Headhunter

SEGA is probably one of the best and most influential software designer companies. However, its genesis lies in arcade-style video-games, and because of that, it's a company that never made a successful transition into modern day video-games; yet nobody can say they didn't try. When Sega was supporting the Dreamcast (which is probably the most underrated console ever), it tried to develop and publish modern games like "Headhunter" (developed by Amuze), but failed in the end to convince the blind Sony fans.

Much has been said about "Headhunter" being a copy of the famous "Metal Gear Solid"; though the comparison is inevitable, due to the Hollywood-like plot and stealth mechanics of both games, "Headhunter" is a sufficiently different game to be held on his own merits. Actually, if there is a game that resembles "Headhunter" is "Syphon Filter", and not "Metal Gear Solid". Why? Because "Metal Gear" has always been a more cerebral game, where every step requires careful consideration. Now, "Headhunter" is more of a shooter with stealth elements, than an actual stealth game, which, when you think about it makes perfect sense, considering Sega's roots; it's like an arcade take on "Metal Gear".

Controls are simple and clean, allowing the player to easily choose between silently killing each of his enemies one by one without alerting them, or to simply blast his way through a level. Everything works pretty well, except for the stealth kill that is pulled off by pressing the shoot button… which means shooting a stray bullet instead of choking your adversary. Apart from that, the game handles action pretty well, with a straightforward level design keeping things direct. To avoid monotony, there are a few action-adventure elements, like "Resident Evil" style puzzles, and even a bike riding mini-game, that allows the player to travel to different missions.

"Headhunter's" plot, while not exactly breaking the mold, leaves little to desire. In the near future, American society is overwhelmed with crime and corruption (which is kind of like the present); a business man named Christopher Stern designs a solution: create a network of headhunters that track down and kill wanted criminals, offering bounties for their organs. You play as Jack Wade, Stern's protégé, who is the number one headhunter that for some unknown reason becomes amnesiac after the death of his protector. He then embarks, with the help of Stern's sexy daughter, on a journey to unveil a plot to take over the world (how original), which unfortunately, means you'll predict most of the twists, way before they happen. There are two reasons that make the somewhat silly script stick. First, voice acting: the actors that play the parts are right on, even if Jack Wade sounds too much like a Clint Eastwood rip-off, which adds a much needed degree of credibility to the fairly obtuse narrative. And two, the tone: instead of going for the ol' classic Hollywood realism that plagues so many video-games, "Headhunter" doesn't take itself too seriously, adding intelligent humor whenever possible. Moreover, the script is filled with satire and irony, ending up creating this aura of criticism to certain aspects of USA's politics and its surrounding media circus. It's not by any means a shallow plot, and the fact that it is reminiscent of Paul Verhoeven's classic movies, like "Robocop" and "Starship Troopers" only helps.

The surrounding package is not very exciting: there's little if any interesting work on the art department (everything looks realistic and "normal"), and sound design is okay; on the upside, there are some james bondesque orchestrations that are really catchy. It's not a remarkable game in any way, but it manages to achieve what can be expected of a sega classic: well executed straightforward entertainment.

Headhunter for the Dreamcast is a very good game, altho it does have some failings. On the whole the game and graphics engines work well the graphics are good and have a nice character to them which is lacking in so many games now. The character design is good and the bosses are unique and imaginative. The game flows thru the story well and leads the player thru enjoyable chapters with a good sense of level design. The gameplay takes a little getting used to especially seeing how the Dreamcast joypad isn't the best of designs. Gameplay wise it's only failings could be blamed on the limits of the pad, which could've been corrected on a different system... altho from what I've heard they haven't. Like for example having a freelook on another analogue stick or a crosshair for manual aim, but oh well. However like all games there are some failings that are present and unfortuently offputing, these being the motorbike sections. These should've been a real joy to play but they just turned out terrible. This is mainly due to dire controls of the bike and as such makes proceeding thru the game feel more of a chore, however once you've done that nasty bit of driving you get a nice on foot level. ^_^; To be blunt the bike feels more like you're controlling a jet propelled shopping trolly. But despite these the game still manages to be a good overall game.

This game was made by Sega. Being made by Sega I didn't expect much, but I also didn't expect this junk either. For starters the camera angles work against you in this game. The motorcycle is your means of getting around. The motorcycle is the worst part in the game. Whenever you run in to something you just stick there and you don't move. You never fall off the bike or wreck for that matter. The main character hardly talks even though he's got a voice that suits him. The graphics are horrible. You ride through trees on your bike. The camera makes fighting the enemy impossible. This game wouldn't even be worth renting.

When reading a review from another user, saying that it's a terrible game, I could not stand idle and do nothing!

Well, this game is great, from the news clips (with two real persons, full of humour sense and credibility!), to the story, I find it very good! I only complain about the enemies start blinking when they die, until they disappear; and some frustrating situations on the LEILA VR missions, when riding the bike, here and there...

Except that, it's a great game, with a great story, good graphics, excellent characters, great soundtrack... I recommend it! Surely! It can be a bit old, but still enjoyable! At least, on the Dreamcast... but the PS2 version shall be the same.

I just love Headhunter for the ps2, I love everything about it. I would honestly pay top dollar if it was re released and got an extended edition. Because as much as I love playing it, I wished it were way longer.

Headhunter is an action adventure/shooter game released in 2001 for the sega dreamcast, and in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 which is the version I have.

We play as Jack Wade a former employee/headhunter for the ACN (anti crime network) who has woken up in a hospital bed with amnesia. He gets a visit from the daughter of the head of the ACN asking Jack to help catch her fathers killer which Jack finds out about it during a news segment while he's in hospital.

Jack agrees and the game is about going through missions of capturing low level gangsters who are involved as well as figuring out that there are higher forces involved in this conspiracy.

The story was well written, the graphics are phenomenal (for an older game). Compare this to gta 3 (released in the same year) and see how the picture quality compare to each other, you'll see that headhunter destroys gta 3. Fictional Los Angeles looks beautiful, I love everything about it from Santa Monica to Sterns mansion in Beverly Hills. The voice actors did a wonderful job, with unforgettable voices. The character art was well done as well.

I LOVE Headhunter so much and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in ps2 action adventure games. I also recommend you check out its sequel Headhunter Redemption, both games are so fun!