Actually, 2nd Offense is SO much like the original that if Vigilante 8 were a PC game, 2nd Offense would be nothing more than an expansion pack (think Rainbow Six and Eagle Watch). Is this a bad thing? Well, it is for PlayStation/N64 owners. They’re being asked to shell out forty bucks for what is essentially a revamped version of the original game. Unless they’re hard–core Vigilante 8 fans, 2nd Offense’s new stuff may not be enough to keep them from feeling a little ripped off. Dreamcast owners, though, don’t have that problem. For one thing, this is the only Vigilante 8 game on the DC. For another thing (and most importantly), the Dreamcast has the advantage of a muscular graphic’s engine. While Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense and its predecessor may look distressingly alike on the PlayStation, the DC version is a graphical quantum leap over both PlayStation games.

The cars in the Dreamcast version are incredibly sharp and detailed. The backgrounds, while suffering from draw–in, are equally as detailed. The weapons and explosions are flashy and satisfying. Even the vehicle combat effects are well done, with each car showing progressive levels of damage such as windows blown out during an exchange of firepower. Aside from the graphical improvements, though, this game is basically the same on both Dreamcast and PlayStation.

If you’ve played the original, then the setup and game play will be pretty familiar to you. A villain in bad 70’s clothes tries to take over the U.S., and good guys in equally wretched retro threads try to stop him. There is a mix of selectable characters, each with a unique personality, vehicle, and special weapon. Once you choose a character/vehicle, then you can either fight a random or custom battle in Arcade Mode, or take on the villain in Quest Mode. The vast majority of this game is unchanged from the original Vigilante 8. So why even bother playing this game? Well, if the revamped graphics don’t entice you, then maybe the extras added onto the classic Vigilante 8 game play will convince you. I’ve already said how much I liked the original, and I’m glad that the sequel kept so much of the original game intact. I’m also impressed by what the developers have added to the game.

The introduction of many different movement modes, as well as all the new levels, cars, and characters, help keep 2nd Offense from becoming just a re–hash of the original. The game play is virtually identical to the original at its core, but it FEELS different because of the added goodies. If you were any sort of a fan of Vigilante 8, then you will undoubtedly enjoy 2nd Offense. So does this mean that you should get this game? Well, if you don’t own the PlayStation version already, and you enjoyed the original game, then the answer is yes. If you’ve never played ANY version of Vigilante 8 previously, the answer is also yes but it’s a qualified yes. Fortunately, 2nd Offense on the Dreamcast is just plain FUN to play. Although car combat games may be becoming a bit passe, it’s hard not to enjoy a well–done game that lets you mount heavy weaponry on your car and blast everything in sight! Add in a fantastic four–player mode, and 2nd Offense is definitely worth a rental. If you’re an old–time Vigilante 8 fan, though, and you skipped the PlayStation version, I don’t see how you could live without this game.

Overall Game Rating: B

Activision’s website