50 Cent: Blood on the Sand Preview

The Bulletproof game, following the fictional exploits of rapper 50 Cent and G Unit was a niche title that drew fans of the artist in and gave them a surreal but entertaining experience. Of course, forums talked about the game and the developers listened, culling from the fan base what was most enjoyed about the experience.

While the first game was not an overwhelming commercial success, a sequel is in the works for the PS3 and 360 platforms, and should hit retail stands in the fall. In the second game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, the game has a much more arcade feel with the rapper putting on a show in the Middle East and then getting stiffed for the fee. Instead on money, he is given a diamond-encrusted skull. Well, if things went smoothly the game would end there, but nope – trouble looms. 50 Cent gets ambushed by a gang of international thieves, and the skull is stolen. With his posse in tow, the rapper is out to retrieve his property and find out why he was attacked in the first place.

That is the premise that lays the groundwork for a run-and-gun romp through 20 different missions, which also include some vehicle missions.

Sierra showed off the title during a spring media event held in San Francisco in mid-April.

The game uses Unreal technology and the developer, Swordfish Studios, made no bones about the fact that this is an over-the-top action-arcade adventure with plenty of targets and some minor puzzles to solve. The game also gives up a point total for each level finished and has online support and leaderboards.

Players will be able to purchase ammo and different weapons (there are 20 in the game) from a contact, as well as buy taunts used by 50 Cent and G-Unit music. Gangsta fire is akin to bullet time, and there is an anticipated 8-10 hours of gameplay.

Visually, the game was 60 percent complete and made nice use of the engine, with strong lighting and special effects.

Those who enjoyed the first outing will likely find this enjoyable, while those who are looking for an arcade shooter where the action is fast-paced and a little bit crazy might find entertainment value here as well.

50 Cent: Blood on the Sand is slated to release in the fall.