Starsky & Hutch GameCube game

Starsky & Hutch

2003

Overall rating: 2 out of 5

from 165 members

Released across the other home gaming platforms back in June, Starsky & Hutch has finally made its way over to the GameCube, somewhat missing out on the original PR and marketing buzz and just quietly blending in with all the other games on the shelf, like a shy bloke at a party he doesn't want to be at. Regardless, the game is just the same as the other versions, bringing all the fast racing action, bonnet sliding and general retro coolness to Nintendo's most angular of games consoles. The game itself is basically a mission-based racer that places you at the wheel of the famous Ford Gran Torino, recreating 15 square miles of Bay City and presenting you with 18 episodes to work your way through. Each episode features its own crime-fighting mission and generally involves careering through busy streets, chasing baddies and shooting just about everything in sight. This includes not only cars and unsavoury characters but an assortment of bonuses scattered around the streets that reward you with such extras as speed-ups, extra traction and new weapons. Staying faithful to its TV-based inspiration, Starsky & Hutch places a strong emphasis on recreating the action-packed on-screen antics of the show. It does this via the inclusion of a Viewer Rating that either climbs or falls depending on your ability to impress a would be audience. As such, throughout each mission, all possible car chase clichés must be thoroughly exploited, such as ramp-like car transporters and alleyways strewn with inexplicable amounts of cardboard boxes, in order to keep the rating up and therefore keep you in the game. As there would certainly be no Starsky without the Hutch, the game thankfully features a two-player option, which enables one player to take care of the driving, whilst the other concentrates on the shooting. If you don't immediately find a volunteer to partner up with then you can still take advantage of computer-controlled Starsky, who pops up during the action to give you advice and generally hurl abuse at the bad guys. With a host of vehicles, weapons and extras to unlock, as well as some nice little touches such as the voice of the real Huggy Bear, Starsky & Hutch is the ideal way to live out your childhood dreams and drive around really fast all day, stopping occasionally to rough up some rather timid small time crooks.