It’s rather surprising to see Rockstar releasing something remotely close to the popular Grand Theft Auto series on the GameCube. Following the release history of the original Smuggler’s Run originally debuting as a launch title for the Playstation 2 in 2000, the title managed to well particularly well to this date. In 2002, Angel teamed up with Rockstar once again to deliever a sequel with more mission-based law-biding fast-paced fun in Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory. Not too long after, Rockstar announced the release of Smuggler’s Run: Warzones which would be a GameCube exclusive. In this effect, the game would feature plenty of blistering law-breaking action of Smuggler’s Run 2 and plenty of GameCube exclusivity including a four-way multiplayer. Now that the brief history has been taken care of, I’ll admit this is my first time around with Smuggler’s Run, since I’ve been much of a skeptic about the series. I’ll also admit that this game releasing on my lonely GameCube inspired me to rent it, and see it through.


The moment you turn on Smuggler’s Run: Warzones, you’ll immediately see that the game will have you doing such demands as smuggling “stuff” across foreign borders in the outskirts of Asia (where smugglers usually dwell, I gues…). Many of the locales involve the vast fields of Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Russia (not in Asia…). One will immediately notice that the fields are filled with deserted dusty plains and plenty of impressive looking foliage that will counter the acutal speeds you’ll be jetting at (at least by the means of your eyes). The trees and shrubs along the way play an intrical portion in Warzones, it actually wil make you believe you’re traveling at what looks to be 200 and even 300 MPH without a doubt. Of course, none of this would look as lushious as a greasy slick framerates running at a brilliant 60 with zero slowdown visible to the average eye. It’s almost ignorant to complain about how much the game lacks when it comes to intricate detail, since this is primarely what Warzones lacks.


The basic idea and modive of Warzones is that you are a driver who must complete various missions by smuggling goods and dropping them off. Of course in the nature of the business (it’s the Smuggler’s Blues) law enforcement will hostilly try and foil your mission by sending myriads of counter-attacking vehicles into your grounds of picking up and dropping off. Although the police (or army) aren’t very smart, they are often tactically fit as they will try and mow you off your path. Most of the time, the police will really flock around and this is where your radar (computer) is intrical to your own survival. When the police try and enclose from the front and sides, you’ll need to reduce as much damage as possible by making slick counter-tactics. Oh yes, and you do have a damage meter that will rise if you treat your car like a rampaging beast. It’s a good idea in most situations to watch your radar and drive (recklessly) but aware at all times. Trees in fact, will be your worst enemy since they do not show up on radar and are frequently spontaneous.


Warzones features a brilliant line-up of off-road hogs including Baja trucks, ATVs, and even a car. As you complete more missions, the wider end of the spectrum opens as you have many more vehicles at your disposal all with varied advantages and disadvantages. More of the hefty vehicles like the buggy and Baja pick-up lack ability to climb or to speed but handle really well on varied terrain. The car and ATV machines usually are very unstable and require more precise control since they speed, but usually are not as good at climbing nor are they durable. Whatever your particular taste, Warzones allows you to select any vehicle you’ve unlocked when playing missions current or completed. However, it’s usually suggested that certain vehicles just aren’t plausable for certain demanding missions that may require a specific attribute needed to complete the mission. For instance, on some of the flat terrained missions suggest using a speedy vehicle such as the car or ATV. While others with plenty of hillis that may demand staying power suggest using the heftier vehicles. Each have a specific balance, but it’s all how they’re used is what counts.


In the sound department, Warzones delievers, but at an average cost. Many of tracks are of the techno nature, in which some are varied but they deliever in the respect they are adrenaline-pumping. Like hot coffee, the music of Warzones will fuel you’re hunger for smuggling goods across plenty of vast planes in the eastern parts of the world. Your operator will often prod you to keep your focus on the mission where he’ll frequently say “now drop that stuff off” or even when your abusing your vehicle he may say “that’s a car not a tank”. Of the usual nature, he’ll tauntalize you which is only modivation to get you to realize your priorities. It often may get repetitive, but it doesn’t tend to bother me at all. Strangely, during the cutscenes, the sound is completely tinny, it could be for effect, but this is too uncomfortable to listen to since.


After playing Warzones for some time now, I’d say if you really are a fan of the series or just love playing the bandit, then Warzones is one fast-paced action-pumping title that should be added to your (slim) collection of GameCube titles. Especially since the game includes many missions that gradually become more challenging, Warzones has plenty of replay value in the main game and even in the other games. What really made me laugh was the cutscenes, it looks like Rockstar rounded up some of their employees and made them act in the cutscenes. Remarkably, they do a fine job, nothing worth bawling over. It probably would have been better with an option of subtitles but enough of my nitpicking. Anyway, Warzones is worth your rental fee, especially since it will give you time to decide whether it’s worthy of a purchase or not. Otherwise, no one who loves the spur-of-the-moment action should miss Warzones, it’s one thrilling ride and thanks to Rockstar, I played it because it came to GameCube.


Recommended: Yes