[An on-going Metromix column examining the cross-section of movies and games.]

REVIEW: “Hellboy: The Science of Evil”
Rating:
Publisher: Konami
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP
Reviewed on: Xbox 360

Though it features much of the same cast, has a similar release date and even boasts input from director Guillermo del Toro, the “Hellboy” game is not an adaptation of the big red guy’s new movie, “Hellboy II: The Golden Army.” In fact, this entry in the rapidly evolving franchise takes inspiration more from the “God of War” video game series than any “Hellboy” film. Or comic. Or cartoon.

Like the “God” games, “Science” is a third-person actioner. You take control of the heroic demon as he runs from fist fight to fist fight, making use of his hammer-like right hand and only occasionally whipping out a pistol or grabbing something to toss or swing. As is the norm for these kinds of games, the gameplay often requires you to repeatedly pound on a button as fast as you can.

And while the game isn't as good as “God”--the combat is somewhat shallow--it's still decent fun. There are plenty of things to punch and kick as you make your way through an interesting story involving the occult and Nazis bent on world domination. A separate two-player co-op mode lets you team up with Hellboy pals Abe Sapien or Liz Sherman (and Ron Perlman, Doug Jones and Selma Blair, who play the characters on film, all reprise their roles for the game).

Fans of “God” may cry foul, but for fans of “Hellboy” this is a pretty sweet “Science.”


HEADLINES:
Leo gets: Leonardo DiCaprio has signed on to play Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, in “Atari,” a biopic about the game icon’s life set to be released by Paramount in 2011.

Kane ain’t that able: Despite being a terrible game, “Kane & Lynch” is heading to the big screen. If the rumors are true, Bruce Willis will play former miscreant Kane, with his “Bandits” co-star Billy Bob Thorton in the role of Lynch. Simon Crane, previously a stunt coordinator on “Troy” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” will direct.

Forceful: We already knew that “Soulcalibur IV,” would feature Darth Vader (on PS3) and Yoda (on 360) as playable characters. But Namco Bandai have sweetened the deal by adding Darth Vader’s secret apprentice from the upcoming “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” to both versions. “Soulcalibur IV” will be out July 29, while “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” is due September 16.

Even more forceful: While we’re on the subject of “Star Wars,” LucasArts has revealed that Jimmy Smits, who played Senator Organa in Episodes II and III, will reprise the role in “The Force Unleashed.” The company also announced plans to release “Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels” for the Wii and DS before the end of the year.

Gaiman gaming: “Coraline,” the upcoming animated movie based on Neil Gaiman’s book, will also become a video game around the time of the film's February 9 release. No word yet on what systems it will be for, or whether actors Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher or Keith David will be reprising their film roles for the game.

Solid scripter: David Hayter—best known to gamers as the voice of Snake in the "Metal Gear Solid" series, and also the screenwriter of "X-Men" and "X2: X-Men United"—is talking to Capcom about scripting a film based on their game "Lost Planet."

Get a preview of the new mobile game inspired by "The Dark Knight."

Check out images from "Silent Hill: Homecoming."

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