Headhunter

Sega Collectors Guild (93 out of 100) (93%)

While not perfect----the game is linear and not very difficult---overall Headhunter is a huge success for the Dreamcast. Taking some of the best components of some of the best games ever made, the developers did an excellent job of making the final product a coherent and enjoyable one. The game is in English so there are no worries there, but I do advise to save your game often as the game froze on me during loading segments on more than a few occasions. So, with an enjoyable storyline, solid gameplay, and great voice-acting and eye-candy (for the Dreamcast anyway), the positives of Headhunter far outweigh the negatives. Consequently, I recommend it most highly.

Consoles Plus (92 out of 100) (92%)

Une bonne dose d'action, un poil de réflexion, des missions nombreuses et variées... Head Hunter est le jeu idéal pour patienter en attendant MGS 2.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10) (90%)

Amuze have created a game which rivals Kojima's opus in terms of excitement and maintains its pace and depth throughout, but it's hardly pick-up-and-play. Pick this game up with a head full of hype and you will wonder why you bothered, but after a while the game hooks you and won't let go. Anything conceivably possible in a world where vital organs are currency and you have a beard, a gun and a motorcycle belonging to a big-breasted billionaire actually happens. It's a dreadful shame that the game won't be released domestically in the States, but we implore any American readers to seek out a copy regardless. Along with everybody else in possession of a Dreamcast. Quite simply, a masterpiece of modern videogame development.

Game Chronicles (9 out of 10) (90%)

Aside from a few camera quirks and some excessive load times, Headhunter is almost a perfect gaming experience from the opening movie to the closing credits. The clever mix of VR training, cycling through town, stealth, and weapons combat all combine for one great action title.

IGN (9 out of 10) (90%)

While it's a shame that Headhunter never made it to the US, hardy Dreamcast owners armed with a Gameshark CDX or DC-X should try to find a local import store that might sell the game. While Headhunter doesn't really set any new standards and is not the MGS-killer many call, it wraps the gamer into a dreadful, believable world full of unknown dangers. It just seems right that you play a badass on a motorcycle searching for his past and taking names as he goes.

SegaFan.com (9 out of 10) (90%)

El juego de Amuze se ha convertido por derecho propio en una de las estrellas del catálogo de Dreamcast, algunos pequeños fallos de programación parecen demostrar que tal vez se ha apurado en exceso su lanzamiento, pero estos "bugs" no deben menoscabar para nada la categoría de este título. En otro orden de cosas, si por un momento pensáis que el argumento tiene algo que ver con Robocop y Desafío Total, que el estilo de juego tiene retazos de Metal Gear y Perfect Dark, o que muchos puzzles son clavaditos a los de Resident Evil... tenéis razón ;).

4Players.de (89 out of 100) (89%)

Kann es eine schönere Grabbeigabe für eine Konsole geben als ein Top-Spiel? Mit Headhunter können Dreamcast-Fans endlich auf cineastisch inszenierte Stealth-Action zugreifen, die sich nicht hinter Metal Gear Solid verstecken muss. Zwar sind die Anleihen beim PlayStation-Kultspiel nicht zu übersehen, aber durch den selbstironischen Touch, den betonteren Action-Teil und die herrlich inszenierte Story kann sich Headhunter voll und ganz als eigenständiges Spiel etablieren. Wer ein spielerisch abwechslungsreiches und optisch hervorragend designtes Action-Adventure sucht, wird um den Kopfgeldjäger nicht herumkommen. Nur der lineare Spielablauf, die eintönigen Motorrad-Sequenzen und die unbelebten Stadtviertel verwehren Headhunter den Platin-Award - knapp daneben, aber trotzdem absolut empfehlenswert!

Power Unlimited (87 out of 100) (87%)

Headhunter is de Syphon Filter van de Dreamcast en ik raad elke trotse DC bezitter aan om deze game op een of andere manier in huis te halen.

IGN (8.4 out of 10) (84%)

A blockbuster it may not be, but Headhunter is still a fun and atmospheric sleeper that rises up and engages your imagination. Developed characters, an intriguing storyline, and a fair dose of action and adventure should keep thousands of starved gamers occupied for hours. An easy recommendation for old school gunners, looking for a noir-ish take on their favorite genre.

4Players.de (83 out of 100) (83%)

Wie schon bei Space Channel 5 ist es auch mit Headhunter gelungen, ein Dreamcast-Spiel besonderer Güte auf die PlayStation 2 zu konvertieren. Im direkten Vergleich zwar in allen Belangen MGS 2 unterlegen, präsentiert sich Headhunter als anspruchsvolle Action-Kost für alle, die nicht dem Solid Snake-Hype erlegen sind oder die Abenteuer der Schlange bereits zigmal durchgespielt haben. Eine stimmig erzählte Story, ein deutlich Action-lastiges Gameplay und eine im Großen und Ganzen ansprechende Grafik zeigen zusammen mit der hervorragenden Soundkulisse klar auf, wieso Headhunter eines der meist erwarteten Dreamcast-Spiele war. Für Action-Fans definitiv mehr als einen Blick wert.

Gamezone (Germany) (8.2 out of 10) (82%)

"Headhunter" ist ein spannendes Action-Adventure, welches durch die Motorrad-Sequenzen angenehm aufgelockert wird. Die Rätsel sind logisch und man kommt auch ohne Lösungsbuch gut zurecht. Die Story darf als gelungen bezeichnet werden, sie zieht sich wie ein roter Faden durch das gesamte Gameplay. Trotz der eingesetzten Waffen fließt kein Blut, auch wenn schon die ein oder andere Leiche in der Geschichte vorkommt. So kann man "Headhunter" guten Gewissens empfehlen, insofern man die Altersempfehlung beachtet.

Retro Game Reviews ( ) (80%)

Many standout moments, particularly the tense bomb defusal mission where you race around the city against the clock. The duck and cover mechanics are terrific and the ability to peek around corners gives you total accuracy. The puzzles help to break up the action and the bike sections add a new element to the Metal Gear Solid inspired gameplay. The Leila tests feature beneficial mini-games that allow players to improve their skills in all areas. Engaging story, bountiful cut-scenes, dramatic music that compliments the action, and some of the system's best visuals. Includes various game-breaking bugs that will force you to reload a previous save. Camera can be problematic at times without a second analog stick to fine-tune viewing angles.

GameCritics.com (8 out of 10) (80%)

While I initially had doubts about the wisdom of adapting Headhunter to the PS2, the game ended up completely winning me over. Im very glad that it didnt end up as just one more casualty of Segas poor domestic effort with the Dreamcast, since it definitely deserves some recognition. It may not the most original or inspired game on the market today, but theres no denying it contains an unusually large amount of action-film energy blended together with some of the best game direction Ive ever seen.

Jeuxvideo.com (16 out of 20) (80%)

Un très bon titre dont l'essentiel repose sur un gameplay plein de richesse et de variété alors que le scénario se charge de plonger le joueur au coeur de cette aventure. Si l'on constate quelques défauts de temps en temps l'ensemble est néanmoins d'excellente facture, Headhunter est un titre à découvrir absolument.

Game Informer Magazine (8 out of 10) (80%)

Headhunter is not without its blemishes, but I really got into the game. Beaten Metal Gear and wanting more? Get some Head.

Gamekult (8 out of 10) (80%)

Tout aussi dynamique qu'un Metal Gear Solid, mais peut-être moins prenant et réaliste, Headhunter n'en est pas moins un excellent jeu d'action/aventure qui saura séduire la grande majorité des joueurs. Grâce à un scénario très bien amené et des missions variées et prenantes, le jeu mérite une place de choix aux côtés de MGS2, sans pour autant piétiner les plates-bandes de Snake. La version PS2 est dans l'ensemble identique à celle sur Dreamcast, avec cependant quelques petites améliorations, comme des textures plus riches, une palette de couleurs plus harmonieuse et une ergonomie légèrement plus efficace (merci, le Dual Shock).

videospiele.com (80 out of 100) (80%)

Trotz kleinerer Mängel im Gameplay, hat man es bei Headhunter immer noch mit einem recht interessanten Spiel zu tun. Ein wahrer Metal Gear Solid Killer ist dabei zwar nicht herausgekommen (was auch etwas an der fehlenden Originalität liegt), aber spielenswert ist es allemal.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (8 out of 10) (80%)

The ideas in Headhunter do work, but it feels like something you've already experienced, albeit with a new lick of paint. If only Amuze had added to their inspirations rather than just emulating them, we'd have had a genuine contender for one of the games of the year.

Jeuxvideo.com (16 out of 20) (80%)

Une note amplement méritée pour ce titre qui réalise le tour de force de mêler différents styles de jeu de façon parfaitement homogène. L'atmosphère est aussi prenante que le gameplay est efficace. Un titre indispensable qui vient se placer sans conteste aux côtés des meilleurs jeux Dreamcast.

Gamestyle (8 out of 10) (80%)

Given the epic nature of the project when the game was first announced, we seem to have a scaled down version of what should have been. VMU games, multiplayer options and Internet plans all seem to have been reduced or completely removed. What does remain of Headhunter is an impressive game that should keep Dreamcast owners or those waiting on Metal Gear Solid 2 happy for sometime to come. Playstation 2 owners can experience Headhunter for themselves in January 2002.

Gamekult (8 out of 10) (80%)

Tout aussi dynamique qu'un Metal Gear Solid, mais peut-être moins prenant et réaliste, Headhunter n'en est pas moins un excellent jeu d'action/aventure qui saura séduire la grande majorité des joueurs sur Dreamcast. Grâce à un scénario très bien amené et des missions variées et prenantes, le jeu mérite une place de choix dans la ludothèque de la Dreamcast. Bref, Jack Wade, le héros de Headhunter, n'a pas à rougir devant Solid Snake, même si, une fois encore, ces deux héros ne rivalisent pas véritablement.

Sega-16.com (8 out of 10) (80%)

Sega published Headhunter for Dreamcast in 2001 in Europe. Acclaim later re-released it on PS2. Maybe it’s because the Dreamcast sorely needed a title like this, but I loved this game in 2001. It was never going to be Metal Gear, but it is a worthy action game and, being the sole representative of the stealth genre, an essential addition for any Dreamcast library. Also, due to Headhunter’s frequent gunfights, I feel like there might be a few people who might enjoy this game more than Metal Gear’s deliberate pace.

Gamesmania.de (79 out of 100) (79%)

Wer bis jetzt der Versuchung des Umsattelns auf Fremdkonsolen wie die PS2 standhielt, wird mit Headhunter doch einigermaßen belohnt. Entgegen den Erwartungen hält Sega an dem Versprechen fest, nach wie vor hohe Qualität zu liefern.

PSX Extreme (7.9 out of 10) (79%)

Fans awaiting the next installment in the Metal Gear series will find that Headhunter does a great job of filling the void. Although linear in storyline, Headhunter manages to deliver a rather enjoyable experience. There are plenty of plot twists and dry humor throughout the game to keep you interested and entertained, and racing the motorcycle, although limited, adds to the fun of playing as well. Puzzles are original and clever, and the game stays away from having you perform mundane tasks that sometimes seem to plague action/adventure titles. The controls are solid, graphics aren't offensive, and the music blends in well. Despite its few flaws, Headhunter makes a great addition to any game library and is sure to be enjoyed be fans of the genre.

Game Over Online (79 out of 100) (79%)

If you're pumped for the release of Metal Gear Solid Substance, due out later this year, than Headhunter may just tide you over until then. Like most games of this nature, it does not offer up a ton of lasting appeal but you can expect more than 10 hours before the credits start to roll. The unification of stealth, action, driving, and puzzle solving is a nice diversion from more formulaic shooters and the storyline is interesting enough to keep you playing. There are a few roadblocks along the path of the game's progression but by and large you'll be enjoying yourself more than you are scratching your head in confusion. So check Headhunter out, it's a cool game.

GameSpot (7.7 out of 10) (77%)

If you're looking for a fun action game for your PlayStation 2 to fill the void between big releases, Headhunter fits the bill nicely. With two endings, multiple playable characters, and around 15 hours of gameplay time, Headhunter will be hard to finish during a rental period. Its graphics fall short of the best the console has to offer, but its blend of action, stealth, and driving manages to keep things interesting throughout.

Retroage (7.7 out of 10) (77%)

Przeczytaliście wyżej sporo narzekania na wszelakie niedoróbki. Fakt w Headhunterze ich nie brakuje, ale ten tytuł ratuje solidna i zaskakująca fabuła, ciekawa rozgrywka i lekko futurystyczny klimat. To wszystko połączone z solidna grafiką i świetnym dźwiękiem daje zaskakująco grywalny efekt. Tytuł naprawdę godny sprawdzenia tym bardziej że w swoim gatunku na Dreamcascie ma niewielką konkurencję.

Peliplaneetta.net (76 out of 100) (76%)

Kehnot kontrollit, tallennuksen puutteet, turhan hankalat lisenssitestit ja ärsyttävät välivideot kuitenkin kallistavat kuppia toiseen suuntaan. Se mikä toimi Dreamcastilla hyvin ei ole suoraan PS2:lle sovitettuna mitään kovin kummoista. Tällä koneella kun on Metal Gear Solid 2.

PlayFrance (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

A une semaine de l’arrivée de Metal Gear 2, Headhunter se classe sans problème comme la référence du genre sur PlayStation 2. Malheureusement pour lui, cet honneur sera bien éphémère face au monstrueux jeu de Konami. Dommage car Headhunter a un certain nombre de qualités à revendre : variété des missions, réalisation haut de gamme, bonne durée de vie… Il n’y a guère que les phases de jeu de course qui déçoivent par leur inintérêt. Donc vous l’avez compris, si votre budget vous le permet, ne passez pas à côté de cette intéressante alternative à MGS2.

GameSpy (72 out of 100) (72%)

After finishing the game within ten hours, I can say that there isn't much replay value. Not much can be done after you've gone through the entire adventure, except for acquiring a few new items and weapons the second time around. Headhunter has the potential to be a lot better, but the technical problems hinder it from being so. It's still worth checking out -- as a rental.

Gaming Target (7.1 out of 10) (71%)

There’s no argument that Headhunter is a good game – it’s fun, there’s plenty to do, and it manages to keep you going throughout. However, the game is also dry and drab, with hardly anything new brought to the table to stand out amongst the crowd of other PlayStation 2 games out there that are similar. Obviously if you enjoy MGS and Syphon Filter games, Headhunter will appeal, but anyone who dislikes these games will not enjoy Headhunter. Those who stick with the weird controls and feeling of being here before will find a game that is rewarding though, and certainly worth playing through at least once.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( ) (70%)

Headhunter is no genre-buster. Though it lets you race a motorcycle through city streets, and some of its puzzles are clever, this is still a pure adventure game: rigidly linear, heavy on plot and exposition, and not immune to the bad habits of the genre, like switch pulling and fetch questing. However, if you’re looking to try a large-narrative adventure, but have been put off by other genre offerings, Headhunter might be your bag. The play control is excellent, and the action is full of variety. For fans of story-heavy adventures, this should be a no-brainer — Headhunter will satisfy mightily.

Planet Dreamcast (7 out of 10) (70%)

Although Headhunter has some great graphics and impressive CG-rendered transitional movies, and some fairly enjoyable gameplay, the game as a whole falls short from my original expectations. The screenshots and information that surfaced about this game many months ago, really gave the impression that this would be the Dreamcast's Metal Gear Solid, but in reality it wasn't much more than a watered-down version of MGS with a mix of "infinite ammo" action and find-the-items-to-solve-puzzles gameplay of the Tomb Raider series. I would only recommend importing this game if you're a hardcore Sega fan, as I see Headhunter as a mediocre game. If it was a little less linear, with more open-ended exploration (like Shenmue), I think I would have found Headhunter to be more enjoyable. Being locked in a location until you "solve the puzzle" was also a turn off.

Super Play (Sweden) (7 out of 10) (70%)

Sammanfattningsvis har Amuze inte skapat ett spel som utmanar Hideo Kojima, snarare ett som visar hur mycket de beundrar honom. Detta till trots är Headhunter ett snyggt och underhållande äventyr som tack vare bra dialog och påhittiga uppdrag känns som mycket mer än en simpel klon. Alla som äger en Dreamcast och väntar på nya fantastiska äventyr bör köpa Headhunter, som antagligen är det sista i sitt slag till maskinen.

Fragland.net (64 out of 100) (64%)

You’re Jack Wade, an ex-Head Hunter who’s lost his memory aswell as his license to kill and your life isn’t to be lightning up. Not at all.

GamePro (US) (3 out of 5) (60%)

The controls only raise the price on this game's head. Absurdly, there's no way to manually control the camera, and basic moves like strafing are MIA. The targeting system is also pretty unreliable taking out one bad guy requires more rounds than were fired in an average A-Team episode.