Activision, as usual, is busy supporting each and every single system out there. A few weeks after the release of the Playstation version of Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense, we were graced with this even better Dreamcast version. So what are the differences between the two versions you ask? Well, besides the really smooth 4-player modes, the visuals have been spruced up as well. The game now runs in the Dreamcast's trademark 640x480 resolution, and usually has a framerate close to 60fps, even in the 2 player split screen mode. The textures are of higher resolution and color, and there are more polygons here and there, but the engine is definitely based on the PSX version's. While much better than what was seen in the beta a few weeks ago, some texture fade in and slowdown is still apparent. It's really not that bad looking, but it may strike you as odd the first few times you play the game. Overall the Dreamcast version is still very impressive.

Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense is chock full of wild and wacky characters, vehicles and weapons. Everything from dune buggies, to stunt motorcycles to moon rovers are included, and each has its own unique special ability/weapon. Besides your standard machine gun and special weapons, every character can perform a huge number of special attacks after picking up new weapons. The rockets, mines, flamethrowers, mortars and cannons all have 4 different firing modes. Learning the button inputs for all alternative weapon attacks is absolutely crucial to completing a level.

The arenas in which you do battle are scattered all throughout the United States. Each location is more or less completely interactive. You can destroy practically anything, including trees, buildings, towers, trains, etc. There are also areas that when driving up to, can trigger events to occur. You can launch a space shuttle, ride a ski lift, and even cause an entire level to flood. Many of these events are used to allow you to complete certain mission objectives, so it is important to experiment with the surroundings.

Everything else about the Dreamcast version is exactly the same. Which is a good thing in my opinion. Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense features more than enough single and multiplayer modes to keep anyone busy. In Single Player, you get Quest (Story) Mode, Arcade Mode, and Survival Mode. In the Quest Mode, you choose a character and work your way through 8 locations of increasing difficulty, all while attempting to complete mission objectives. Destroying all the enemy vehicles is only 1/3 of what needs to be done in each location. Usually you will need to locate and deliver special items, and perform some unique task (such as competing in Olympic Games, or capturing an Alligator), in addition to wiping out the opposition. After completing all the levels, you usually have to face off with a hidden boss character, which if defeated, will trigger a character specific ending movie. The Arcade Mode allows you to select a vehicle, an arena, and up to 12 opponents to destroy. In other words a Death Match. Survival Mode is similar to Arcade Mode, but you take on an infinite number of enemies, in waves of 4.

The multiplayer mode, as with most vehicular combat games, is very important. V8:So features a great number of multiplayer modes, and they all help add to the longevity of the game. The first multiplayer mode is the Two Player. The Two Player Mode allows you and a friend to play Versus, Cooperative (player 1 and player 2 vs enemies), and Quest Mode. The Quest Mode is identical to that as found in the single player mode, but now you and a friend can cooperatively work your way through the story. There are not many games out there that allow true coop play, but this is certainly one of them. The second multiplayer mode is known as, uh, Multiplayer, or in other words the party mode. Three or 4 players can face off in a deathmatch style Brawl, a Team Mode and what is called a Smear Mode. The Smear Mode allows 3 of the players to gang up on the 4th. When that person is destroyed, then another person becomes "it", and must avoid being destroyed by the rest.

Besides your usual gamut of hidden vehicles and characters, Luxoflux added a few unique features to V8:So. When you destroy enemy vehicles, one of four Salvage Icons (acceleration, speed, armor, target avoidance) will appear for a short time. Each of the icons will add a certain number of points to your overall rating. When you reach 10 points for each category, your stats will be upgraded. If you reach 50 points of a specific type, your vehicle will be upgraded and a new attachment added to the chassis. And if you total 100 points, you obtain a completely new tricked out chassis for your vehicle. Gathering points is not a simple and quick process either. You will need to play through the levels quite a few times before reaching any of the upgrade marks. Another interesting feature is the temporary propulsion systems you can collect on each level. If a location features snow, water or a lot of rough terrain, there will usually be a powerup mechanism to deal with each. The Hoverpod allows your vehicle to hover a few feet off the ground to avoid rough terrain; The Hydrofloaters turn your wheels into propellers to allow you to navigate deep water; And the Skis N' Treads gives you the ability to shred through any snow covered areas with ease. The powerups can easily be detached on the fly, at any time.