24 - the Videogame

Before Oblivion - sweet, sweet, Oblivion - arrived last week I had been spending a lot of time with 24 The Videogame (I'm reviewing it). Now one of the main reasons you would fail Games Journalism School - if it existed - is excessive use of the term, "fans of the *franchise/licence/insert here* will enjoy this game". In 24's case though, there is no better way to describe it. Other than, "utter tosh", perhaps - 24 is a real disappointment. I love the TV show - Jack, Kim, the ringtone, the ludicrous plot twists - so I was looking forward to the game. And at the beginning, with all the sound effects and real actors, it was easy to get excited. But once the action started it is soon apparent that the budget had clearly been spent on the glitz - the plodding shooting and driving just didn't cut it. Yes, the plot is fairly interesting, which is why fans will probably persevere, but it isn't enough. While not as disappointing a use of licence as Ocean's 1986 shocker V, 24 is crushingly dull. Anyone else played it yet?