Van Helsing (PS2) REF MAP 231

Van Helsing is clearly a movie that was made with a video-game version in mind. Considering the film is an almost non-stop barrage of action sequence after action sequence it translates very well to video-game form--even if it doesn't necessarily make for a classic movie.

The game is very similar to action adventures such as Devil May Cry and Castlevania. Indeed the movie itself seems to borrow deeply from the latter, with its mix of vampires, werewolves and just about everything else that goes bump in the night--not to mention a heady mix of gas-powered weapons and props. The game is more accessible than Konami's classic though and features 14 levels of undemanding but fun entertainment with your various weapons and the Batman-like grappling hook offering plenty of variety even when the bad guys start to get a little samey.

The only real disappointment with the game, if you assume it was always going to be a fairly simplistic action title, is the graphics; although far from substandard, they certainly don't live up to the incredible effects actually seen in the movie. The voice cast, including Hugh Jackman, all provide their talents for the soundtrack though, which does help considerably. If you liked the movie then this game can be recommended fairly easily but if you didn't, or you've never seen it, there is still much worse you can buy for the same money. But then again there's also a lot better. --David Jenkins

Product Description
The third-person action game, Van Helsing, transports players back to the macabre world of 19th-century Transylvania--home to the legendary Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster. As the renowned monster hunter Van Helsing, players must hunt down and destroy the evil that inhabits these ancient lands before darkness engulfs the world. As players progress through Transylvania and the strongholds of Castle Frankenstein and Castle Dracula, they'll encounter untold fiends and evil minions including the legendary dark prince Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and Igor as well as a host of original creatures created for the game including stone gargoyles, fell sprits and banshees. To help turn the tide of darkness, players can dish out double-fisted damage with a devastating arsenal of melee and ranged weapons including tojo blades, scimitars, pistols, a shotgun and a hand-cranked Gatling gun for maximum carnage. Additionally, players will be able to utilise Van Helsing's signature grappling hook to escape impending doom, explore the game-world and unleash devastating fatality attacks.