Stranglehold Free Download 2023

Stranglehold:

Introduction:

Stranglehold is a third-person shooter video game that was developed by Midway Studios – Chicago and Tiger Hill Entertainment, and subsequently published by Midway Games. The game was released in the latter part of 2007 for platforms including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Notably, it marked Midway's inaugural utilization of the Unreal Engine 3. Serving as a sequel to the 1992 Hong Kong action film "Hard Boiled," directed by John Woo, Stranglehold features Chow Yun-fat reprising his role as the gritty cop Inspector "Tequila" Yuen. This game also signifies the renewed collaboration between John Woo and Chow Yun-fat, following their work on "Hard Boiled." The game garnered generally favorable reviews from critics and achieved sales of over one million units worldwide.

An intended sequel to Stranglehold, titled "Gun Runner," was in progress before Midway encountered financial difficulties, ultimately leading to its cancellation.

The game's narrative unfolds in Hong Kong, where three Triad crime syndicates - Dragon Claw, Imperial 9s (I9s) based in Tai O, and Golden Kane - vie for control over territory. The storyline kicks off when a police officer goes missing, prompting the Hong Kong Police Force to receive a ransom call. Ignoring orders from Police Chief Lee, Inspector Tequila Yuen embarks on a solo mission to a Kowloon market in an attempt to rescue the officer. However, he stumbles upon evidence of the officer's demise. This sets Tequila on a path that leads him to a teahouse, where his presence unintentionally disrupts a business transaction between members of Golden Kane and I9. Following a lead that implicates I9 in the officer's murder and their affiliation with Dragon Claw, Tequila embarks on an investigation in Tai O.

Gameplay:

In Tai O, Tequila encounters Dragon Claw's leader, Jimmy Wong. Tequila's history with Wong is intricate; the inspector had previously been in a relationship with Wong's daughter, Billie, and the couple had a child named Teko. Wong's side includes his henchmen, Dapang and Jerry Ying—an undercover officer and Tequila's former partner. Wong unveils a larger conspiracy: Golden Kane is orchestrating a scheme to expand its dominance in Hong Kong by framing the I9 for the officer's death. Additionally, Golden Kane forms an alliance with the Zakarovs, a Ukrainian mafia group from Chicago, aiming to abduct Billie and Teko to secure a part of Wong's territory. When Golden Kane launches an attack on Dragon Claw's Tai O base, Tequila pledges to assist Wong in finding his family and helps him escape.

Tequila eavesdrops on a conversation between Golden Kane's leader, Yung Gi, and the Zakarovs. Impressed by the Zakarovs' philanthropic endeavors and social status, Yung embarks on a trip to Chicago to learn from the Ukrainian mafia's operational methods and facilitate ransom negotiations. Tequila and Jerry journey to the Zakarovs' penthouse in Chicago, each covering different floors. Unfortunately, they are spotted by Vladimir Zakarov. Tequila ascends to the top floor, engaging in a battle with Vladimir, which culminates in the Ukrainian accidentally detonating his own rocket launcher. Tequila then tends to the injured Jerry.

Tequila tracks down Damon and Yung in the Chicago History Museum, where they are negotiating the exchange involving Billie and Teko. An agreement is reached: Yung will take Teko back to Hong Kong, and Damon will transport Billie. Yung departs with Teko, while Tequila eliminates Damon. As he reunites with his beloved, Tequila falls into an ambush set by Jerry, who ends up killing Billie. Upon confirming Wong's involvement in Billie's murder, Tequila eliminates Jerry and seizes his cell phone. A video on the phone unveils Wong's motives: to safeguard Teko, Billie plans to reveal the identities of Dragon Claw associates in court, resulting in Wong's conviction if he resists the Zakarovs' demands. Tequila contacts Wong using Jerry's phone, falsely accusing Jerry of the inspector's killing.

Back in Hong Kong, Tequila confronts Yung in his office to propose a deal. When Yung refuses to release Teko, Tequila provides evidence—text messages between Wong and Jerry—proving that Dragon Claw intends to betray Golden Kane during the exchange. The two reach a revised agreement: if Tequila eliminates Wong during the exchange, Yung will release Teko. However, during a showdown with Dragon Claw members, Tequila arrives at the meeting site later than expected. Wong escapes with Teko while Tequila, Yung, and Dapang find themselves in a tense standoff. Dapang kills Yung, leaving Tequila and Dapang facing each other.

Development:

Tequila commandeers a nearby vehicle and pursues Wong to his estate. By shooting down one of Wong's helicopters, Tequila causes it to crash through the fortified front entrance of Wong's main stronghold. Inside the estate, a confrontation unfolds: Wong and Dapang have taken Teko hostage. Following a tense standoff, Wong agrees to release Teko in exchange for both her and Tequila departing Hong Kong permanently. As Teko is freed, she warns her father about a trap, but gets shot by Wong in the arm while attempting to flee. Tequila, driven by fury, pursues Wong and Dapang. He eliminates Dapang and, armed with a high-powered sniper rifle, confronts Wong. Before Wong can execute a headshot, Teko intervenes, pushing him over the balcony to his demise.

The story culminates with a reunion between father and daughter. Chief Lee arrives on the scene, returning Tequila's badge. Tequila and Teko exit the scene together.

Stranglehold aims to translate the gun ballet aesthetic characteristic of director John Woo's films—such as "Hard Boiled" and "The Killer"—into an interactive medium. Although comparisons have been drawn between this game and Remedy Entertainment's "Max Payne" series, which was influenced by Woo, both games are fundamentally rooted in Woo's extensive, elaborate gunfight sequences.

Influences:

Functioning as a third-person shooter game, Stranglehold places players in control of the protagonist, Inspector Tequila Yuen, as he confronts various gangsters in Hong Kong and Chicago. Players navigate the levels by walking, diving, and utilizing cover behind walls. Throughout these actions, a diverse selection of weapons can be employed, including pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, assault rifles, rocket launchers, heavy machine guns, and grenades. Engaging in actions such as jumping or interacting with objects while aiming at an opponent slows down time, creating a brief period during which Tequila can target enemies. This gameplay mechanic, referred to as "Tequila Time," mimics the cinematic effect synonymous with Woo's style. The Tequila Time meter depletes with use and replenishes over time. Additionally, Tequila draws inspiration from his environment, such as moving along railings, swinging from chandeliers, sliding across tabletops, and using carts as he engages adversaries.

The gameplay also capitalizes on the graceful and stylized nature of Woo's prolonged shootouts. Dispatching enemies earns players stars, and the more stylish and rapid the takedowns, the greater the number of stars accumulated. Executing successive takedowns or incorporating environmental interactions enhances star acquisition. These stars, in turn, bolster Tequila's attack potency and defensive capabilities during interactions.

Tequila employs several signature techniques from Woo's cinematic works, known as "Tequila Bombs." Activation of Tequila Bombs necessitates energy. Energy is earned by defeating foes (equivalent to the stars garnered) and by locating hidden paper cranes scattered throughout each level.