The first getaway COULD have been so much more, i remember when i first saw tiny news reports about it, tucked away in the "what to expect on PS2" corner of Official Playstation Magazine UK, it all sounded so great back then, GTA London, in 3D, in modern times, and Photo realistic, Of course a few things where changed, various car manufacturers didnt want thier models in the game, so out went several of the vehicles from early screenshots, including the Audi TT and the Ford Capri (damn!), but the game still promised to be fun. Then came christmas 2002, i got it out of the box, fired up the PS2 (on the big downstairs telly, no less) and started to play... ...er, wait a minute... There was no denying it, the graphics where good alright, the car handling was so realistic it was annoying, with absolultley no mistakes allowed, the lack of on-screen health and ammo meters quickly became more annoying than anything, the AI of the cops was way too hard, resulting in a lot of dying, the AI of the civilian drivers was way too stupid, resulting in a lot of dying (or maybe purple a-class drivers have just got something against me), and i couldnt even beat "Art appreciation". So, you might be wondering, why should i bother putting The Getaway 2 into my site? Well, its because it was still quite enjoyable all the same, even though i gave up on it, i still sometimes want to 'miss' the warehouse on the first level and go exploring as a sort-of freeride mode (why did they have to unlock that AFTER you completed the game? That was one of the most annoying features in the original), if only to smash up rover 75's. But hopefully the getaway 2 will be made more user friendly, i have heard that there will be a "London cab" mode, which would be unlocked after the game ends, this at least hints at the possibility that free ride would be available in the beginning, which would be a major bonus (and probably my reason for buying the game), also they are going to put the london underground in, which should make things pretty cool. In all, the getaway certianly has the potential to be a much more fun game (now that they dont have to concentrate on mapping, though hopefully they will add a few more of the backstreets and things in other areas, not just soho), and apparently one of the developers has said "You wouldnt belive how many cars are in it", a hint that other manufacturers have allowed thier vehicles to be in it?, which could be a hint that the Capri will be in it, if thats true i'll be sold!

The Getaway 2 wish-list