Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

50 Cent: Bulletproof drops players into a gritty third-person shooter where you step into the shoes of 50 Cent himself, fresh off being shot nine times and left for dead. Right from the opening moments, the game emphasizes high-impact combat, blending standard firefights with cinematic finishing moves. With over 25 distinct close-quarters executions, the melee system injects a visceral punch into every encounter, whether you’re slamming enemies against walls or finishing them off with a brutal stomp.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Weapon variety is a highlight, ranging from akimbo pistols to shotguns, assault rifles, and explosive ordnance. Each weapon feels distinct, and the ammo economy encourages careful aiming and target prioritization. You’ll scavenge cash from fallen adversaries to buy health packs, armor, and special items, adding a light resource-management layer that keeps you hunting for loot between firefights. The ability to grab enemies as human shields and push dumpsters or vehicles into cover positions offers fun tactical moments.

The game’s Havok-driven physics system makes every firefight feel dynamic. Bullets punch through wooden crates, cars can be rolled into chokepoints, and exploding barrels send enemies flying. While the environment isn’t destructible in every area, interactive elements are sprinkled throughout stages to keep combat varied. Enemy AI generally hunkers down behind cover or attempts flanking maneuvers, though at times the pathfinding can feel uneven when navigating rubble-strewn back alleys.

Backing you up are your G-Unit crew members—Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo—each with unique utility skills. Banks picks locks and hacks doors, Buck provides heavy fire support, and Yayo handles demolitions. Their AI teammates handle simple objectives reliably but can struggle in more chaotic gunbattles. Still, coordinating with them to secure areas and pull off multi-pronged attacks gives certain missions a squad-based shooter vibe that contrasts with the solo grind of many levels.

Graphics

For its era, Bulletproof’s visuals hold up surprisingly well. The New York City streets are rendered with a grime-soaked palette, graffiti-tagged walls, and neon-lit backdrops that capture an urban underworld. Character models, especially 50 Cent’s in-game likeness, are detailed and animated to reflect his swagger. Facial animations during cutscenes occasionally feel stiff, but the motion-captured combat sequences deliver punches and gun recoils with convincing weight.

The Havok engine shines in its dynamic interactions: crates shatter into splinters, dumpsters roll realistically, and ragdoll physics send bodies tumbling down stairwells. Lighting effects emphasize mood—flickering streetlamps, neon signs, and muzzle flashes carve out pockets of darkness and chaos. On the downside, texture pop-in can occur in wider outdoor areas, and some shadow transitions appear abrupt, betraying hardware limitations of the time.

Environmental variety prevents the visuals from growing stale. You’ll fight through derelict warehouses, subway tunnels, upscale nightclubs, and abandoned tenements. Each locale has its own color scheme and hazards, such as leaking pipes that create slick floors or broken lighting that forces you to navigate by gunfire flares. While drawing power from last-generation consoles, the game’s art direction compensates for technical shortcomings with style and atmosphere.

Allied and enemy characters sport distinct outfits—G-Unit members wear signature streetwear, while rival gangs and corrupt cops stand out in contrasting colors. Vehicle models, though static outside of physics props, still contribute to immersion. Though not a graphical powerhouse by modern standards, Bulletproof’s visuals remain cohesive and functional, enhancing rather than detracting from the core action.

Story

The narrative kicks off in classic revenge-driven fashion: after rescuing K-Dog’s captive, 50 Cent is ambushed and critically wounded. Waking up in a makeshift clinic, he embarks on a quest to unmask the conspirators behind the hit and track down whoever kidnapped his friend. This loose premise provides a sturdy framework for a globe-trotting, gun-blazing adventure through New York’s criminal underbelly.

While the plot doesn’t break new ground in gaming storytelling, it succeeds by staying true to 50 Cent’s persona—tough, determined, and never one to back down. Cutscenes blend in-engine dialogue with full-motion video clips, featuring 50 Cent’s own voice and cameo performances by Dr. Dre as Grizz and Eminem as Detective McVicar. Their appearances, though brief, add star power and a sense of authentic hip-hop attitude.

Missions are interspersed with radio dispatches from your crew, news report montages, and stylized transitions that resemble a music video. This multimedia approach reinforces the game’s ties to hip-hop culture and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. Though character development is limited—your allies largely act as mission-specific support—the focus remains on the frantic drive to avenge the ambush and salvage your reputation.

Unlockables, such as behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and four full CDs of unreleased tracks, deliver additional narrative context and reward dedicated players. These extras flesh out the world beyond the shooter mechanics, making the storyline more compelling for fans of 50 Cent and hip-hop culture alike.

Overall Experience

50 Cent: Bulletproof delivers a high-octane, stylized shooter experience that integrates the rapper’s brand and music seamlessly into the gameplay. For fans of 50 Cent and the G-Unit collective, it offers a unique thrill: stepping into the bullet-riddled shoes of a hip-hop legend. The wide arsenal, dynamic environments, and signature finishing moves make every firefight feel explosive and memorable.

On the flip side, some design elements—like rigid AI pathfinding in tight spaces and occasional graphical pop-ins—reveal the game’s mid-2000s origins. Controls can feel slightly outdated by today’s standards, and the story, while entertaining, never surprises. Yet these issues rarely overshadow the pure adrenaline rush of blasting through waves of enemies or unlocking rare bonus content.

Replay value is boosted by unlockables that range from music videos and concept art to entire albums of unreleased tracks. Hardcore fans will appreciate the care put into packaging these extras, while shooter enthusiasts can dive back into earlier stages with improved loadouts to seek hidden items or speedrun objectives.

Ultimately, 50 Cent: Bulletproof is a niche title with broad appeal for anyone who enjoys action-packed shooters and hip-hop flair. It may not redefine the genre, but it carves out a distinctive identity with its blend of rap culture, explosive combat, and behind-the-scenes bonuses—making it a worthwhile pick-up for curious gamers and rap aficionados alike.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10