e live in a world rife with monsters. Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, Count Dracula, Underworld's Selene (aye, she's beautiful, but a monster nonetheless). Of course, none of us have actually met these monsters in the flesh, but they are rife nonetheless—dominating film, comics, games and books like no other characters can. One memorable character from this entertainment domination is Van Helsing. Played by Hugh Jackman in the same-titled film, it only makes sense that the dashing, courageous, monster-bashing bounty hunter would make a video-game appearance.
Van Helsing the game is a third-person action shooter that captures the hectic energy of the movie. Gamers play as Van Helsing as they fight their way through numerous levels and boss villains (i.e., monsters), such as Frankenstein, Igor, Dracula, etc. Van Helsing is well equipped for the fight, bringing a wide range of weapons to the fray. Initially, the Vatican's hit man will wield a pair of pistols and his edged, Frisbee-like tojo blades, but as he moves through the story he'll collect shotguns, crossbows and even twin scimitars.
Killing monsters will give gamers' index fingers quite a workout, but there is a bit more to it than repeatedly mashing the fire button. Van Helsing learns moves as the game progresses, and understanding when to combine those moves with the lead from the guns is key to defeating the bad guys (or should we say ghouls?).
Red Sox fans would understand
Playing Van Helsing is a lot like being a Boston Red Sox fan: good fun, as long as you don't expect too much from the experience. The game is fast-paced, fun and, at times, challenging. It's immensely satisfying to pull off a cool combo and then finish off a monster with a blast from your pistols.
Similarly, the Van Helsing character is well animated, and does indeed look like Wolverine ... er, that is, Hugh Jackman. Better still, Jackman does an excellent job of voice acting in the game, and the music—although somewhat overbearing—well enhances the atmosphere. Especially during combat.
On the downside, the game is pretty doggone short. Most gamers will wrap it up in less than eight hours. That's not entirely negative—I don't like long games that move too quickly from my gee-this-is-fun to my got-to-get-done list. But many gamers would prefer to get a little more bang for their buck. Neither is there much bang on the innovative side of the buck. The game plays, and even looks, like Capcom's Devil May Cry. Not a bad game to mimic, but it would have been nice to see Van Helsing explore at least some new gaming territory.
Nevertheless, when all the monsters have been laid to rest, there is more going for Van Helsing than against. Splendid voice acting and solid graphics, coupled with fast and furious action, make this a game that will leave a smile on your face. We just wish that it would leave it a little longer.
Games based on movies used to be trash. It's true no longer, and Van Helsing is a fine example of a good port from movie to game.
— Mark
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