Catwoman Review

Catwoman leaps on to the big-screen and consoles courtesy of EA and Argonaut; but unfortunately much like the film, it appears that too much time has been spent on the delights of Halle Berry instead of creating a worthwhile gaming experience.

With the likes of The Chronicles of Riddick and Spider-Man2 film tie-ins have actually reached a good standard in recent times, but unfortunately Catwoman brings it all crashing back down again and reminds us exactly why we used to keep a wide berth from them.

Utilising a dual thumbstick controller method seen in the likes of Blade 2 and Rise of Honor, Catwoman allows players to take control with the left thumbstick whilst executing a variety of punch, kick and whip attacks through combinations of the shoulder buttons and the right thumbstick.

Unfortunately this particular setup has never been properly realised in the past, and Catwoman makes no effort to change this. Combat is lifeless and uninspired, however sadly thatâ??s not the biggest issue.

In an effort to focus on creating a cinematic experience akin to the film, the games missions are split into scenes that are lifted straight from the film. However youâ??ll immediately notice the tight restrictions placed on the player; one particular example that rears its head early on revolves around teaching the player how to use their whips to swing around the environment, all well and good until you realise that itâ??s impossible to swing from anywhere except an iron grating fixed to the wall â?“ it may look like youâ??ve got a better angle from the actual platform, but nope itâ??s impossible unless you climb onto the grating first.

The restrictive control system and progression feels pathetic compared to the state of fluid titles such as Prince of Persia of Galleon, whilst the overall experience is confounded by an awkward fixed camera system that makes it virtually impossible to see where youâ??re going.

To highlight the sheer ineptness of this title, leave your joypad alone for a few seconds and marvel at the extent to which the developers created an idle animation. Sure weâ??ve seen Sonic wag his finger at you and Mario fall to sleep, however Catwoman struts her stuff in this elaborate cut-scene styled effect whenever you let go off the pad for a few seconds â?“ itâ??s just a shame that this much effort wasnâ??t put into the actual game.