Dynamite Cop

You've got to switch into a different frame of mind when you play a game like Dynamite Cop. You have to forget about the last five years of game development, and remember the time when Final Fight and Streets of Rage ruled the roost. On face value it has to be said that it's spectacularly dull, far too easy and remarkably short. It's not particularly rewarding if you play it really hard, and if you complete all of the objectives, the secrets that open up are hardly worth the considerable effort involved. Sure, there are multiple characters and three variations on the missions (until you open up the extra mode) but they're all far too similar. Prolonged play results in extreme frustration as you learn that this is only as much fun as you are prepared to get out of it. You start making your own objectives like 'I'm going to clear this stage just with my fists' or 'I'm going to see how long I can keep my character in just his briefs' (health is indicated by state of dress btw)--but this only satisfies for a while. Soon, you start to notice the idiosyncrasies of the graphics and questioning the most bizarre things. Why do all the characters have enormous noses? Why is the script so bad? Why is the president's daughter so fugly? Why is that man wearing a crab on his back? Nostalgic players may love it. Impatient ones will despise it.

You're either a fan of Die Hard Arcade or you're not, it's that simple. Dynamite Cop retains the same basic gameplay of DHA but now you're working with Naomi power. Behind all the offbeat weapons and combos is a game you can master to an absolute certainty. Sure it's repetitious, but then again, so are shooters. Bosses have patterns of their own which you can memorize and exploit. Check out this game while you wait for its prettier cousin Zombie Revenge.

Dynamite Cop isn't that bad. No, I'm serious. All you have to do is realize that: a.) This is a port of an arcade game, so it doesn't take that long to beat, b.) It's incredibly goofy (not on purpose, I don't think), c.) It shouldn't be taken too seriously, d.) It involves an awful lot of button mashing, ano e.) You might get pissed if you spent good money on this disc. But the game is still enjoyable and worth checking out! Like Die Hard Arcade, it's mindless fun.

This arcade port has cheap thrills in abundance; too bad the gameplay wears thin fast. Sure, you get a lot of level variety with the three characters. And you'll probably dig Dynamite Cop if twitch games that look pretty are your thing. But this game turned into a chore. Despite some cool weapons and the enticing idea of seeing your female character's clothes knocked off as she takes damage, the button-mashing gameplay didn't hold my interest.