Dogs in Space

Sometimes you have to worry about the imagination of game companies. One case in point seems to be Namco’s Bounty Hounds. The first part of the name sound OK - ‘Bounty’ - so that’s probably something to do with being a mercenary; operating outside the law, for hard cash, exotic weapons and plenty of thrills, but Bounty Hounds ? What’s that all about? Sounds more like your local stray dog collector. Even the game’s backstory sounds like something put together by the work experience boy during his lunchhour...

Set hundreds of years in the future, when humans are scattered across the galaxy in search of habitable planets, and locked into a war against an alien race called ETI (Extraterrestrial Intelligence) over the colonisation of new interplanetary territories, a group of mercenaries called the Bounty Hounds have been called in to exterminate the alien threat and scour hostile planets to find a safe harbour outside of Earth...

Oh please! An alien race called Extraterrestrial Intelligence? Why not just call them an alien race called alien race?

But hey. Stereotypical plot aside, maybe this game is alright. Namco certainly promises plenty of guns, gadgets and gizmos, with over 500 varieties of weapons, armour and items available for collection throughout the game. Weaponry options include the ability to mix guns and melee weapons in both hands (so-called dual wielding), as well as the ability to switch your load-out during the midst of battles. This is important because your enemy - and forty ETI species are gunning for your butt - will change their attacks depending on your chosen weapons and your health level. You also have to choose a field skill, which will provide another attribute to give you the advantage in your constant battles, so despite first impressions sounds like Bounty Hounds could offer a mixture of fast action shot through with more tactical elements.

Due for release in late 2005, here’s hoping Bounty Hounds isn’t a real dog.