Headhunter is an enjoyable experience. It has nice visuals, excellent sound and a good use of a tried and tested formula
However as time passed Sega slowly stopped console production, so when Headhunter was released there were few copies released - in fact there wasn't even an American release. The game quickly became something to be sought for after a few months. Having actually picked this game up however, I can assure gamers its a worthy purchase.
Headhunter is a glossy game, it features graphics at a very high standard for Dreamcast and perhaps even at the same quality as a good PS2 game. There is much detail on the characters; their hair, clothes and facial features also. Another example of brilliance in the game's detail comes from the environments displayed in the game.
Each environment is luxuriously detailed, scarring effects in the warehouse, not long into the game, are present. I even enjoyed the animation and cinematics of the game. Like Final Fantasy or Fear Effect, headhunter is capable in making good transition between FMV sequence and gameplay, these are also presented excellently however and move the story on nicely.
The only type of cinematics that don't mix in well are the news report sections, however I like the comedic charm they present instead, while giving important information about the game. Speaking of cinematics however the sound of Headhunter is incredibly immersive. Amuze (the developers of the game) used the talents of Richard Jacques, a famed music composer known for working on the more recent Mass Effect, to produce high quality music which is more than what he delivered.
For the most part, it sounds very triumphant and bold, it seems to also make use of orchestra which is a nice bonus too. Voice acting was also OK for the majority of the game, it was never unique nor weak but it was still enjoyable much the same. Although Headhunter isn't looking for a truly cinematic experience it does well in providing something close to that thanks to its graphical and musical qualities.
Perhaps the only non cinematic quality about Headhunter is its gameplay as well as the news reports. Headhunter tries to blend several gameplay techniques found in Metal Gear Solid (VR missions, Stealth, Codec, etc) with its own qualities (Bike Riding, target aiming, etc). It does well in making addictive gameplay by combining both types of gameplay.
The VR missions themselves are also a fun activity in the game. Perhaps the controlling of the bike is the only thing that lets the VR missions down, the controls for the bike feel too tight, and its hard to make it turns while sustaining the same amount of speed.
The game tends to be difficult and easy in moments also, it makes use of puzzles when it can and this makes for a enjoyable experience. Some parts of the game also feel a little buggy or rushed, these knocked the gameplay a little for me.
These moments are also longer than the usual adventure, Headhunter took at least over 10 hours if I remember, this isn't exactly the longest gameplay ever, but for an action game of its type, Headhunter seems to feel like a long, but enjoyable experience with its length.
Headhunter's a two disc long adventure, this could be because of its FMV sequences. There is replay value and secrets to be revealed as well as replay value although its not much to keep the player coming back. Overall however, Headhunter is an enjoyable experience. It has nice visuals, excellent sound a good use of a tried and tested formula but it isn't the longest experience I've had from a game of its type.
It doesn't introduce anything new but it is still fun anyway and makes for a nice send off for the Dreamcast. I know this game wasn't released in the US, but there was port of the game released for PS2 in the US, so have a look for that if you can.