Payback Review

Remember the original and much beloved Grand Theft Auto? Wish you could've had it on the iPod? GTA lover, take notice of Payback, a 3D isometric game with enough car-jacking to get you shot. But it's not all fun and games.

Payback is a 3D clone of GTA at its core. On the outside, there is much HDR lighting and awesome effects such as he

at waves from explosions. As far as graphics go, the environments are nice with great lighting as well as decent textures.

 The vehicles are average (the tank is an eye-sore). The people are more-or-less walking blocks. Overall the graphics are decent but nothing super.

  In terms of gameplay Payback begins to suffer. Aiming is a pain and the weapons are more of an extra added-on feature compared to the rest of the game. The story is sufficient to tide you over. In terms of missions, there are plenty of them with a decent variety, but nothing spectacular. After finishing the game, there are bonus modes such as Rampage ('nuff said) and Challenge. Both are just score-type games but they do add some extra incentive to play more of the game.

  One of the strongest aspects of Payback is the sound. While the sound effects are rather mediocre, the soundtrack is outstanding. A collection of hip-hop, electronica, rap, and rock, have all found their way into the game. After a while though, the same songs begin to repeatedly appear, but that is only a minor nuisance.

  So at the current $5 price-tag, is it truly worth it? At this point in time I would get Car Jack Streets or wait for a price drop.

 

Pros:

Good Soundtrack

Grand Theft Auto Clone

Cons:

Average Graphics

Mediocre Sound Effects

Hard to Aim Weapons

Bottom Line:

Try the Lite version, buy Car Jack Streets, or wait for a price drop.

For parents: Despite the 12+ rating this is a more-mature game then the rating has led you to believe. There is a lot of gore (exploding people)  and violence (you can set people on fire) so be careful.

Scores:

Graphics: 3.5/5

Sound: 4/5

Gameplay: 3.5/5

Controls: 3.75/5

Overall: 8/10

Link: Payback, $4.99

Reviewer: DHrox