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Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions

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Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions
North American PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s)Bunkasha (Xbox)
Stealth Studios (PS2)
Broadsword Interactive Limited (GCN)
Publisher(s)Activision
Composer(s)Hajime Fukuma
Platform(s)Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube
ReleaseXbox
  • NA: February 5, 2002[1]
  • JP: February 22, 2002
  • PAL: March 14, 2002[2]
GameCube, PS2
  • NA: November 20, 2002[3]
  • PAL: November 22, 2002
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions, known in Japan as Double S.T.E.A.L. (ダブル・スティール, Daburu Sutīru), is a 2002 racing video game originally released on the Xbox and later for GameCube and PlayStation 2. The game is set in Hong Kong, in which the player completes missions.

The game was specifically developed for Xbox rather than being a port and was well-received.[4] The GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions suffered from performance issues and did not sell well. On August 4, 2005, a Japan-only sequel was released for the Xbox called Double S.T.E.A.L. The Second Clash (ダブル スティール THE SECOND CLASH, Daburu Sutīru The Second Clash).

Plot

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In the game, set in Hong Kong, the player plays as either part of a corrupt police unit attempting to crack down on rival yakuza operations, or as a pair of spies hired to take down Tiger Takagi, the head of the Hong Kong yakuza.[5]

Reception

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Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions

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The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[6][7][8] In Japan, Famitsu gave the Xbox version a score of two sevens and two sixes for a total of 26 out of 40.[12]

Michael "Major Mike" Weigand of GamePro's May 2002 issue called the Xbox version "a solid offering for gamers on the prowl for action-seasoned driving. If you liked Driver and Spy Hunter, make Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions your next challenge."[29][a] Ten issues later, however, Fennec Fox said of the other two console versions, "Hopefully, we've learned that most launch games should not be touched after the launch is over. The new Wreckless may have more missions (which get boring after a while), a free-roam mode (which you can only unlock by completing the game, so there's little point), and the ability to run over pedestrians (big whoop), but the fact is that there are games on both the PS2 and GameCube that easily outclass this one in everything it sets out to do."[30][b]

Extended Play gave the Xbox version three stars out of five, saying, "While Wreckless is a fun game, it certainly will not appeal to all gamers. Fans of action-driving titles will enjoy the game's fast-paced feel and crisp graphics, but the game's shortcomings ultimately keep it from achieving the classic status of a game such as Twisted Metal. However, for those who like their games unique (or are big fans of Hong Kong Cinema), there are some thrills to be had, which could earn Wreckless a cult following."[31] Louis Bedigian of GameZone gave the same console version 9.5 out of 10, saying, "The controls are nearly perfect. I have never played a driving game with such precise controls before."[32] However, Michael Lafferty gave the GameCube version seven out of ten, calling it "an average arcade demolition game that does have a good range of features but suffers from game play that is basically the same thing over and over."[33] Natalie Romano gave the PlayStation 2 version a similar score of seven out of ten, calling it an "extremely fun game that loses it[s] charms way too quickly."[34]

The Xbox version was nominated for the "Best Graphics (Technical) on Xbox" award at GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 Awards, which went to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.[35]

Double S.T.E.A.L. The Second Clash

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The sequel received more mixed reviews than the original. In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of two sevens, one six and one seven,[38] while Famitsu Xbox gave it one nine, one eight, one nine, and one eight.[37]

Notes

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  1. ^ GamePro gave the Xbox version 4/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.
  2. ^ GamePro gave the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions each two 2.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, 4.5/5 for control, and 3/5 for fun factor.

References

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  1. ^ Goldstein, Hilary (January 31, 2002). "Hands on with Wreckless: The Yakuza Mission[s]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  2. ^ Bramwell, Tom (February 28, 2002). "Xbox launch line-up finalised". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 8, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  3. ^ "Activision's Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions™ for the PlayStation® 2 and Nintendo GameCube™ Crashes onto Retail Shelves Nationwide". Activision. November 20, 2002. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Boulding, Aaron (February 6, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  5. ^ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions – Story". Activision. Archived from the original on August 23, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2006.
  6. ^ a b "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (GC)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (PS2)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (Xbox)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  9. ^ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  10. ^ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Edge. No. 109. Future Publishing. April 2002.
  11. ^ Tilley, Steve (February 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on August 17, 2002. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "February 26, 2002". The Magic Box. February 26, 2002. Archived from the original on August 17, 2002. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  13. ^ Helgeson, Matt (January 2003). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GC)". Game Informer. No. 117. GameStop. p. 102. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  14. ^ Helgeson, Matt (December 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions] (PS2)". Game Informer. No. 116. GameStop. p. 123. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  15. ^ Reiner, Andrew (April 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 108. GameStop. p. 80. Archived from the original on April 23, 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  16. ^ Davis, Ryan (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions] Review (GC)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on January 24, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  17. ^ Davis, Ryan (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions] Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 7, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  18. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (February 7, 2002). "Wreckless The Yakuza Missions Review (Xbox)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 27, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  19. ^ Gibson, Jon M. (December 14, 2002). "GameSpy: Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GCN)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 14, 2006. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  20. ^ Gibson, Jon M. (December 14, 2002). "GameSpy: Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (PS2)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 21, 2007. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  21. ^ Collins, Derek (February 8, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 12, 2005. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  22. ^ Roper, Chris (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GCN)". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 12, 2007. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  23. ^ Roper, Chris (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (PS2)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  24. ^ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Nintendo Power. Vol. 165. Nintendo of America. February 2003. p. 155.
  25. ^ Kontras, Adam (December 18, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Nintendo World Report. NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  26. ^ Davison, John (December 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 63. Ziff Davis. p. 180. Archived from the original on March 29, 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  27. ^ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Official Xbox Magazine. Future US. March 2002. p. 63.
  28. ^ Moynihan, David (April 7–13, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions] (Xbox)". FHM. Bauer Media Group. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  29. ^ Weigand, Michael "Major Mike" (May 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)" (PDF). GamePro. No. 164. IDG. p. 100. Archived from the original on December 22, 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  30. ^ Fennec Fox (March 2003). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GC, PS2)". GamePro. No. 174. IDG. Archived from the original on December 22, 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  31. ^ Rubenstein, Glenn (March 1, 2002). "'Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions' (Xbox) Review". Extended Play. TechTV. Archived from the original on October 2, 2002. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  32. ^ Bedigian, Louis (February 18, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on August 24, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  33. ^ Lafferty, Michael (December 12, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - GC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  34. ^ Romano, Natalie (December 14, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on April 23, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  35. ^ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Graphics (Technical) on Xbox)". GameSpot. CNET. Archived from the original on February 2, 2003. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  36. ^ "Double-STEAL: The Second Clash [sic]". Edge. No. 155. Future Publishing. November 2005.
  37. ^ a b IGN staff (August 5, 2005). "Gaming Life in Japan [game is mislabeled as "The Second Crush"]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  38. ^ a b "July 28, 2005". The Magic Box. July 28, 2005. Archived from the original on June 23, 2006. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
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