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Getting away from it all

The Getaway series is unique and unorthodox. Playing the game reminds one of movies like Snatch or Two Smoking Barrels, and the latest incarnation, Black Monday, is no different, packing quite a punch.
By G"otz Bauer
Johannesburg, 18 Feb 2005

<B>The Getaway: Black Monday</B>

[SidebarPicture]Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Type: Action adventure
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Number of players: One
Retail price: R399
Supplied by: Ster-Kinekor
(011) 445 7940

The Getaway series is unique and unorthodox. Playing the game reminds one of movies like Snatch or Two Smoking Barrels. The story develops much in the same way, as you never know what is going to happen next.

The latest title, Black Monday, is set in London and is packed with English humour to carry the story. The map of the city is well laid out, although it does take some getting used to when starting off. Outwitting the police becomes a breeze once you know your way around.

The menu options are simple and easy to follow, and include career and free modes.

The career mode is the most intriguing part of the game due to the story. However, to be able to play the story mode properly, you have to spend some time roaming the city. So free mode would be the most beneficial way to approach this.

The story moves from one character to another. You start off as Mitch, a hardcore cop reprimanded for his indecent assault and killing of a young boy.

His inadequate methods and tactics become part of the playing experience as you find yourself in the world of a misunderstood cop.

From there you switch places to an over-the-hill, small-time boxer, earning money by taking on risky underground jobs. The last character that you play is an inexperienced know-it-all kid whose abilities become apparent only when playing her role.

Beware of the age restriction though. It is not as brutal as Grand Theft Auto, but Black Monday does have its moments of pure unadulterated fun. This is a title that - if it were a TV series - could be favourably compared to The Sopranos, so be warned.

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