Shakedown: Hawaii

Last updated
Shakedown: Hawaii
Shakedown Hawaii logo.png
Developer(s) Vblank Entertainment
Publisher(s) Vblank Entertainment
Designer(s) Brian Provinciano
Composer(s) Matthew Creamer
Platform(s)
ReleaseWindows, Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
  • WW: May 7, 2019
Nintendo 3DS
  • NA: September 19, 2019 (Digital), November 6, 2023 (Physical)
  • PAL: September 26, 2019
Wii
  • EU: July 9, 2020
Wii U [1]
  • NA: August 20, 2020
PlayStation 3
  • WW: August 20, 2020
PlayStation 5
  • WW: December 15, 2020
Genre(s) Action-adventure
Mode(s) Single-player

Shakedown: Hawaii is an open world action-adventure video game developed by Canadian studio Vblank Entertainment. Like its predecessor Retro City Rampage , it is a parody of multiple subjects, including retro games, 1980s pop culture, manipulative business practices, and Grand Theft Auto and similar games. It was released in 2019 on Microsoft Windows, and has since been released on various Nintendo and Sony platforms, including legacy consoles. Shakedown: Hawaii serves as the final game released for the Wii and PlayStation 3 consoles. This was also the final physically released Wii game in Europe.

Contents

Story

Decades after founding Hawaii-based conglomerate Feeble Multinational and writing a best-selling business advice book, the aging and out-of-touch CEO of Feeble learns that his company is on the verge of bankruptcy, with online shopping, video streaming, and vehicle for hire mobile apps sapping Feeble's profits from its retail stores, VHS rentals, and taxi services. The CEO, together with his unemployed adult son Scooter and a henchman known only as "The Consultant", band together to rebuild Feeble into a corporate empire. Their arsenal of unscrupulous tactics includes violating consumer protection standards, razing buildings to make way for redevelopment, competing on a dangerous game show, destroying package delivery trucks, raiding a drug cartel, and shaking down other businesses. A subplot centers around the CEO's son Scooter as he joins a gang and performs tasks for the gang's leader, Tad. [2] [3]

Gameplay

Shakedown: Hawaii features an open world island with 16-bit style graphics, a top-down perspective, over 200 accessible buildings, and a destructible environment. In addition to a story mode following the three main characters, the player can break away from missions to free-roam the map and extort local businesses, use a variety of weapons to cause chaos, attempt arcade-like challenges and mini-games, purchase real-estate in a market that fluctuates in response, steal cars, or purchase clothing from stores. Combat is similar to Retro City Rampage , and involves using a wide variety of weapons to destroy enemies, vehicles, and property. [3] [4]

Release

Shakedown: Hawaii was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita on May 7, 2019, and also for the Nintendo 3DS on September 19, 2019 in North America, and September 26, 2019 in Europe and Australia. [5] A port for the PlayStation 5 was released on December 15, 2020. [6]

Ports to discontinued consoles

Many months after its initial release, VBlank ported Shakedown to three consoles that were discontinued in recent years: the Wii, the Wii U and the PlayStation 3. VBlank announced the Wii and Wii U versions on June 26, 2020. Both versions included all major content updates released to that point, and allowed the player to play the game with a sideways Wii Remote or a Classic Controller, with the former also supporting the GameCube controller and the latter supporting native Wii U controllers. The Wii version was released on July 9 exclusively in Europe with only a limited run of 3,000 copies, due to the system's obsolescence and Nintendo of America's inability to authorize a North American release. According to Vice , designer Brian Provinciano was informed that Nintendo of America was unable to approve a release because a few of its departments no longer had the ability to retrieve equipment that is necessary to distribute the game physically in North America. [7] The Wii U version released worldwide the following month, with a physical release for NTSC systems. [8] [9] The Wii U version released on August 20, 2020 in three different editions: a digital download format that was available on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop, and two physical editions (one standard edition and one special edition, with the latter featuring a digital soundtrack and a special protective case) that were each limited to 3,000 copies, like the Wii version. [1] This was the final game to be released physically on the Wii in Europe, the final game to be released physically on the Wii U in North America, and the last game overall to be available on a Nintendo optical disc. Vblank also announced that a PlayStation 3 version of Shakedown: Hawaii would be digitally released on the same day, featuring the same post-release content added to the Wii and Wii U versions. Players who owned Shakedown: Hawaii on any other PlayStation platform are able to download the PS3 version for free, as well as synchronize save progress between that version and other owned PlayStation versions of the game. [10] A physical version was announced in September 2022. [11]

Reception

Shakedown: Hawaii has received reviews ranging from "generally favorable" to "mixed or average" depending on platform according to Metacritic. [12] [13] [14]

Destructoid scored the game an 8/10. Reviewer Chris Carter praised the gameplay, visuals, soundtrack, and "relaxed emphasis on doing whatever you want", calling the game a worthy follow-up to Retro City Rampage that improved on many of its aspects. However, Carter noted there were some minor mission-interrupting glitches, and criticized the story's presentation: "I don't think the tritagonist focus (you play as the CEO's son and the company's main Winston Wolf fixer) really serves the narrative, nor does it make a meaningful statement against, say, GTA V 's usage of the same conceit. [...] I mostly just found myself playing as the CEO as he is the crux of the tale." [15]

Game Informer 's Jeff Cork also gave the game an 8/10, highlighting the abundance of content and humorous tone, but describing the economy as unbalanced because it was possible to earn enough money to trivialize the acquisition of late-game purchases. In his summation, Cork stated, "The economy might be a little wonky, but Shakedown: Hawaii delivers a nice blast of classic arcade action and some solid laughs." [16]

Related Research Articles

Retro Studios, Inc. is an American video game developer and subsidiary of Nintendo based in Austin, Texas. The studio is best known for its work on the Metroid Prime and Donkey Kong Country series, and has contributed to several other Nintendo-developed projects, such as Mario Kart 7.

<i>Pokémon</i> (video game series) Japanese video game series

Pokémon is a series of video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company under the Pokémon media franchise. It was created by Satoshi Tajiri with assistance from Ken Sugimori, the first games, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, were released in 1996 in Japan for the Game Boy, later released outside of Japan as Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version. The main series of role-playing video games (RPGs), referred as the "core series" by their developers, has continued on each generation of Nintendo's handhelds. The most recently released core series games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, were released on November 18, 2022, for the Nintendo Switch.

WiiWare was a service that allowed Wii users to download games and applications specifically designed and developed for the Wii video game console made by Nintendo. These games and applications could only be purchased and downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel under the WiiWare section. Once the user had downloaded the game or application, it would appear in their Wii Menu or SD Card Menu as a new channel. WiiWare was a companion to the Virtual Console, which specializes in emulated games originally developed for other systems instead of original games.

<i>Dokapon Kingdom</i> 2007 role-playing video game

Dokapon Kingdom is a role-playing video game developed and published by Sting Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan on November 22, 2007, and by Atlus USA in North America on October 14, 2008. It is a remake of the 1994 Super Famicom title, Dokapon 3・2・1 – Arashi o Yobu Yuujou. The PlayStation 2 version was later re-released in Japan on November 20, 2008. A port to the Wii was released on July 31, 2008, as Dokapon Kingdom for Wii. The Wii version was published in North America by Atlus USA on October 14, 2008, and in Europe by Bigben Interactive on March 26, 2010. A Nintendo Switch remake published by Compile Heart, titled Dokapon Kingdom: Connect, was released in Japan on April 13, 2023, which was followed by an international release by Idea Factory on May 9, 2023. A Windows port of the remake was released on September 7, 2023.

Ronimo Games was a Dutch video game developer founded in 2007 by former students of the Utrecht School of the Arts.

<i>Donkey Kong Country Returns</i> 2010 platform video game

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a 2010 platform game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii console. The game was released first in North America in November 2010, and in PAL regions and Japan the following month. The game's story focuses on an evil group of Tiki-like creatures known as the Tiki Tak Tribe that are unleashed on Donkey Kong Island and hypnotize the island's animals to stealing Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong's banana hoard, prompting the two to traverse the island to reclaim it.

<i>Retro City Rampage</i> 2012 action-adventure video game

Retro City Rampage is an action-adventure game developed by Vblank Entertainment. It is a parody of retro games and 1980s and 1990s pop culture, as well as Grand Theft Auto and similar games. It was first released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Microsoft Windows in 2012, with ports later releasing for several other platforms. An enhanced version, Retro City Rampage DX, was released for Nintendo 3DS in 2014, followed by later ports for other platforms. Previous ports of the original version were later updated to the DX version via free updates.

The eighth generation of video game consoles began in 2012, and consists of four home video game consoles: the Wii U released in 2012, the PlayStation 4 family in 2013, the Xbox One family in 2013, and the Nintendo Switch family in 2017.

<i>The Amazing Spider-Man</i> (2012 video game) 2012 open world action-adventure video game

The Amazing Spider-Man is an open world video game based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man and the 2012 film of the same name. It was developed by Beenox and published by Activision. It was released on June 26 in North America and on June 29, 2012 in Europe for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows. A version for the Wii U was released in March 2013 in North America and Europe known as The Amazing Spider-Man: Ultimate Edition in both regions. A PlayStation Vita version was released in November 2013. A sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, was released in April 2014, itself based on the film.

<i>Mutant Mudds</i> 2012 video game

Mutant Mudds is a platform video game developed by Renegade Kid. Players control Max and Granny as they combat the titular invaders following a meteorite crash. The game was first released as a Nintendo 3DS eShop exclusive in 2012, and arrived on Microsoft Windows and iOS in 2012. An enhanced version of the game, titled Mutant Mudds Deluxe, was released in 2013 for Wii U and Microsoft Windows, and in 2016 for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4. The Nintendo 3DS version was updated as the enhanced version in 2014.

<i>Axiom Verge</i> 2015 video game

Axiom Verge is a metroidvania video game by American indie developer Thomas Happ. The game was originally released in March 2015 in North America and April 2015 in Europe and Australia for PlayStation 4. It was released in May 2015 for Linux, OS X, and Windows. A PlayStation Vita version was released in April 2016. The Wii U and Xbox One versions were released in North America and Europe in September 2016. A Nintendo Switch version was released in October 2017.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

<i>Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze</i> 2014 video game

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a 2014 platform game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii U console. The fifth installment in the Donkey Kong Country series, Tropical Freeze is a direct sequel to the 2010 Wii game Donkey Kong Country Returns and was released in February 2014. An enhanced port for the Nintendo Switch was released in May 2018.

Teslagrad is a 2013 side-scrolling puzzle-platform game developed and published by Rain Games.

<i>Severed</i> (video game) 2016 action-adventure video game

Severed is an action-adventure video game developed and published by DrinkBox Studios for the PlayStation Vita, iOS, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch. It was released on April 26, 2016, in North America and Europe for the PlayStation Vita and it was released on Wii U and iOS on September 22, 2016. It was released on Nintendo 3DS in Europe on September 22, 2016, North America on October 13, 2016. It was released in Japan on December 28, 2016.

<i>Pokkén Tournament</i> 2015 video game

Pokkén Tournament is a fighting video game developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game combines gameplay elements from Bandai Namco's Tekken series and other fighting games, such as 3D and 2D movement, with characters from the Pokémon franchise. It was released for Japanese arcades in July 2015, and worldwide for the Wii U in March 2016. An enhanced port for the Nintendo Switch, Pokkén Tournament DX, was released in September 2017. The arcade version was published by Bandai Namco, the Japanese console versions were published by The Pokémon Company, and the console versions outside of Japan were published by Nintendo.

<i>Adventures of Pip</i> 2015 platform video game

Adventures of Pip is a platform game developed and published by Tic Toc Games. The game launched in June 2015 for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Wii U and in July 2015 for iOS. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions were released in August 2015, and the Nintendo Switch version in September 2020.

<i>Ghost Blade</i> 2015 video game

Ghost Blade is a 2015 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and originally published by German studio HUCAST Games as an independent commercial release for the Dreamcast. It was re-released between 2017 and 2018 by JoshProd. A high-definition version titled Ghost Blade HD was also released for PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Controlling one of three fighter crafts, the player fights to protect Mars against the corrupt artificial intelligence Shira. Its gameplay consist of five stages, with players gathering collectible items and defeating enemies to build combos and maintain a high-score, while avoiding collision with their projectiles and obstacles.

References

  1. 1 2 Doolan, Liam (16 August 2020). "Shakedown: Hawaii For Wii U Arrives Next Week". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  2. ↑ "A Deep Dive into Shakedown: Hawaii". Vblank Entertainment Inc. October 19, 2018. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Santa Maria, Alex (March 15, 2019). "Shakedown: Hawaii is like getting first class tickets to paradise". GameRevolution. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  4. ↑ Franzese, Thomas (October 19, 2018). "Retro City Rampage Successor Shakedown: Hawaii Channels its GTA Inspiration in Overview Trailer". DualShockers. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  5. ↑ Doolan, Liam (September 13, 2019). "Shakedown: Hawaii Launches On 3DS eShop This Month, Includes The "Full Tank" Update". Nintendo Life . Archived from the original on October 4, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Shakedown: Hawaii coming to PS5 on December 15". Gematsu. December 12, 2020. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  7. ↑ Klepek, Patrick (10 July 2020). "Why This Developer Is Releasing a New Wii Game in 2020". Vice. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  8. ↑ McFerran, Damien (June 26, 2020). "No, Seriously, The Wii And Wii U Are Getting Physical Versions Of Shakedown: Hawaii This Year". Nintendo Life . Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Shakedown Hawaii: It's Coming to Wii and Wii U!". VBlank Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Shakedown Hawaii: It's Coming to Wii U and..." VBlank Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 27, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  11. ↑ "New Physical PS3 Titles | Vblank Entertainment Inc". www.vblank.com. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  12. 1 2 "Shakedown: Hawaii Switch". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  13. 1 2 "Shakedown: Hawaii PC". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  14. 1 2 "Shakedown: Hawaii PlayStation 4". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  15. 1 2 Carter, Chris (6 May 2019). "Review: Shakedown: Hawaii". Destructoid . Destructoid. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  16. 1 2 Cork, Jeff (10 May 2019). "Review: Shakedown: Hawaii". Game Informer . Game Informer. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  17. ↑ Workman, Robert (8 May 2019). "Shakedown Hawaii Review - (Good) Trouble in paradise". Game Revolution . Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  18. ↑ White, Lewis (8 May 2019). "Shakedown: Hawaii Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life . Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  19. ↑ Abou-Nasr, Adam (6 May 2019). "Shakedown: Hawaii (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.