The concept of being a Hollywood stunt driver in a video game returns with Stuntman: Hollywood, aiming to offer a more forgiving experience than the notoriously difficult 2002 original. Saber Interactive appears to have learned from the challenges that made the initial PlayStation 2 release overly demanding, focusing on making the game more accessible while retaining the core thrill of performing movie stunts.
During a preview at Gamescom, four levels were playable, including a newly revealed Jurassic World scenario. While the original Stuntman required absolute perfection, this iteration encourages but does not demand such precision. Players will need to retry levels, but the challenge is presented as less insurmountable, with specific inputs only necessary in key moments. The gameplay loop has been described as a blend of a slowed-down rhythm game and a "Simon Says" experience, where players must react to a director's instructions and on-screen cues.
These instructions range from drifting and close passes to ramp jumps and navigating obstacles, all delivered by a director's voice in the player's ear alongside visual indicators. The initial run through a level can feel overwhelming due to the rapid succession of directives, but successful execution reportedly brings a sense of accomplishment, with replaying levels proving particularly enjoyable after initial completion.
The playable levels included city-based sequences, a collapsing factory during an earthquake, and the Jurassic World level. In the latter, players drive a motorcycle, evading dinosaurs and a volcano, performing stunts like jumping over a Tyrannosaurus rex. One notable element of this level was a fast-paced remix of the Jurassic Park theme music, which, despite its unusual nature, fit well within the context of the chaotic action.
Stuntman: Hollywood seems poised to offer a more welcoming take on the stunt driving simulation. While the option for perfect execution remains for those who seek it, the game also caters to players who desire a more permissive simulation of the high-octane world of movie stunts, a balance that eluded its predecessor.