A game that surprises on many levels, definitely consider picking this one up.

User Rating: 7 | 50 Cent: Bulletproof XBOX
To be honest, when I decided to finally pick up a copy of 50 Cent: Bulletproof I really didn't know what to expect. On one side people were praising this game while the other they were despising it. I threw my copy in my Xbox, turned it on, and decided to see what all the fuss was about.

The first thing I noticed, as with most games, was the graphics. Well I am not that impressed at all. The character models (at least the important ones) looks like they were the bulk of what the designers worked on. They don't look bad, but they don't look great either. A few missions in I couldn't stop laughing at 50 Cent however. In every single scene he was in he had the exact same expression. The expression where he isn't afraid to shoot first and ask questions later. This of course was demonstrated by the fact that whenever somebody spoke a single word to him they would have a gun pointed in their face. Needless to say the environments were bland, the enemy models repetitive, and the whole atmosphere apparently trying to imitate the common vision of 'the hood.'

One of the main criticisms of the game was the broken camera and gameplay. First mission I was dead in five minutes because I couldn't figure out how to work the camera and actually hit something. After that experience was over I ended up actually enjoying myself as I plowed my way through mobsters, gangsters, construction workers and secret agents. Bulletproof has a certain charm to it. Sure it can be considered one of the most violent games of all time (and I happen to agree) but it certainly allows you to let out your frustrations. This was of course after I nearly broke my controller by throwing it at the TV while trying to kill the endless hordes of enemies.

In many missions you have some of your friends, the G-Unit, helping you out while shooting your way through New York City. A few missions require you to protect them while they plant a bomb, pick a lock, or get stuck in a wall. This is completely pointless as they will never die, no matter how many times they are shot with everything from a simple 9mm pistol to a bazooka. I must say though they do put up a good fight and will definitely cover your back if you decide to hide behind a crate and let them do the shooting (But where is the fun in that?).

You have a huge variety of guns you can choose from to fight your war, even though they aren't too different from each other. Most are fun to use so you'll be able to have a good time once you can put up with the many problems the gameplay has.

Something else I need to mention is the inclusion of an arcade mode. Basically this is just a mode where you can get some shooting practice and go for high scores in completed levels. You can choose between many of the characters, even some of the bosses and several weapon styles.

There isn't much to say about the music. I can simply do without it.

Another surprising aspect about Bulletproof is the story. I went into the game expecting it to be all style and no substance but was pleasantly surprised. While the story isn't quite up to the level of some of the video game greats that have come out in the last decade it is at least enough to keep you interested. The dialogue was above average and the voice actors, most of which were voiced by their real life counterparts, was definitely one of the high points of the game. I was shocked at how well of a job 50 Cent, Eminem, and the rest of the cast did compared to professionals in some of the other games I've played.

There are a wealth of extras you can unlock, which I didn't feel the need to get at all. Fans of 50 Cent will love the interviews, music, and videos that can be unlocked within the game.

This is NOT a game you buy for your eight year old. Don't even consider it. Take every curse in the book you can think of, multiply it by ten and you have one cutscene in the game. If you thought Grand Theft Auto was violent you will definitely be in for a surprise with Bulletproof. Not to mention the gore that is everywhere.

If you are interested in a good shooter to pass a rainy weekend this would be a game to rent, but since it is so cheap now you may even want to give it a buy.

Score - 7/10