Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas

Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	2000
Founder	n-Space (developer), Fox Interactive (publisher)
Products	Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas

Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas is a video game developed by n-Space and released by Fox Interactive for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation in 2000. Serving as a follow-up to Die Hard Trilogy, which drew inspiration from the Die Hard film franchise, this installment incorporates three distinct gameplay modes: 3rd person Action/Adventure (third-person shooter), Sharpshooting (light gun rail shooter), and Extreme Driving (car chase racing). Unlike its predecessor’s separate story arcs, this sequel offers a unified original storyline that shifts fluidly among the three gameplay styles.

Gameplay

In contrast to the first title, Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas merges its three gameplay modes—3rd person Action/Adventure, Sharpshooting, and Extreme Driving—within a continuous "Movie Mode," allowing players to experience seamless transitions between genres. Alternatively, users can access each mode independently through "Arcade Mode".

The 3rd person Action/Adventure sections introduce improved enemy AI behaviors such as patrolling, sound detection, and stealth tactics. The arsenal includes conventional firearms alongside unique weapons like flamethrowers, shock rifles, and jackhammers.

This game accommodates a range of input peripherals beyond the standard PlayStation controller, including support for the PlayStation Mouse, various light gun devices, and steering wheels tailored for specific gameplay segments.

Plot

John McClane resides in New York City until his acquaintance Kenny Sinclair, newly installed as warden of Mesa Grande Prison in Las Vegas, invites him to a celebration. At this gathering, McClane encounters Reese Hoffman, proprietor of the Roaring 20's Casino, along with his assistant Elena Goshkin. During the festivities, a prison uprising erupts and inmate Klaus Von Haug escapes custody, compelling McClane to face terrorists once more. It is subsequently uncovered that Kenny, Reese, and Elena are conspiring to seize control of Las Vegas. Ultimately, McClane overcomes all adversaries.

Development

Fox Interactive sought out Picture House—the developer behind the original Die Hard Trilogy—to produce the sequel. However, Picture House declined the offer in favor of focusing on their project Terracon. The rapper Lil' Zane contributed an exclusive track featured in the game's main menu.

Reception

According to GameRankings, Die Hard Trilogy 2: Viva Las Vegas garnered mixed critiques across both PC and PlayStation platforms. Reviewers commonly pointed out that the game did not excel within any of its three gameplay categories. IGN’s Sam Bishop remarked on the PlayStation version’s underwhelming execution despite commendable frame rates and animation quality. GameRevolution criticized the soundtrack and camera mechanics, especially during light-gun and driving sequences. NextGen labeled it "a jumble of poorly realized gameplay concepts paired with outdated visuals."

GamePro commended the PC edition for effectively capturing the cinematic action atmosphere, whereas opinions on the PlayStation release ranged from disappointment to acknowledgment of its diverse gaming engines. AllGame assigned moderate ratings for both versions, suggesting that while fans of action games and the film series might find some enjoyment, those anticipating significant innovation from the sequel could be let down.

Overall, despite leveraging a well-known franchise, the title struggled to fulfill expectations established by its predecessor, which influenced its commercial and critical reception.