'Pursuit' stunts are a blast

"PURSUIT FORCE," by Sony Computer Entertainment, for the PlayStation Portable, rated T for players 13 years and older, $39.99.

Regular car chases are for babies. That's the conclusion many will reach after playing Sony's "Pursuit Force" for the PSP.

OK, one would expect a game centered on high-speed chases to be thin on plot but heavy on the action. If you're looking for a high-speed jolt on your portable game system, then this game is bound to rev your engine.

So briefly about the plot — it turns out Capital City has an infestation of criminals and it's only going from bad to worse. A new police unit code-named "Pursuit Force" is created. Think of vice meets stunt men. As an officer of "Pursuit Force," not only are you trained to break the law, you're encouraged to — all in the name of justice, of course.

In chasing down the bad guys, your character is not only daring enough to go high rates of speed but jump from vehicle to vehicle. Let's just say hanging off the hood of a speeding car is pretty commonplace in this game and with great results.

Starting out as a rookie, your goal is to take on various notorious gangs who are up to no good. As you move up in the ranks, the missions become more daring and treacherous.

Most missions involve chasing down bad guys in cars, trucks, boats and even helicopters. From time to time, roles change and you are charged with escorting and protecting informants and even the mayor from getting snuffed out by hit men.

Controls for the game are fairly easy to use and the game's fast-pace graphics look great on the PSP. Of course you're not alone in your missions. The gruff-voiced police chief is constantly barking out orders to you, which gives the game a sort of comic-book feel. You even get dressed down by the chief if you fail a mission.

The levels are challenging enough, although at times the pace feels a bit unreasonable as computer-controlled opponents make near-90-degree turns while you careen into a wall trying to keep up.

Each mission completed unlocks a new vehicle, which can be raced in time-trial mode. Frankly, the real action remains in the actual missions.

The music and the voice acting really work to put you in the frantic mood of a chase, but not so much to make the game seem like it takes itself too seriously.

For those who are fans of Hollywood-type stunt action, this game is well worth leaping for, although parents should be cautioned the game is for teens and is probably not suited for younger kids due to the gun violence.

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