The player gains energy by defeating enemies (equal to the Stars obtained) and by collecting paper cranes hidden about each level. Tequila also employs several iconic techniques from Woo’s movies, referred to as Tequila Bombs. As an incentive to interact with the environment, Tequila receives a bonus to his attack power and defense during interactions. Taking out enemies in quick succession, or interacting with the environment when taking down opponents, will earn the player the optimum number of stars. The more stylish the kills performed, the more stars received. By taking out enemies, the player earns stars. Another form of gameplay comes from the style and grace associated with Woo’s balletic firefights. Tequila can also make use of his environment, moving up and down railings, swinging from chandeliers and sliding across tabletops and riding on carts while shooting at enemies. Tequila Time is managed through a meter which drains with use and regenerates with time.

This technique-called Tequila Time-generates a cinematic effect that mimics Woo’s. Gameplayĭuring play, jumping in any direction or interacting with any object while aiming at an opponent (or pressing a certain button) will slow time, creating a short window during which Tequila can shoot at targets. It’s an interesting piece of work that’s more fun than it isn’t, and fans of Hard Boiled ought to especially enjoy watching Chow Yun-Fat reprise his role as Inspector Tequila. Stranglehold effectively takes the elements that made Max Payne fun and uses them to its own advantage, while sprinkling in a number of original touches and gimmicks that give the game its own Hong Kong cinema flavor.

Regardless, if you’re going to make a game based on a badass cop dodging, diving, and shooting all over the place in slow-motion, there are certainly worse places to look for inspiration. Hard Boiled borrows very liberally from the mechanics of Remedy’s slow-motion, heavy-action franchise, which is a little ironic and mind-bending because Max Payne was itself a tribute to John Woo’s brand of cinematic action.

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