The Stuntman series is back after a nearly two-decade-long hiatus, and it's a thrilling return. With the upcoming release of Stuntman: Hollywood, fans are eagerly anticipating a game that promises to capture the essence of the original Stuntman, while also incorporating real movies and TV shows. The trailer showcases a diverse range of vehicles, from the iconic Brian O'Conner's rides in The Fast and the Furious to the armored Mustang from Death Race. The inclusion of licensed vehicles from Fast & Furious, Back to the Future, Knight Rider, Miami Vice, and Death Race adds a layer of authenticity to the game. However, some vehicles, like the Miami Vice car, are notable for their lack of iconic features, suggesting that not all cars are officially licensed.
Saber Interactive, the developer behind Stuntman: Hollywood, is known for its work on MudRunner and SnowRunner. The company's Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, expresses his enthusiasm for bringing back the classic Stuntman game and evolving it into something new. The original Stuntman, released in 2002, was a cult favorite action-driving game that cast players as professional stunt drivers. It featured a career mode that paid homage to various movies, including a Guy Ritchie-inspired London crime caper, off-brand Indiana Jones and James Bond films, and a clear tribute to The Dukes of Hazzard. Additionally, the game offered a construction mode, allowing players to build and perform their own freestyle stunts.
The sequel, Stuntman: Ignition, released in 2007, had a different feel due to its development by Paradigm Entertainment. It featured six more fake films, including shoots inspired by Dante's Peak, The A-Team, Batman, and Bullitt, as well as another Bond parody and the return of A Whoopin' and a Hollerin' II. However, Stuntman: Ignition underperformed commercially, leading THQ to abandon the series.
The return of Stuntman: Hollywood is a significant development in the gaming industry, especially for fans of the original game. The precision of the handling model will be crucial to the game's success, as it was a key feature of the original Stuntman. The inclusion of real movies and TV shows adds a layer of excitement and authenticity to the game. However, the lack of official licenses for some vehicles raises questions about the game's authenticity. Overall, the return of Stuntman: Hollywood is a welcome development, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
