Dead to Rights

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2002
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Game Informer
    93
    This is possibly the most versatile gunslinger in video games. [Jan 2003, p.91]
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  2. GamingTrend
    90
    Variety. This game is about variety to the Nth degree. You can fight a hundred different ways and still never be wrong.
  3. Absolute Playstation
    90
    This game either pushes the boundaries of it's genre further than ever before on this system, or creates a completely new gaming experience. Either way, it should not be missed.
  5. IGN
    81
    Short, explosive, and a roller coaster ride chalk full of violence, Namco's stab at cop vengeance is a great time while it lasts.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Completely playable and enjoyable - and exactly what I was hoping the Xbox version would have been.
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  7. PSM Magazine
    80
    It all goes by a little too quickly, but you'll have fun while it lasts. [Holiday 2002, p.46]
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  8. GameZone
    80
    It's nonstop action with some of the most unique combat moves ever found in a video game.
  9. Gamers' Temple
    77
    A year ago I would have been hard pressed to recommend Dead to Rights. But now that’s it’s part of the budget-priced “Greatest Hits” line I say that it’s worth checking out as long as you’re not expecting state-of–the-art gameplay or graphics.
  10. GameSpot
    76
    The default difficulty of has been greatly toned down [from the Xbox version], making Dead to Rights a whole lot more accessible and slightly less nerve-wracking, though no less action-packed.
  11. My Gamer
    76
    I finished the game in about seven hours and I’d expect anyone else to be able to do about the same.
  12. GamingWorld X
    73
    Many key flaws in the gameplay remain, despite some incredibly stylish and cool mechanics.
  13. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    Clearing each squad of dim-witted goons is rarely an intellectual challenge but always entertaining as an ultraviolent display of beauty and precision -- it's like a John Woo movie without the doves and opera music. [Feb 2003, p.135]
  14. GamePro
    70
    When Dead to Rights is good, it’s damn good…pity that parts of it are such buzzkills.
  15. PSX Nation
    70
    Short, flawed, repetitive and derivative (“May Payne” anyone?).
  16. TotalGames.net
    69
    There are some great touches, like how you can throw a gas canister over a crowd, shoot it and let hot fuel rain over the heads of multiple enemies, but they’re simply not held together.
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  17. Gaming Age
    67
    If you’re looking for a challenge, Super Cop difficulty approaches the Xbox level, and the truly masochistic can always use the Hard-Boiled cheat as suggested by Namco.
  18. Eurogamer
    60
    Despite a number of difficult to spot and ultimately underwhelming "improvements", the Cube and PS2 versions of Dead to Rights remain generally engaging, with an uneven sprinkling of genius.
  19. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    The game looks surprisingly dated. [Feb 2003, p.99]
  20. Game Revolution
    58
    Too Damn Repetitive. But at least you get to kill bad guys, and lots of 'em.
  21. Play Magazine
    50
    Dead to Rights is no "Max Payne." It tries to be when it's not being a mediocre melange of mini-games or a reheated crime story, but for the most part it's just generic. [Jan 2003, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best PS2 Game of 2002
95
#95 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
69
#69 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 42
  3. Negative: 2 out of 42
  1. aspentitan
    Nov 16, 2018
    6
    I think back in the day I would have given this a 7 rating maybe 7.5, but here we are in late 2018 and this game doesn't hold up that great.I think back in the day I would have given this a 7 rating maybe 7.5, but here we are in late 2018 and this game doesn't hold up that great. Gameplay is very simplistic, gunpoint targeting is automatic, you are a bullet sponge, cover is sticky and pointless and the game is riddled with tons of mini games. The good point is this game is still enjoyable as outdated as it is the game does keep a steady flow of action and there are many gameplay gimmicks if you are not hardcore you may embrace their fun factor. The game reminds me of a rudimentary "Stranglehold" and that's not a bad thing. I appreciated there were no major software bugs but overall I'd have to say this is a title for its time it plays out arcade like due to its older nature and as someone stated already the current view is B movie or goofy, but still enjoyable none the less. If you are looking for a fairly easy shooter that eases you along with some minor mini games this is worth a try, it's a decent budget title now and is one of those titles that is quick and easy to finish without cramping any brain cells.… Full Review »
  2. alex007
    Nov 10, 2012
    7
    Namco's "Dead to Rights" is one of the great goofy games. A spoof of "Max Payne" and an homage to Hong Kong action flicks, it's a brisk thrillNamco's "Dead to Rights" is one of the great goofy games. A spoof of "Max Payne" and an homage to Hong Kong action flicks, it's a brisk thrill ride that never ceases to entertain. The game is mostly a third-person shooter, but cop Jack Slate (the hero of DTR) is a man of many talents, so the action isn't just restricted to gunfights. In this 12 hour adventure, Jack disarms bombs, extinguishes fires, brawls bad guys and executes enemies at point blank range. Even his dog, Shadow, gets in on the action. The story is pure pulp (Jack is framed for his father's murder, discovers conspiracy to steal gold), but the gameplay is solid despite some repetitive (and gimmicky) spots. DTR isn't a very innovative action game. It's not a very good looking one either, but fans of the genre should be pleased with it. If you like your gunslinging mixed with a variety of heroic tasks, then "Dead to Rights" is for you. 7.5 out of 10.… Full Review »
  3. n/an/a
    Mar 17, 2003
    9
    excellent cross between max payne and syphon filter 1. story was like a good book...sucks at first then half way through you cant put it down.excellent cross between max payne and syphon filter 1. story was like a good book...sucks at first then half way through you cant put it down. a few small repetative parts, yes, but they were hard to notice with the blend of minigames, clever bosses, situation conflict, ect. i was a slight bit dissapointed with the hand to hand combat, they didnt have enough moves it is, just punch, kick, grab, dodge, disarm. still overall this is my favorite ps2 game. … Full Review »
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