Customer Reviews

24 The Game

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you've got a PS2 or PS3 and love the TV series 24 with Keifer Sutherland, the 24 game is worth taking a look at. Just know that the game isn't perfect.

First, I'll admit that I am both a big fan of the 24 series and also of Keifer Sutherland. We were too busy to watch the first seasons live, but instead we waited for each one to end and then rented the DVDs for a full-out marathon of watching them. It really helped not to have to wait through commercials or for the next week to come to see what happened. So I'm probably the ideal target audience for a game like this.

I also love shooting games and Bond-style games, so I really was looking forward to playing this. It has the real voices of Keifer and other cast members, and unfolds based on the time between Season 2 and Season 3. It uses the time music style and intro 24 addicts know and love. Your game is broken into "hour long segments" which in reality probably take you 15 minutes or so to play through, depending on your gaming skill.

Unfortunately, gameplay just did not live up to the expectations. The camera was *awful* - there were numerous problems that made the game very frustrating, very quickly. At times you're running along in various terrorist areas, crouching behind cover, jumping over boxes, peering around doors. You might have a few fellow CTU units with you who do basic operations like blowing open doors, but they're rarely any help in a firefight.

The enemies don't show great AI either. It also gets frustrating that an enemy might suddenly decide to surrender while you're in the middle of shooting him - and by the time you've pulled your finger from the trigger, he's already killed by the bullets that were in the air when he surrendered. So you get penalized for his death.

There are also little decoding style puzzles, car driving missions and so on tossed in to keep variety interesting. It figures that none of them are either challenging or fun to play. With all of the thousands of games on the market that nail each of these areas, I wasn't asking for spectacular here - just reasonable. It just wasn't.

It almost seems that they raced this game out quickly in order to get sales and nothing got quite done properly. Which is a real shame, because the series is well loved by millions of people who buy the DVD sets, watch the shows repeatedly and who would LOVE to get this game and replay it to immerse themselves in the world. There is certainly great potential for replayability here, to keep going through a mission over and over to nail the top rating. If the missions were fun, I know I would gladly do that to hear Jack's voice and to be in that world. But with the way things were designed, I'm going to have to wait for a sequel to come out that hopefully spends more time in development.

As a side note, this game does play fine on the PS3.

This game is a must for any devoted fan of the hit TV show 24. However, the game delivers an overall solid performance driven by an intense storyline that even newcomers to the series will enjoy, though possibly not as much as the show's fan base.

24: The Game takes place approximately six months after season two ends and about a year before season three begins. It's become unofficially referred to as "season 2.5" (if only by myself). The game starts with a CTU team, led by series super agent Jack Bauer, raiding a cargo ship in search of a biotoxin (Ricin) and illegal arms shipments. As fans of the series can no doubt expect, something as routine as this is bound to spin out of control into a 24-hour adrenaline rush. One aspect of the show that was near, if not totally, impossible to put into the game was the one week breaks between episodes. Once the end of an hour hits, marking the end of the would-be TV episode, the player could put down the controller for a week. However, that's like asking someone who owns the DVD set not to watch the entire season over the span of a weekend. With every episode ending on a cliffhanger, that's just not gonna happen. This game is a must for fans of the series, answering a few questions about the cliffhanger ending to season two and the introduction of some of the characters who first appeared in season three. One can only assume that this game being in development, or at least the planning stages, is the reason that certain questions were left unanswered as season three progressed.

The game is very true-to-life with the actual show. There is, of course, the ticking clock, which is probably even familiar to those who have never even seen an episode. The storyline told from multiple angles is very well implemented as well, as is the split screen, which at times splits off for a few seconds even while you are in certain points in a mission (i.e. when you're on the phone, not during anything important like battle). The most true-to-life part of the game however has to be "Previously on 24 ..." Whenever a game save is loaded, a screen pops up with a brief summary of the recent events that led to the current point in the game. In addition, there is a "Previously on 24 ..." available for a text of the entire story, up to the minute.

On it's technical merit, 24 is a good game. The graphics, while not stunning, are of a decent quality and the characters are nicely recognizable to their real life counterparts (Keifer Sutherland, Carlos Bernard, Reiko Aylsworth, etc.). The sound is of an average quality; nothing to complain about but really nothing to write home about either. The game has a slight replay value (and reason for doing so) not in additional side quests and the like, but in striving for "perfect" ratings in missions. The bonus content is nothing more than a few interviews and a ton of character models, but it should serve completists, such as this author, for a decent amount of time after the storyline hits its conclusion. The game's mission rating system is very unique and a nice addition to the game. It outlines objectives that lie outside the goals that will give you points (i.e. 24 enemies killed, 5 head shots) and that will take away points (0 surrendered enemies shot, 0 health used). For each mission completed at a 90% or higher ranking, a bonus item is unlocked.

The gameplay does have some nice aspects to it, although a lot of it can get tedious at times and a few of the controls are broken as well. There is a huge variety of missions in the game: everything from driving to shooting to computer analysis. There are also a number of different controllable characters, aside from the obvious choice of one Mr. Jack Bauer. Chase, Michelle, Kim, Tony, and a few others are also controllable as the missions progress. The most innovative controls of the game came during the computer-based missions. A few were simple point and clicks, but there is one that lays out a grid of up to four colors that correspond to the circle, X, square, and triangle buttons on the controller. One by one the squares get highlighted in a randomly jumping pattern and correct button presses lead to defragging information. In possibly the best use of the pressure sensitive analog stick (in this writer's opinion) in the history of the PS2, there is a mission in which radio frequencies are being tracked on a radar screen. The search for frequencies is controlled by the direction and pressure applied to the analog stick and once a frequency is found, the analog stick must be held in that position for a few seconds until the frequency is locked on.

These are good examples of controls, but there are also bad ones, and this game did have a couple. One of the most frustrating was the automatic crouching behind cover. While in "stealth mode" for silent movement, whenever the controlled character would get near an object, such as a counter, he or she would automatically lower their body to adjust for the height of the obstacle and creep ever so slowly along. However, the following scenario is all to common: a firefight ensues and, using a pillar for cover, the terrorists start going down, one by one. However, more terrorists burst through another door in the room and it's time to relocate. Wanting to keep a low profile, but be able to make up some ground at the same time, the player enters stealth mode and makes a beeline for another pillar. Upon getting a bit too close to a table that's in the middle of room, the on-screen character crouches and creeps along the table at less than a snail's pace while still in the line of fire. The easiest way to escape that is to exit stealth mode, thus creating a larger silhouette and being exposed to more fire than necessary. This aspect of the game also unfortunately slows down the game when running around a recently cleared room in stealth mode trying to collect ammunition from the cold bodies.

Another collective example of gameplay that wasn't implemented well enough is just about any of the driving missions. Some of these are absolutely atrocious and nearly impossible to pass (like trying to outrun terrorists back to CTU and taking a debateably extreme amount of vehicle damage, and then getting a tail from the cops and having to lose it before arriving at said destination) without blowing up the vehicle (and don't even try to switch vehicles in the middle of a chase a la getting run over by a car Grand Theft Auto ... that's a bad day for the home team).

One aspect of the game that can be amusing is the new extreme of "rag doll physics" that was implemented in the game. If you want to see exactly how extreme, you'll just have to play the game yourself.

Despite a few flaws in the game with the controls, this is a very solid game with an in-depth story and a good variety of missions to mix-up the gameplay experience. This game is an absolute must-own for any fan of the series, but is still something to be recommended for casual gamers.

Gameplay: 6
Graphics: 8
Sound: 7
Value: 7
Tilt: 10
Overall: 7.7

For someone looking for a game but that are not fans of the TV series, I rate the tilt a 7. This changes the overall rating to a 6.8.

This game is very similar to the 24 TV show, so any 24 fan will love it simply because of that. As for anyone who isn't a fan, we'll get to that in a minute...

The characters in this game have the same audio and visual likenesses of their TV counterparts, so that adds some realism to the game. Aside from that, the graphics are not the best and might be slightly below par for PS2.

Each mission starts with a "The Following Takes Place Between..." so the missions follow a storyline just as the show does in real time. It's interesting to see it come together like that.

There are a lot of great things about this game, but I'm not sure if a person who is NOT a fan of 24 will enjoy it. As I mentioned, the graphics are a little shaky. In addition, the driving missions are a little hard to control. The weapons are vast in choice but lack realistic appearance. This game doesn't seem to have a difficulty selection, so much of the game can be completed in a hurry by running past enemies with emberassingly low IQ. Jack does have a CTU team with him, but they don't seem to do much damage while Jack has one-hit-kills mostly.

To sum it up, if you're a fan you'll love this game no matter what! If you're not a fan of 24 you might want to consider renting this game first or choosing a different one alltogether. Any hardcore FPS fan will probably not enjoy this unless their a fan of the show.

Recommended to fans only!

I was surprised at all the "fair" and "okay" reviews for this game, even thaough the lowest reviews gave it 3 stars. this game is really good and there are no glitches at all like some people say (I've played it and beat it straight through twice). Graphics are also really good. i The game will assign "Mission rankings" to you and give you objectives to do to complete those rankings. When done at least to the minimum standard you will get a percent(%) score which will be averaged in with other Percent scores to give you an overall field grade (A(best),B,C,D(worst)). It is pretty complex. I don't really watch the TV show (I don't dislike it, just have better things to do), but from what i've heard if you;'re one of the people that follow the show thoroughly and question what happens between seasons 2 and 3, this game will explain it excellently. Also, the M rating shouldn't be there. there is no blood like the rating dscriptors describe, and it is just as violent as the 007 games. This game should be rated T. Another cool thing about 24: the game is the fact that it has 53 missions (many of which are quite short), but they're all somewhat fun if not REALLY FUN. The replay value of this game is excellent, especially the first few missions (their awesome!).

OVERALL: 24: THE GAME IS AWESOME, WORTH THE PRICE COMPLETELY, HAS EXCELLENT REPLAY VALUE AND GRAPHICS, AND SHOULD BE ONLY RATED T.

BUY 24: THE GAME TODAY! IT'S A MUST BUY (EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SHOW). THIS GAME IS AWESOME.

TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

after-note: i don't know why they don;'t sell this new. 24 the game is still in print and fairly popular. hm?

I have to admit that despite the good reviews this game was getting, I had my doubts. Perhaps it was due to the relentlessly BAD games that were spawned from television shows. Well, I am happy to report that I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised. 24:The Game does in fact follow closely to the show and you could actually believe that it was a lost episode. The game is designed with many of the details that fans will surely recognize; the camera work, the split screens, the dialogue, the fact that Kim got kidnapped AGAIN, etc. Voice acting is top shelf, with most of the actual actors on-board. The game also boasts good graphics (the characters actually resemble the actors for the most part) and exceptional sound effects. The game is easy to pick up and play without tedious explanations and training demos. In fact, the game kind of just drops you into the story and away you go.

The bulk of the game is dedicated to missions; some that require stealth and others where you can just blast anyone in your way. There are also several driving missions that operate in the way of any of the GTA games. Puzzles are usually tossed into the mix, most are easy to solve but some can be a bit frustrating. Thankfully, the game typically auto-saves after you complete part of the mission objective so you don't have to replay the levels from the beginning, thus reducing the frustration associated with similar games. Many of the missions are timed so it is often difficult to explore the surrounding area but to be honest, there isn't much to find. Each mission is wrapped up with your stats and believe me, it isn't always easy to get a high score. If you manage to accomplish this, you will accumulate various unlockables which are usually videos and character animation (not real sure what that was all about) but they aren't required to enjoy the actual game play.

Load times are decent and there is virtually no lag as your character moves from one area to another. The game is fast-paced and you will play not only as Jack Bauer but as tech support, other CTU members and even the bad guys on occasion. Overall, a good game that holds your interest and also holds true to the show. Replay value is fairly decent as the game is relatively long and to improve your overall ratings to obtain unlockables. If you are a fan of the GTA games, The Godfather, Scarface, etc., then this will be right up your alley.

24 the game gets called a disapointing game based on a tv series. I don't think it's fair to be called a complete disapointment though. As a 24 fan I must say that some things are pretty cool. I like how the villian is voiced by Christian Kane (Lindsey in Angel) and looks exactly like him too. Since the show itself usually always has recognizeable main villians. I think the interigation mode is challenging and well done as well. Plus if you miss characters like Tony and Chase, it's cool that you can play as them too on certain points.

The first shooter mode is a little primative and not as good, as lets say a Rainbow Six game. Plus there's too many car chase parts when they aren't really that good to begin with. But even if some things are lame I must say that I still have a ball playing this as a 24 fan. Just to rescue CTU from terrorists, rescue Kim and facing a lot of the other dangers that Jack does on 24. I do think that a second one could be more promising though. Especially if it was released for X-Box 360 with more effort put into the shooting mode and a little more put into the gameplay as well. But one thing can't knock about the game is that it can be challenging and it isn't always easy.

I really enjoy this game, I think they could have done better, some of the driving chases just seem a bit silly. I enjoy the more tactical work he is required to do. However, I ran into a glitch and I went online and found there are others who had the same problem where you get totally stuck and cannot move forward at all. I played 2 nights in a row thinking I did something wrong before I looked up a walkthrough online and found out it was just a glitch in the game. One I followed the instuctions, I was finally able to move on so watch out for that. It's right after you go up in a watch tower with a sniper rifle, then enter a wharehouse to protect Madsen which as soon as you enter there should be a lot of men coming in, my problem was only 1 guy or other people say no men at all, if that happens then you hit the glitch because a lot of men should come rushing in. The instructions I followed are as follows:

Turn on your PS2 is turned off with game and memory card in, then load the game (it should be at 4:28. If its not, see NOTE below). When the cut scene with Jack and Tony begins remove the memory card and the "Warning, memory card removed Use save game option to manually save progress & re-enable autosave?" Press X for OK and re-insert the memory card, then watch the cut scene. The "Previously on 24" dialog box will appear, press X. then play the game as usual. If done correctly, many men will enter. After you complete the mission, make sure you save it.

NOTE: If your memory card is at 4:41. Go restart the mission and do a save during the cut scene. You will overwrite 4:41 and be back at 4:28.

It helped me and if it happens to you, believe me, you will be glad you read this because I sure was.

If you have ever wanted to step into the shoes of Jack Bauer... this is it. 24: The Game is your chance to become CTU Agent Jack Bauer and be the hero that thwarts terrorist threats. The one thing that makes this worth playing is the fact that Kiefer Sutherland and many of the regular cast members from the television series actually do the voice-over acting in the game making you feel as though you are really playing a day from the series. The following takes place between Seasons 2 and 3. As Jack Bauer, you will occassionally receive updates from CTU from Michelle Dessler on your cellphone and receive important data files on your PDA to hack into security programs and when you fail to complete your mission objectives, Chappelle will chew you a new one, just like in the show.

It would seem, at least superficially, that 24: The Game certainly has all the main ingredients to translate the landmark series into an entertaining video game in spirit, but it definitely has its technical shortcomings, and by shortcomings I do mean short. For one, the difficulty level is so easy that any novice player could complete the game in far less than 24 real hours. Events do not occur in real-time as they do in the show and if you thought they cheat time in the show you will burst out laughing here. Chances are you will complete each "hour" in under 15 minutes. What could have been a perfect opportunity to bring the series' trademark real-time format to the game console by creating more elaborate mazes, riddles, and threats to complete in 60 "real-time" minutes is rushed, however, the show's familiar digital countdown clock does start ticking down when you only have a few minutes to finish your objective before time expires and elevates the suspense just like in the show. Unfortunately, most of the objectives are so easy to complete that any 6 year old kid would have no difficulty beating the clock.

The cutscenes are entertaining and capture the look and feel of the show but the in-game graphics could have been improved by utilizing more realistic bitmaps and better 3D modeling engines that will make you wish it had been built on a Metal Gear Solid core. The auto-targeting system is severely lacking and deficient. If you have played any one of the recent James Bond games from Electronic Arts, the auto-targeting system is much easier to engage and far more accurate including the sniper zoom that would have been a really useful function in this game. The driving levels have pretty shoddy steering controls compared to Grand Theft Auto. Even the driving levels in From Russia With Love and Everything Or Nothing are more exciting to play than the crude driving engine built into 24. The 360 degree camera pan is also somewhat jerky and the framerate is occassionally choppy and the switch between stealth mode and cover is really lame and does not disengage easily. If it wasn't for the involvement of the shows' major cast members doing the voices, Sean Callery's original music score and the entertaining cut scenes, this game could have been a complete disaster. How I wish that this game had been available on the Xbox console instead but I guess we have to take our man Bauer any way we can get him. I guess that is just what it takes to be Jack Bauer, you just have to get through the day no matter how bad it is.

This is definitely one of my favorite if not my favorite game of all time. 24 is my favorite series (the first trilogy is god-like). If you have ever dreamt of having a faithful 24 game, this is it. If you are afraid this will ruin your perception of the series, don't be. Think of it simply as an interactive fan fiction (the non XXX rated kind). It is not canon but it can be as it is faithful to the series. It acts like a season (a short and fast one). It takes place between Day 2 and Day 3 in the 24 series. If only it had more dialogue, emotional scenes, a fuller script, and more meaningful themes it could almost be a real season. Although for a video game version , it does not disappoint. It is of course more action oriented as it is an action adventure game.

The real-time aspect is there, although it does skip ahead unlike the actual show. For instance, Jack or Tony will be speaking to one another on the phone inside a building, then cut to them suddenly in their car driving somewhere. This is where I feel they could have fleshed out the scenes and overall authenticity. Although it does keep the action and essential main story tight. Though I would hate if the actual show did that. Perhaps you could think of those moments as commercial breaks.

You play several diverse missions as different characters within each given hour. This is the kind of game where you want to take your time and savor the moments. Rushing through certain espionage levels kills the illusion of the show. I recommend taking a weekend to just play through this game and immerse yourself in it.
Play it as if you are really in the show.
I'll never forget the first mission and how the timing was perfect. I had a minute before the bomb was to go off and I still hadn't found it. I desperately searched for it and with about 40 seconds left I finally found it. Once I reached the bomb I had to diffuse it. Raiding the ship, taking out the gunmen, searching for the bomb, finding it, and going through the process of diffusing the bomb with about 3 seconds left to spare was intense. I was filled with glee at what the next 23 and a half hours had in store for me.

The game-play is all around awesome. I thought the driving levels are an absolute thrill-ride (that is one aspect you may find reviews complain about , but I have no idea why, it's supposed to be more realistic than say GTA 3 which is more loose and fast on its cars.)

This game has many memorable and intense moments. I'll never forget having to lose the cops, then raiding an entire warehouse full of thugs to rescue someone dear and you only have your pistol and wits and a little bit of time to spare. Or walking into a high security government building as an undercover civilian in a tour lead by a guide with the intent to steal secure information with eyes all around you or else a relative dies.

The only thing is that I have to wait a few years so hopefully I can play through this again with the slim hope that maybe I forgot most of what it was like (I don't think I can forget though). Once you play through it, there is not much reason to play it again. But like I said , if you savor that first play-through it is very much worth it.

If you are a fan and haven't played this yet, surprise yourself!!

As a die-hard 24 fan, I loved playing this, if only to watch the storyline featuring the voices and character models of beloved characters from earlier seasons of the show. The graphics work fine, and the audio is nice, but the gameplay is pretty awful at times - especially on the driving stages. Casual fans and non-24 gamers may want to give it a pass - this is only for those who really need their Bauer fix.