Getaway for PS2 takes you beneath the glitzy surface of modern-day London, to a world full of scoundrels, gangsters and human waste. Mark Hammond, a former legitimate businessman, is drawn back into the criminal underworld by the kidnapping of his son by feared gang leader Charlie Jolson.
The boy's life is at stake and Hammond is forced to return to his old ways, having to do Jolson's dirty work while evading the ingenious wiles of the police. In the game, you can play as Hammond's character but also as Frank Carter, an honest cop from the air division whose job it is to save Hammond's son and arrest Jolson. The dangerous and brutal mission will take place in Charlie's territory in the East End, the classic art gallery in Hyde Park, the Yardie south of the river and many other places you won't find in a tourist guide to London.
SCEE's most ambitious project yet, The Getaway is a unique adventure based on a story from the gritty underbelly of the city of London. With the ever-increasing demands of the psychotic Jolson, you'll embark on various missions across London, often with a gang of cops at your back. Created in perfect detail from thousands of reference photographs, the city of London can be explored on foot or by car; there are a total of 60 vehicles to 'acquire' (read as steal) and each has its own physics and control scheme. Vehicles range from a Nissan Micra to a Lexus IS20, a police Vectra to good old black cabs.
A strong story that doesn't mince its words in its depiction of the London underworld makes The Getaway a title that's primarily aimed at adult gamers. The compelling story, created by professional actors, blends seamlessly with the gameplay to form a perfect whole. No other game has ever been as close to a movie as The Getaway. Realism is an important factor of the game, no health, bullet count or other indicators distract the player from the action. When a character is hit, he'll bleed and slow down, pressing the affected areas; whether you're in a mad chase or on your way to a certain location, your car's indicators will indicate the best direction. Everything is designed to draw you into the world of The Getaway and keep you there for a long time.
The Getaway has been in development for almost three years and represents the best of video games. The list of technical innovations in graphics, animation and even motion capture is too long to publish here, but the results speak for themselves. Visually, The Getaway is absolutely stunning - the vibrant and breathtaking London has to be seen to be believed - and the classic gangster movie narrative style adds depth to this winning mix of racing and action.
