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Based on the 2003 Paramount Pictures film, which is an updated version of the original 1969 film 'The Italian Job'. 'The Italian Job: LA Heist' is an arcade driving game with three modes of play - Story Mode, Circuit Racing and Stunt Driving. The Story Mode is based on the film's plot as you attempt to steal $28 million in gold bullion from under the nose of the man who betrayed you. The game features 15 different missions utilising a range of vehicles and gameplay styles. Create havoc on the streets of L.A. as you drive at break-neck speeds through environments based on locations in the film including the Hollywood Hills, Downtown L.A. and the city's Metro and storm drain system.
Gameplay:
Let's start with the Story Mode. This mode is based on the film's plot featuring 15 missions. These missions have at least 2 objectives to complete before moving onto the next mission and progressing further into the film. These missions vary in gameplay styles, from racing against another car to beating the clock and collecting items. The handling of the car is fairly realistic with hand brake turns, shifting your Mini onto two wheels, jumps and skids. I was impressed as to how easy it was to pick up the controller and just play. I'm not one for ploughing through an instruction book before playing.
Another feature of the Story Mode is the scoring. You score points for completing the objectives, air time and stunts but lose points on crashes and respawns. Once mission is over, your score is tallied up and graded. If you manage to get an 'A' grade, this will unlock another car. This grading is used on all the modes and it will unlock other tracks as well.
There is no lives system....if you fail, you get to try again and again and again. Of course if it was that easy the game would be over in no time, thus if you fail on any of the objectives, you must start the entire mission again.
'Stunt Driving' offers you the chance to control a Mini Cooper over various obstacle courses, for which you will get graded and hopefully unlock more tracks.
'Circuit Racing' can be for one or two players (split-screen) around tracks based on the locations in the film.
Graphics:
The graphics are slick and run at a constant 60fps (frames-per-second) with highly detailed textures and spectacular graphical effects. During the game when you fly off a ramp, the screen will flip to a cinematic shot in relation to how you have jumped. The result is stunning and unexpected.
Collisions are a bit too much on the Arcade side with unrealistic smash ups into cars and buildings, leaving hardly any damage on your car but this is a minor fault and will not affect your gameplay.
Scenery is vast and with a free roaming option in the game, you get to explore everything. The lighting is superb and will not leave you with strined eyes trying to see where the next turn is.
Sound:
Car noises !! The usual beeps, horns and revving is supplied and compliment the game nicely. Also during the 'Story Mode' the game is linked with cinematic cut-scenes with voice overs.
Longevity:
Can the game last without it being LIVE ? To a certain extent - Yes. The Story Mode increases in difficulty as you progress, which will make you try and try again some missions where you have failed. Of course, aiming to get 'A' grades on all the missions will take some time if you want to unlock all the hidden cars and once you have done that...there is the Stunt Mode to unlock the extra tracks.
Round Up:
Overall, the game is fun to play and highly addictive but can be frustating at times when you fail on a mission by a matter of seconds, but this will only make you go back for more. As far as a movie tie-in game, this has been done quite well and is worth hiring before purchasing.
Pros:
- Stunt Mode
- Mini Cooper's
Cons:
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