Marc Ecko's Getting Up - Contents Under Pressure

Like graffiti?
Review By MCGecko.
There are a lot of things to be said about this magnificent game. Getting Up is a graffiti game, similar to Jet Set/Grind Radio about Trane, and young who wants to make a name for himself. What begins with a game of dealing cops and a local gang leads to an epic story about corruption, freedom, idealism, loyalty, and ego.

The game plays very similarly to the more modern Prince of Persia games and the Early Tomb Raider games. It isn't the most fluid game you'll play, by any means. The game is also driven by stealth for a significant portion. Many levels required the player to not be seen by guards, to avoid spot lights, and to elude cops. However, because the game isn't fluid, these sections are ridiculously difficult.

In moments when stealth fails, you as the player are given the option of escape, or fighting. Rarely are both feasible. When escape is your first choice, the camera will often be your greatest enemy, not operating badly, but often getting stuck. This isn't the largest of hurdles, and one the majority of 3D action games.

When you are forced to fight, you are given a really solid fighting system. You have punches, kicks, a few combos, weapons, and the ability to use the environment. Fighting really works in the games favor, and can be quite fun, however, it will be repetitious.

Speaking of repetitious, the heart of the game is the tagging. It works well, but you will make hundreds upon hundreds of tags. This is the greatest weakness. On the flip-side, certain sections will have you pulling off tags that are fantastic, if not awe-inspiring. The game has a great sense of momentum.

The game is fully voice acted, and acted well. There will be recognizable voices from film actors and musicians. The story becomes fantastic as it goes along, there are plenty of characters, and those who need developing become developed. Our hero Trane grows, and gains a focus by the end. It isn't boring.

Visually it is fantastic. The graffiti art throughout the game is easy to appreciate, and the graphics are very good. There is some tearing, but it isn't common nor a bother. Textures look good, and the game has and will age well.

The strongest element is music. There are dozens of songs, as well as a soundtrack available. All the tracks are either written or chosen very well, and will suit the moment they play, especially the climax's theme, Sinnerman by Nina Simone. It contains a lot of hip hop and rock. it works very, very well.

The game isn't perfect, but its strengths by far outweigh its flaws, and do well to present to the gamer as positive experience. This game is an argument for games as art if I've ever seen one and should be played and not forgotten.