Van Helsing
Xbox- Publisher: VU Games
- Release Date: May 6, 2004
- Also On: PlayStation 2
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Van Helsing has surprisingly decent gameplay, but it lacks much of the complexity seen in other games in the genre. It also falls short in terms of graphics, compared to games like "Ninja Gaiden," but it does quite well in the audio department.
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TotalGames.netA frantic and fun blaster that should do well on the back of enthusiasm sure to be generated by the movie.
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Nice locations, lots to unlock, nice moves, loads of variety, in fact GOOD solid design, although not overly inventive but enjoyable!
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Manages to maintain a tongue-in-cheek cheese factor that makes the journey entertaining enough...in that shameless softcore kind of way. [July 2004, p.114]
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Much like a fireworks display: it shines very brightly and provides a big hit of enjoyment, only to fizzle out all-too-quickly and leave you with little besides fond memories and a hole in your pocket.
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As an atmospheric "Devil May Cry" knockoff, Van Helsing is a notable success, despite the fact that the experience is only marginally longer than the movie’s running time.
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Riveting duels, killer combination moves, and buckets of blood see the cinematic adaptation effectively mimic the flick that inspired it.
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The action is fast and basically satisfying, resulting in what's a simple but fairly good game all around.
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If you are looking for a mindless adrenaline rush, a test of reflexes, or simply a fun afternoon of monster bashing then look no further than Van Helsing. He is more than up for the task, but his adventure is best served as a weekend rental rather than a purchase.
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Playing through the game one time is a fun diversion for an afternoon, especially if you're down with the old-school monsters, but there's not enough gameplay to outlast the first time through.
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyVan Helsing may be short and sometimes repetitive, but it's still a fun ride. [July 2004, p.92]
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A decent game overall yet nothing truly spectacular.
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Official Xbox MagazineAs it is, the game plays it safe with a by-the-numbers kill-fest that's fast and fun while it lasts, but ultimately, like the movie, feels more like a matinee. [Aug 2004, p.78]
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Xbox Nation MagazineEnvironments are often so big Van Helsing and an antagonist do not appear onscreen together. [July 2004, p.92]
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The convoluted control scheme outlined in the manual leads you believe you can pull of coolly calculated combinations (isn't alliteration fun!), but the action quickly devolves into button-mashing confusion.
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If you are looking for a game to pick up, play and enjoy then Van Helsing is certainly not for you -this game will test even the most hardcore Helsing fans’ patience.
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Decent graphics and gory (if kinda short) game play will keep most players nailed to the controller, but sometimes wretched camera placement sucks harder than the minions of Dracula at a Red Cross blood drive.
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One huge complaint that really takes away from the gameplay is the bad camera angle.
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Gunning down wave after wave of Dwergers was oddly fulfilling, though not enough to warrant a purchase. No matter how you slice it, the game is far too short - the game clock read 2:37 when I beat it.
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While it sounds like a cool premise, the game pretty much falls flat due to generic gameplay and so-so presentation values.
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Edge MagazineMany titles are likened to "Devil May Cry," but Van Helsing appropriates that game's structure with such brazen thoroughness that it might be seen as this generation's Great Giana Sisters. [July 2004, p.108]
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All in all, if you are looking to play a mindless shoot ‘em up in a typical and depthless game that has no multiplayer and a rather short single player campaign, than Van Helsing may be what the doctor ordered.
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Fans of third-person action games will find the gameplay in Van Helsing satisfactory with several hours of enjoyment but beyond the fact you get to fight movie monsters from the past, the game just falls short with lack luster environments and limited gameplay.
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Play MagazineThis is a repetitious, laborious adventure, riddled with poor character models (what they've done to Kate Beckinsale is a crime...that hair!), shoddy collision and sub-par animation. [July 2004, p.73]
Awards & Rankings
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95
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#95 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 7 out of 9
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Mixed: 1 out of 9
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Negative: 1 out of 9
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RodrigoBorquezD.Jul 14, 2004This game really rules!!!
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AnthonyC.Jun 2, 2004Too short.
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JoeMay 25, 2004This is one of the best games ever!! unlimited ammo, constant enamies and awsome weapons. i would give it a ten but the bosses are way to hard.