Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Team Soho
- Publishers: Capcom, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Sony Computer Entertainment of America
The Getaway (2002): A Groundbreaking Sandbox Crime Classic
Released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2, The Getaway was a groundbreaking sandbox crime game that set new standards for the genre. Developed by Team Soho and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, The Getaway was one of the first games to offer a truly open-world environment, allowing players to explore a vast and detailed recreation of London.
The game’s story follows Mark Hammond, a former gangster who is drawn back into the criminal underworld to save his kidnapped wife. Players control Mark as he navigates the treacherous streets of London, completing missions and engaging in intense shootouts with rival gangs.
One of the most striking things about The Getaway is its visuals. The game’s graphics were cutting-edge for the time, with highly detailed character models and environments. The game’s world was also incredibly large and open, allowing players to explore a variety of different neighborhoods, from the bustling streets of Soho to the gritty back alleys of Whitechapel.
The Getaway’s gameplay is also top-notch. The game features a variety of missions, from driving missions to stealth missions to all-out shootouts. The game’s combat is fast-paced and intense, and the AI is surprisingly intelligent. Players must use cover, strategy, and a variety of weapons to survive the game’s many challenges.
In addition to its impressive visuals and gameplay, The Getaway is also notable for its realistic and immersive world. The game’s characters are well-developed and believable, and the dialogue is often witty and engaging. The game’s world is also full of life, with pedestrians going about their daily lives and traffic flowing through the streets.
The Getaway was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its groundbreaking graphics, open-world gameplay, and immersive world. The game has since been ported to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, and it remains a popular choice for fans of sandbox crime games.
The Getaway’s Legacy
The Getaway is often credited with being one of the first true sandbox crime games. The game’s open-world environment, detailed graphics, and immersive gameplay set a new standard for the genre. The game also had a significant impact on the development of the Grand Theft Auto series, which has since become one of the most popular video game franchises in the world.
The Getaway is a classic sandbox crime game that still holds up today. The game’s graphics may not be as impressive as modern games, but its gameplay and story are still top-notch. If you’re a fan of sandbox crime games, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Getaway.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Getaway
- The game was originally supposed to be released in 2000 to coincide with the launch of the PlayStation 2. However, the game was delayed by 27 months due to the difficulty of re-creating large areas of London in high resolution.
- The game’s world is based on a real-world map of London. The developers used aerial photography and satellite imagery to create a highly accurate and detailed recreation of the city.
- The game’s characters are all based on real people. The developers interviewed real-life gangsters and police officers to create believable and authentic characters.
- The game’s voice cast includes some well-known British actors, such as Ray Winstone, Idris Elba, and Jamie Foreman.
- The game’s soundtrack features a mix of original music and licensed tracks from British artists, such as The Clash, The Specials, and Madness.
- The game was banned in Australia due to its violence and profanity. However, the ban was later overturned on appeal.
- The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
- The game has been ported to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.
- The game is considered to be one of the first true sandbox crime games.
- The game had a significant impact on the development of the Grand Theft Auto series.
Review Score
8.5/10