Genre: First-person shooter / Space combat
Developer: Warthog Games
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games
Year: 2003
System: Microsoft Xbox
Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter is a hybrid first-person shooter and space combat game developed by Warthog Games and published by Vivendi Universal Games. Released in 2003 for the Xbox, as well as for other platforms, the game follows the story of Mace Griffin, a former law enforcer turned bounty hunter, seeking revenge after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
The gameplay alternates between ground-based first-person shooting and free-roaming spaceflight missions, allowing players to seamlessly transition between the two. On foot, players explore various planets, stations, and installations, engaging enemies with a variety of weapons. In space, missions involve dogfighting, cargo escort, and navigating asteroid fields in different spacecraft.
The Xbox version features detailed 3D environments and cinematic cutscenes to support the game’s narrative. The transition between space and ground combat is handled in real time without loading screens, a notable technical achievement at the time. The voice acting includes performances by Hollywood talent, including Henry Rollins in the title role.
Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter received mixed reviews, with praise for its ambitious design and spaceflight integration, though some criticism was directed at repetitive mission structure and dated graphics. The Xbox version holds a Metacritic score of 67/100.
