Total Overdose (PC)

"Welcome to my world hombre. Are you sure that you will survive?"

Such is the start of Total Overdose, an action-stuffed video game that fails to take itself seriously, thus creating a pulse-pounding title that is sure to please even the most demanding within the gaming populace. Although lacking in a few additions, the adventure is well worth exploring for all its unique inclusions and dynamic setting.

Campaign:

The game opens as Ernesto Cruz, a DEA Agent, is killed by drug dealers for his ant-criminal efforts. Although his death is claimed to have been caused by a drug overdose, his sons Ram and Tommy suspect differently, leading them to join the American Drug War to avenge their dad. Though Tommy is knocked off early on in the game, Ram is constantly available, and the moves he carries make the game's span of different levels.

Gameplay:

Total Overdose plays much like the GTA series, with free-roaming levels and the ability to hop into just about anything with an engine. Ram can drive cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, armored cars, and even tractors, giving the game quite a bit of vehicular diversity.

While most missions are straightforward enough, their are plenty of side objectives worth completing, and of course, more than enough enemies to dispatch. For these purposes Ram is given a number of attacks moves which have gained a cult status in American-Mexican films, including the El Mariachi guitar machine guns, a Cinco de Mayo spirit with a shotgun, and the golden gun move. These elements truly make up the heart of the game, giving it a unique splash of creativity and delight which is somewhat absent from the grim GTA series upon which much of the combat is based.

Graphics and Sound:

While Total Overdose is not set to win any medals with graphical achievements, it will not be penalized on this topic either. The visuals, while somewhat cartoonish, still capture the storyline ideally, and the sound is explosive as well as satisfying.

Conclusion:

It may not be a grandiose as other titles, but for anyone who loves action and gunfights, Total Overdose is well-suited