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Dead to Rights: Retribution is the fourth installment and a reboot of the third-person-shooter action series. Released in 2010 for the Xbox-360 and PS3, Retribution focuses on police officer Jack Slate and his trusty, noble K-9 killing machine, Shadow. While the game isn’t a masterpiece, it manages to deliver just enough story, fiercely brutal gameplay, and over-the-top action to keep the player entertained. Jack is built like a cement truck, serving justice by rearranging the skeletal systems of all the thugs that stand in his way. Jack’s father, a highly respected cop of the corrupt Grant City, has been killed, and Jack must clear his name after being framed for the murder while uncovering a criminal conspiracy that seeks to take control of the city.
The gameplay is ruthless. It’s extremely violent and a love-letter to the most ridiculous action movies in existence. Firstly, Jack is a walking bulldozer. He prefers not taking the silent approach and instead, kicks doors in while shouting cheesy one-liners and breaking people’s spines on his shoulder blades. “Somebody’s gonna need a chiropractor!”, “I’m giving you a one way ticket to the hospital!”, you get the picture… The game mixes gritty third-person shooting with brutal hand-to-hand combat. The action is fast and visceral. You’re given a variety of guns to wield and plenty of close-quarters action to beat your opponents into dusty bone powder. Enemies drop like ragdolls after a few shots and you can enter slow-mo targeting, akin to Max Payne, to make the aiming more precise and stylish. During these chaotic shootouts, you can move in close and perform cruel takedowns that resemble something out of a low-budget action flick. You can also command your cute Husky dog to do finisher moves- sprinting up on them and ripping them to pieces like tissue paper.
As much of a powerhouse that Jack the human wrecking ball is, he doesn’t hold a candle to his furry companion. For the first time in the series, you get to control his loyal buddy, Shadow; shredding opponents to ribbons. In my opinion, playing as the loveable fuzzball is the highlight of the whole game. Whenever Jack runs into trouble and needs assistance, you gain control of his sidekick for a different type of playstyle. Shadow can sneak around, distract and lure enemies, and deals with attackers by tearing out their throats or giving them unplanned castrations. Every other level contains a brief Shadow segment that I find to be an absolute blast. It’s a joy watching the bad guys piss their pants while you sneak around like a hungry wolf disarming them and sinking your teeth into their esophagus. The gameplay of Shadow is a hybrid of stealth and mayhem. This super-powered ninja-dog is very fun and smooth to control. These sections are usually for obtaining keys or an object so Jack can proceed through a gate or some other obstacle. I wish the game did even more of this. Sign me up for a Shadow-spinoff. I’d also like to add that the action-music is pulse-pounding gold.
Retribution was the last time we were visited by Jack and Shadow. I would love for another comeback from the Cop/Dog duo. I know the series isn’t the most in demand but these kinds of drunk-on-testosterone action-romps are exactly what the industry needs more of these days. This game was definitely part of that masculine era of dark action-games and, I think with the advantage of modern engines, we could see a truly satisfying action game that players are yearning for. With the increasing popularity of nostalgic reboots/remakes, I don’t see why Dead to Rights is an old dog that can’t be taught new tricks. (got ‘em)
Salute,
Mikhail