The camera
does a “fly-over” of the city landscape, capturing each glorious explosion,
providing a perfect ending to the movie you just created.
The Movies
Stunts & Effects is the first expansion to the 2005 hit title from Activision
and Lionhead Studios. This is a title that integrates flawlessly with base game
– and after installation, all players need to do is launch the title to enjoy
the benefits of what this expansion has to offer.
For those
who have yet to play The Movies, the title is akin to simulation-style tycoon
games, but only as far as building and maintaining a motion picture studio
dynasty is concerned. There is much more to the game than merely building a
studio, micromanaging sets and stars and trying to turn a tidy profit. Players
can actually affect the way a star looks, the interpersonal relations, yes, but
the real kicker of the game comes with the finite control players can have over
the making of a movie. Customized scripts allow players to select scenes, insert
their own music or dialogue and create shorts or longer movies that are detailed
and show off a fair amount of creative talent.
The game
even has Internet support, where players can show off their works to others.
But that is
the base game, and while it all moves forward with this expansion, Stunts &
Effects creates a more robust experience. First of all, from the moment you
launch the game (Ok, maybe not THE moment; if you start in a sandbox mode, back
in 1930, it may be a while before you can realize all of the accoutrements this
game offers up, but if you quick launch in 1960, you will begin with many of the
elements already factored in) you will begin to see what this expansion brings
to the forefront.
There are
three buildings you can build, and all have to do with stuntmen. There is the
Stunt School, which will allow you to train stunt men and women, a Training:
Spartan Torture facility and a hospital to keep them fit enough to continue to
pull off the required skills. Of course, with stunt people come new scenes in
which you show off the amazing talents of your stunt actors. There are also new
sets, a blue screen and green screen for those special effects, new makeup and
costumes, weather effects and camera overlays as well as a free camera mode that
will allow players to position the camera where they want it for that perfect
scene.
The UI has
also received a tiny makeover, creating easier access to the production and
makeover possibilities.
Enabling
stunts within a movie is simple. The scripts written by your writing crew may
contain them, but if you enter the customized scriptwriting building, you merely
drag stunt doubles onto your principle actors to enable stunt scenes. It is also
in this area that you can manipulate the weather, or add other effects to a
scene.
The green
screen comes with a curled backdrop, which allows players to put whatever static
design they wish behind the ‘aerial’ scene being shot.
As it was
before, the interface for all of this is rather easy to use. There is even a new
awards category to reflect stunts.
While the
expansion does add some graphical effects, the overall look of the game remains
the same. The audio has minor improvements as well, mostly in the musical
category.
Stunts &
Effects is not a standalone product. Players will need the original game to play
this. And for those who do have the original game and who are fans, this is a
must-own expansion. Stunts & Effects gives customized movies a more visceral
element, but also expands on the creative nature of the player, giving more
options than before.
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Gameplay:
8.8
This expansion
really adds onto the initial experience. Yes, there is more to micromanage, but
the overall quality of the experience improves.
Graphics:
8.8
It’s fun to blow
up things. The new camera controls are also rather nice, and the new sets add to
the experience.
Sound:
8.4
Subtle tweaks –
still good, but nothing that departs dramatically from the original game.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Some nice tweaks
to the interface make this title more player-friendly.
Concept:
8.7
This is a nice
expansion with solid elements. When compared to the impact of the original, it
is not on the same level, but still has some nice changes and welcomed content.
Overall:
8.7
A truly solid
expansion that adds to the overall experience of the game, whether playing out
in the game’s goal-driven ‘campaign’ or in the sandbox mode. The ability to
really customize your own movie becomes a deeper experience with Stunts &
Effects. The words used to describe the original title – addictive, and just
plain fun – still apply. Owners of The Movies will want to add this expansion.
