The Stuntman series is back, and it's a thrilling return for fans of adrenaline-pumping, stunt-filled racing. After almost two decades of absence, the iconic franchise is being resurrected by Saber Interactive, with a new installment titled Stuntman: Hollywood. This revival promises to bring back the excitement of the original game, with a modern twist. The trailer showcases a range of iconic cars and scenes from popular movies and TV shows, including Fast & Furious, Back to the Future, Knight Rider, Miami Vice, and Death Race. The game will feature a variety of vehicles, from Brian O'Conner's iconic rides to the armored Mustang from Death Race, offering players a chance to experience the thrill of being a professional stunt driver.
What makes this announcement particularly exciting is the partnership with Universal Pictures, which will inject the game with real movies and TV shows for the first time. The trailer hints at a diverse range of vehicles, some of which are licensed, like K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and the Time Machine from Back to the Future. However, some vehicles, like the Miami Vice car, are obvious lookalikes but not officially licensed. The game's career mode will likely pay homage to these iconic films and TV shows, allowing players to relive the excitement of these famous scenes.
The original Stuntman, released in 2002, was a cult favorite action-driving game developed by Reflections Interactive. It featured a unique premise, casting players as professional stunt drivers, and a construction mode where players could build and perform their own stunts. The game was known for its challenging gameplay, requiring a high level of precision and perfection to nail stunts in a single take. It paid homage to various movies and TV shows, including Guy Ritchie-inspired crime capers, Indiana Jones and James Bond parodies, and a clear tribute to The Dukes of Hazzard.
The sequel, Stuntman: Ignition, released in 2007, had a different feel and was developed by Paradigm Entertainment. It featured six more fake films to speed through, inspired by movies like Dante's Peak, The A-Team, Batman, and Bullitt. However, the game underperformed commercially, leading THQ to announce the end of the series. For nearly two decades, the Stuntman franchise lay dormant, but now it's back with a modern twist, thanks to Saber Interactive.
The upcoming Stuntman: Hollywood is set to release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it's generating a lot of excitement among fans. The game's handling model will be crucial to its success, as it will determine the precision and thrill of the racing experience. With the addition of real movies and TV shows, players can expect a more immersive and authentic gameplay experience. The question remains: will it live up to the legacy of the original Stuntman? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the return of Stuntman is a welcome addition to the gaming world, offering a unique blend of action and racing that has been missing for far too long.
