Games Database
Xbox
Adventure
| Also for: | PS2 | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure |
| Media: | DVD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Saffire | Soft. Co.: | Sierra Entertainment |
| Publishers: | Vivendi
(GB) |
Released: | 14 May 2004
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 16+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Unit | ||
Summary
It was never really in any doubt as to whether a Hollywood blockbuster based on a monster-slaying uber-hero would spew forth an accompanying video game spin-off. Van Helsing is indeed ideal gaming material and coinciding perfectly with the release of the film is this third-person action adventure from the guys at Saffire.
As far as movie licences go, the game is pretty close to its respective silver screen action, with you cast into the role of the eponymous evil-thwarter and thrust into an adventure that remains faithful to the original plot. This means being transported back to the macabre world of 19th Century Transylvania, charged with the task of ridding the world of the likes of Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster before it becomes engulfed in darkness.
As well as having to deal with the aforementioned famous horror icons, along the way, as you make your way through Transylvania and the strongholds of Castle Frankenstein and Castle Dracula, you also encounter a host of original creatures created especially for the game, including the likes of stone gargoyles, fell spirits and banshees. This is made a little easier with the aid of the game's impressive arsenal of both ranged and melee weapons, which includes such offensive tools as tojo blades, scimitars, pistols, a shotgun, and a hand-cranked gattling gun. In addition, you also get to take advantage of Van Helsing's signature grappling hook in order to escape impending doom, unleash devastating fatality attacks and explore the gameworld.
Van Helsing is pretty much everything you'd expect from a big movie spin-off, offering a faithful storyline, detailed, authentic environments, a high-quality soundtrack and, above all, relentless action throughout. The game doesn't offer the greatest amount of depth but it's a thoroughly entertaining experience while it lasts and will undoubtedly provide a great deal of fun for fans of the film.
As far as movie licences go, the game is pretty close to its respective silver screen action, with you cast into the role of the eponymous evil-thwarter and thrust into an adventure that remains faithful to the original plot. This means being transported back to the macabre world of 19th Century Transylvania, charged with the task of ridding the world of the likes of Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster before it becomes engulfed in darkness.
As well as having to deal with the aforementioned famous horror icons, along the way, as you make your way through Transylvania and the strongholds of Castle Frankenstein and Castle Dracula, you also encounter a host of original creatures created especially for the game, including the likes of stone gargoyles, fell spirits and banshees. This is made a little easier with the aid of the game's impressive arsenal of both ranged and melee weapons, which includes such offensive tools as tojo blades, scimitars, pistols, a shotgun, and a hand-cranked gattling gun. In addition, you also get to take advantage of Van Helsing's signature grappling hook in order to escape impending doom, unleash devastating fatality attacks and explore the gameworld.
Van Helsing is pretty much everything you'd expect from a big movie spin-off, offering a faithful storyline, detailed, authentic environments, a high-quality soundtrack and, above all, relentless action throughout. The game doesn't offer the greatest amount of depth but it's a thoroughly entertaining experience while it lasts and will undoubtedly provide a great deal of fun for fans of the film.
Artwork
