Bethesda is back with an action packed hunk of meat of a game, marinating its game play with a deliciously vulgar and ultraviolent new character, Rubi Malone. Rubi is not the normal hum drum hero you’re used to, nope, in fact, she’s a no nonsense woman who’s only concern is who has the cash to front her next objective. Rubi’s not out to save the world, and could care less about humanity, how refreshing. The vibe and artistic elements throughout WET put the B movie era back on the map, much like Tarantino’s well crafted masterpieces, right down to the 70’s inspired music. More specifically, WET’s visuals seem to come straight out of the movie, Grindhouse, inserting a gritty texture (you have the option to take it off in the options menu) that imitates the movie screen of the old films, right down to the reels malfunctioning. Yes, you’re at the movies, but with one main difference; you’re playing the lead role; Rubi. Old commercials randomly pop up in front of you when you least expect it as well, whether it be an advertisement for salty pickles, TV dinners, or toothpaste.
With 12 chapters in its campaign, WET offers up a solid play through with consistent action. As for the story, it’s outlandish, but purposely so. Like I said, we’re in a B movie here, and we all know how ridiculous B movies are. Either you’ll “get” the cheesy one liner dialogue mixed with the money talk’s attitude or you’ll become part of the joke. It’s your choice. Rubi takes on missions revolving around suitcases of cash and eventually battles conflicting elements with characters that are at odds with each other. She becomes involved with their problems by default, but tries to remain loyal to only a couple of close friends and her best friend: cash. The acrobatics of WET are similar to Prince of Persia, but takes it to another level. For Rubi, taking cover is within her acrobatics, which can be leveled up with points throughout the game. As Rubi jumps, slides, or wall runs, she can be put into slow motion, a necessity for survival. Unfortunately, this new mode of acrobatics seems a bit undeveloped or clunky.
Once you’ve committed to a jump or slide you’re in, there’s no backing out. The motion is set, forcing you to go with it even if you want to pop out early. It might be a small flaw, but there were numerous times where I was on a platform and slid through enemies while blasting them from underneath, noticing the edge of the floor coming closer and closer. I couldn’t do anything about it, death was imminent. The same goes for jumping; if you tap the jump button you’re in flight, so time you’re moves carefully. Rubi walks into WET with two dueling pistols. She’s able to strike two enemies at once with them and in acrobatic slow motion, one gun defaults to an enemy while you have control of the other, pointing at any foe you like. After battle areas or at the end of chapters, you have the option to upgrade your health, guns, or acrobatics, but choose wisely. As the chapters progress Rubi will accumulate a shotgun, machine gun, and cross bow, all doting out their best damage in their own specific ways.
It’s up to you to figure out which guns work better on what enemies or in what circumstances. While in slow motion, Rubi is also able to point and shoot her guns or sword at virtually any angle, utilizing a 360 degree slip-aiming mechanic Bethesda brings to the table for WET. This is a great way to take out multiple enemies at once. Battle areas are strewn throughout chapters where strategy is key. The doors slam behind you and it’s Rubi versus everybody else. Think of the Kill Bill scene with the Crazy 88’s and you’ve got the idea. Although this mode can sometimes feel repetitive, the different types of enemies, weapons, on different platforms, bring a diversity that keeps the battles fresh. In order to get through, you must place your skills on not only killing the foes around you, but closing off the doorways they’re running from to get in the room. Once you block off the entrances, they can’t come in from them again. The chase scenes also put you at the head of some of the most intense action of the game. Car chases involve Rubi literally riding on the tops of the cars or trucks, while shooting at other enemies hanging out of their vehicles.
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