Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense

A continuation of a 1998 hit, developed by Luxoflux. Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense, like its predecessor, represents the genre of racing action games, in which armed vehicles face each other in ruthless clashes. The title differs from the Twisted Metal series in a completely different style, as well as in a slightly less dynamic and more tactical combat.

Plot

Nuclear and renewable energy are playing an increasingly important role in the United States, affecting the condition of the powerful OMAR corporation. Slick Clyde, head of the group, is convinced that the world would look different if his Coyotes had defeated Vigilantes back in the 1970s. He decides to change the course of history. For this purpose he steals a prototype time ,achine from Stanford University and together with his henchmen travels back in time to 1977. The next war of drivers begins, and the future of the country is at stake. The story prepared by Luxoflux refers to the events from the first installment and enables us to learn about the further fate of a few returning characters.

Mechanics

Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense is a three-dimensional action racing game, in which vehicles armed with various weapons face off against each other in battles to the death. Depending on the player's preferences, the camera can present the action from several views, e.g. from the bumper level or from behind the vehicle. There are three factions to choose from, represented by different characters. Vigilantes, such as muscle car driver John Torque and motorcycle stuntmen known as the Flying All-Star Trio, try to keep the order. Members of the Coyotes, who want to change the course of history, include robot Dallas 13 in a levitating sports car and Pier, driving a bus. Additionally, Drifters get involved in the conflict, including a policeman from the future, R. Chase, astronaut Bob-O or a crazy garbage truck driver. Each of the heroes has their own vehicle that stands out with unique driving style, durability and dedicated special attack, such as a powerful laser beam, a homing rocket or poisonous smoke. In addition, the cars can be upgraded with the help of tags collected from defeated enemies as part of the game.

The character face each other in battles on several arenas inspired by different locations in the United States. We can choose from Arizona desert, Louisiana swamps, ice-bound Alaska, but also a nuclear power plant in Minnesota. Enemies can be eliminated using rifles, rockets, mines, mortars or flame throwers, which can be found in different parts of the map.

Game modes

The creators prepared several game modes. The game is distinguished by, among other things, the option to play the campaign in cooperation with a second player onsplit screen, which is a valuable addition to the standard multiplayer modes, such as deatchmatch. Challengers can try their hand at a dedicated mode where the goal is to survive as long as possible against successive waves of opponents.

Technical aspects

Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense is adopts a style referring to the American culture of the 70's. The right atmosphere is created by, among others, the soundtrack, which includes songs prepared exclusively for the game by Christian Salyer and Eric Klein. In the title there are numerous FMV cut-scenes that present stories of particular characters.

Last updated on June 18, 2020