Dog tired?

So... it's been a while, as usual, but then that's no real surprise given that it's been summer time (my busiest time at work).  There have been a few games during this time but I thought I'd get back into the swing of things with a more recent addition to my collection... Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days.

The original Kane & Lynch was... interesting.  The Xbox 360 version of it is still currently sat on my shelf, unfinished.  While the idea behind the game seemed sound, playing it proved unforgiving and mostly unrewarding.

Sadly, the sequel isn't much better.  "Cinematic" camera angles and fairly stupid AI means that the levels, while looking quite interesting, can be a pain to actually play.  The AI seems to have only a couple of ideas: sit and spray bullets or run at you like some crazed fool and hope they get close enough to kill you before they die.  This isn't helped by the rather odd ability of some AI characters to come back from the dead! A number of times I've killed a policeman or soldier and as I've approached the body it's suddenly appeared upright and firing... funny, but annoying.

The other major problem, in my opinion at least, is the game itself and the reason for the title of this post... it all feels 'tired' like the developers just couldn't really be bothered.  Each level just feels like the previous level with different textures: soldiers instead of policeman; concrete pillars instead of neon-clad shop fronts etc... it never really changes.  It probably doesn't help that the 'plot' (if you can call it that) is all a bit pointless and tired as well... not exactly an inspiring start really.

Given the level of depth and character we're becoming used to in even the most basic shooters these days, it's almost a bit embarrassing.

It's possible that the multiplayer may improve this... but I can honestly say that I can't be bothered to find out!