll love the handling of the vehicles and the interactivity of the environments. Nearly everything in the game can be moved or broken. The really versatile Stunt Constructor lets you play with all kinds of fun toys, such as jumps, loops and even cannons--lay them out in an arena and then drive the course. You have to unlock all but the most basic toys and vehicles by completing scenes, but it's a great way to blow off steam. --Porter B Hall

Play Magazine
"A compelling, extreme and addictive driving game whose rewards do outweigh its frustrations. 85%."