Minority Report: Everybody Runs

Written by Jonathan Nicklas  on March 24, 2003

Full Review: You can run, but you can't hide.

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Over the last little while, developer Treyarch has learned to please a crowd. Making good of cash-heavy licenses such as Spider-Man, the development studio is at the helm for Minority Report, a futuristic thriller set far into the future.

In case you didn't know, players assume the role of hard-nosed Precrime Officer John Anderton, head of an elite police division that can predict and also arrest murderers before their crime can be committed. Ironically, Anderton has been framed for pre-murder and it's up to you to clear his name. Based on the movie of the same name, the game is played via a third-person perspective and features a solid fighting engine in addition to a few plot twists along the way. However, you won't find Tom Cruise here due to licensing issues. Apparently, Cruise didn't want his face associated with the game in any shape or form.

The heart of the gameplay centers on hand-to-hand combat. There are many combos of all types, including standard kicks, punches, and assorted throws. Almost everything is breakable in the game, and the collision detection doesn't disappoint. As such, enemy forces can be hurled out windows or onto other opponents. Others will slouch against walls or stand around barely conscious. Some of your best offense lies within roundhouse kicks. Further, the game wouldn't be complete without weapons (not of mass destruction) added in for extra flavor and an incredible physics engine that works very well. Fortunately, character motion is fluid and clunky movement is kept to a minimum.

Graphically, there is nothing present that we haven't seen before. The character models are well-rounded, sporting deadly poses and a fiery glare. However, the overall ambiance could've been much better. From afar, the character faces look blurry while the environments could've been better. The futuristic world appears to be extremely lacking in detail and isn't very absorbing. Some areas definitely look better than others, however.

The game also includes a training level to get your feet wet. The principles are covered in fine detail with a classy voice guiding you along the way. From that point on, there's never a dull moment in Minority Report. For the most part, multiple levels are creatively woven together and include interesting scenarios spread across the spectrum. The storyline is forgettable but certainly a component in the game. Anderton adds in his thoughts once in a while for extra effect. Other cinematic scenes between gameplay events unfold the story in fine fashion. While repetitive combat remains intact, the game mixes things up with mini-games and interesting foes, such as pseudo-boss battles. Minority Report seamlessly integrates some futuristic devices along the way, such as the jetpack. It works extremely well without any restraints and turning corners is not troublesome at all. Most of the weapons are projectile-based but be forewarned that ammunition is few and far between.

The controls revolve around combos of a simple nature and button mashing won't get you very far. Players can also slide tackle opponents or hurl them around with throws and blocking incoming attacks is very helpful. With the aid of the free-roaming camera system, Minority Report plays surprisingly well and is anything but confined. In addition to looking high and low for special secrets, there are many futuristic additions like flying cars in level design.

Otherwise, the aural atmosphere promotes a sense of excitement. Music increases anxiety sufficiently while voice acting contributes effectively to the storyline. While clichщ, Anderton is a tough guy and doesn't take nonsense. Adding to the effect, enemy opponents scream in pain while falling several floors to their untimely death.

Taken from the movie, players have access to long-term upgrades such as new combos in addition to temporary benefits like health boosts. It comes at a cost however. Indeed, you'll have to pay up with money collected throughout the levels. It plays an important role in the game in the long-run. Developer Treyarch has taken the time to give fans of the movie extra bonus features like music videos, promo videos and art sketches. It's a nice addition and the extra effort is generous.