Developer Interview

Executive producer Andre Emerson gives us an inside look at 50 Cent: Bulletproof.

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50 Cent: Bulletproof has been the subject of much speculation since it was first announced earlier this year. The prospect of a video game starring a popular rapper caused more than a few eyes to roll in the wake of less-than-stellar video game offerings that have tried to capitalize on a musician's appeal. Stylish but obviously CG trailers for the game did nothing to quell doubts that the title would coast on 50's appeal, rather than gameplay. However, 50's involvement with the game, as well as that of developer Genuine Games' experienced team, has resulted in a very surprising twist to this tale: Bulletproof actually looks like it might be a more-than-passable entry in the third-person action genre. After getting a demo and some exclusive hands-on time with the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the game, we're pleasantly surprised to report that 50 Cent: Bulletproof is shaping up to be a strong title capable of gaining notoriety because of its presentation and gameplay, not just its star.

50 Cent is busting out on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and he's looking for a little revenge.

50 Cent: Bulletproof lets you play as virtual 50 Cent as he sets off to discover who shot him and left him for dead. No rapper worth his gold chains would think of doing such a thing without a crew, so 50 calls on G-Unit mates Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo to lend a hand. As 50's search zeroes in on who filled him full of holes, he'll discover a larger, far-reaching conspiracy that's going to take him quite a ways from the hood and bring him face-to-face with some serious trouble. The game's story plays out in a surprisingly sophisticated fashion, thanks to the contribution of Terry Winter, the game's scribe, who's no stranger to intrigue and murder, given his role as executive producer of The Sopranos. Winter's work lends the story a cinematic flair that's complemented by its presentation, which we'll touch on in a bit.

The tale will play out via the game's fairly straightforward, objective-based gameplay that will find you operating out of a hub and 50's hood, moving out as you gain new objectives. Your tasks will evolve out of the game's storyline and send you to sort out all manner of business with shady characters as you find out more about your shooting. As you wrap up a task, collecting as much money as you can by going through the pockets of downed foes, you'll be able to head back to your hood and spend your hard-earned bling on new music, videos, and more importantly, new moves and weapons, from different locales in the hood. You'll find music and videos available from a car on the street manned by a familiar face from the G-Unit. Another familiar face will give you access to more than 20 weapons for you to buy, which will be lovingly displayed as you collect them on a wall in 50's apartment. Your arsenal will include everything from a 9mm pistol to a sawed-off shotgun. Of course, 50's arsenal of weapons isn't the only way to take down foes. A local porn theater is where you'll be able to learn "counterkills," special context-sensitive moves you can use to gank a foe in spectacular fashion. The powerful, graphic moves are similar in execution and feel to the disarms seen in Namco's Dead to Rights, which isn't too surprising, considering that members of the Bulletproof team worked on DTR.

Though you'll play only as 50, you'll get a little help from your boys in the G-Unit.

The gameplay takes your standard third-person action approach and dresses it up with some nice touches. You'll obviously control 50, but as you go through the game, you'll be joined by the three other members of the G-Unit. How many of the posse comes with you depends on where the story is and what's going on in the level. The beginning of the game gives you a full taste of how this works as you're joined by Banks, Buck, and Yayo. The artificial intelligence-controlled crew actually function as specialized experts, whom you'll need to progress through a level. Banks is your expert lock picker, whom you'll have to keep safe from enemies as he goes about opening locked doors that you need to go through. Buck is your weapons expert, a sneaker-wearing arsenal that excels at mowing down anyone unlucky enough to get in his sights. Finally, Yayo is your demolitions expert, thanks to his talent with all things explosive. Depending on how the level you're playing pans out, you may need some or all of the boys to do their thing and get you through, which will force you to keep them safe for a set period of time while they go about their business. For example, when Banks is picking a lock, you'll see a progress meter appear that lets you know how much longer you need to play bodyguard. If you can't keep your foes off of him, he'll have to stop and defend himself, dragging out the time it will take him to do his thing. The mechanic plays out in new combinations as you go through the game; you'll find yourself paired with different combinations of the three members of the G-Unit posse, as well as other helpful folk, as the story progresses.

The game's story is one of revenge and epic ass kicking.

Keeping your crew safe, though it's challenging, won't be too hard, thanks to 50's arsenal of moves. You'll be able to run and gun like any good action hero, by using the solid arsenal of weapons in the game. You'll be able to collect weapons and ammo from fallen foes and dual-wield or switch your weapons depending on your whim. The game also features a nice, flashy wrinkle to firing; if you line up your shot and time it correctly, you'll be treated to a quick "bullet's-eye view" of your shot as it plows into your enemy's head with unpleasant results.