Kane and Lynch: Dead Men (PC DVD)

This is a game that enjoys one of the most SOLID story-lines that came out of game developing in the last 3 years. Unfortunately, this was NOT enough.You are Kane, an aged mercenary and former member of a criminal brotherhood known as The 7. The last heists failed, you get arrested and convicted - yet you are a traitor in The 7's books anyway. Having you for making off with the loot somehow, they send Lynch (a psychotic, easily distracted and pill-popping murderer) to first break you out of prison and then make sure he gets their money back. They are sure you will play ball: they have kidnapped your wife and daughter to ensure it.Now this is a foundation to built a GREAT Third-Person Shooter game! Unfortunately KANE & LYNCH does not reach the top floor as the game demonstrates all the flaws of a rushed release.The character movements feel too scripted and automatic at some places (a console left-over I guess) whereas they have to be spoon-fed detailed directions at some others. Since one cannot predict where the one or the other will occur, it will eventually get on your nerves.The squad curse is not lifted for KANE & LYNCH either: the AI of your squad is infantile at best - but you will be thankful that your enemies do not demonstrate a higher one either!Also, the game is pretty short: it shouldn't take you more than 7 hours on normal difficulty.Graphically this is a beautiful game - notably though not at par with, say, CRYSIS. Keep in mind that the strength of KANE & LYNCH is its story.The gameplay and the cut-scenes blend seamlessly and the story flows like an A-List movie. And you will definitely not get bored: from the inside of a prison, to rappelling from a skyscraper, to escaping a packed Tokyo dance club...Although a well developed character story and a visually well designed game, they did NOT complete their follow through!A disappointment...