Alias

2004

Overall rating: 2.5 out of 5

from 199 members

There is something about certain TV series that nudge them towards maintaining a cult status. Although in today's vernacular, cult has replaced the word 'geek' and 'easily persuaded to buy costly DVD box-sets', there is undeniably an X factor at work in such offerings as Alias. And what more demographically-targeted product than a popular videogame to fill the coffers? Acclaim is keen to point out that its PlayStation 2 Alias offering is more than just a franchise cash-in. Indeed, the accompanying press release states that Alias is "...a great game with a license, not just a licensed game." Which is encouraging, though the neighbouring line does read, "Strong TV license with an even hotter female star." Hmm... For the uninitiated, Alias is a live action Kim Possible for teenagers starring teen spy Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), the series' lads mag cover lead. As a CIA super spy, she must travel the globe thwarting things, whilst balancing one of the most complex plot twists ever with the rigours of normal life. Bless. Acclaim, in the time-honoured tradition of the licensed game, has opted for third-person action for Alias, augmenting this with a strategy-cum-beat-em-up gameplay model. And to everyone's surprise, the result is far better that might have been expected. Sydney has an impressive amount of moves at her disposal, with perhaps the best thought out combat system in some time coming from the least likely of sources. There is, as you would expect, something of a joint focus throughout the game on both the lead protagonist (you have the ability to dress her in 12 different outfits) and the gadget-chic theme that runs through the TV series. Another surprise comes in the news that there is a well-maintained stealth gameplay element running throughout proceedings, a fact that bodes well for the game as a whole. As you will know, certain licensed games, almost invariably third-person action affairs, have been heavily criticised for offering nothing more than a mindless, time-consuming walkthrough. As a stealth game, the developers have actually had to think properly about what it is they are doing, again hinting that this is more than just a cash-in. As you would expect, the game comes complete with all the usual trappings of a major tie-in as well as some of the swankier ones. Voice acting by the stars and an original plot from the finely-tuned minds of the series' scriptwriters feature, and there's full motion capture throughout. Quite a deal, and a surprisingly good use of the Alias license.

Alias details

Formats:	12 PS2, Xbox
Players:	1
Genres:	Adventure, Fighting
Developers:	ACCLAIM
Rental release:	07 Jul 2007

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Most helpful review Alias

Cool Spy Work!!!

By Entilzha (114 reviews) from WAKEFIELD , 07 Jan 2011

[Highly rated reviewer]

I am a big fan of the TV Show, so when I rented this game I thought it might have been better than a third rate Splinter Cell, oh well!!!

Scrappy controls ruin what could have made this better, workable graphics, but the voice acting is where the game holds up the most because it's all the actors from the show.

Maybe i'm been to critical, I would advice any one to give it a rent and make your own mind up.
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Cool Spy Work!!!

By Entilzha (114 reviews) from WAKEFIELD , 07 Jan 2011

I am a big fan of the TV Show, so when I rented this game I thought it might have been better than a third rate Splinter Cell, oh well!!!

Scrappy controls ruin what could have made this better, workable graphics, but the voice acting is where the game holds up the most because it's all the actors from the show.

Maybe i'm been to critical, I would advice any one to give it a rent and make your own mind up.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review