The Stuntman series is making a comeback after almost two decades of dormancy, and it's an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts. The original Stuntman, released in 2002, was a cult favorite, offering players the chance to step into the shoes of a professional stunt driver. With its sublime handling model and immersive film-inspired levels, it was a groundbreaking title that set the standard for action-driving games. However, the series took a turn with the release of Stuntman: Ignition in 2007, which underperformed commercially and led to THQ's decision to discontinue the franchise.
Now, thanks to the efforts of MudRunner and SnowRunner publisher Saber Interactive, the Stuntman series is being resurrected with a modern twist. The upcoming Stuntman: Hollywood is set to feature real movies and TV shows, including Fast & Furious, Back to the Future, Knight Rider, Miami Vice, and Death Race. The trailer showcases a range of iconic cars from these titles, from Brian O'Conner's rides in The Fast and the Furious to the armored Mustang in Death Race. While not all the cars are officially licensed, the presence of K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and the Time Machine from Back to the Future is a welcome addition.
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing back the classic Stuntman series, stating that it has always been a dream to recreate such a legend of gaming history. The partnership with Universal Pictures is a significant development, as it will inject real movies and TV shows into the game for the first time. This collaboration has the potential to create a truly immersive and adrenaline-pumping experience for fans.
However, the original Stuntman was not without its challenges. It was notoriously difficult, requiring a high level of perfection to nail the stunts in a single take. This made it a cult favorite, but also attracted criticism for its demanding nature. The game's career mode did not feature any real films, but it was easy to interpret the movies it was paying homage to, including a Guy Ritchie-inspired London crime caper and off-brand Indiana Jones and James Bond films.
The sequel, Stuntman: Ignition, introduced six more fake films, including shoots inspired by Dante's Peak, The A-Team, Batman, and Bullitt. However, it underperformed commercially, leading to THQ's decision to discontinue the series. Now, with the return of Stuntman: Hollywood, there is a sense of hope that the series will finally get the revival it deserves.
The upcoming release of Stuntman: Hollywood is a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, particularly those who grew up with the original Stuntman. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a professional stunt driver, with the added bonus of real movies and TV shows. While the release date has not been confirmed, the game is expected to deliver a satisfying experience behind the wheel, with a focus on the sublime handling model that made the original Stuntman so memorable. The question remains: will it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Stuntman series is back, and it's ready to take us on a wild ride.
