John Woo Spea ... Er, Types About Stranglehold

Why do a sequel to Hard Boiled after all of this time?

The continued interest in this story is very gratifying - it's like connecting with an old friend. In fact, exploring the story today opens up new story possibilities and whether that is through film or through a game only allows me more flexibility in exploring that world. In the movie 'Hardboiled' the character of Tequila is fixed. The story is the same every time you watch it. A video game allows the player to become the director. They can create their own scenes and add their own dimension and action to the character. Each time they play it can be a little different.

Having decided to do one, why do it as a video game? Are you a gamer yourself? What are the unique challenges and strengths of this medium as opposed to film?

My son loves video games. Making this game was a good way for me to connect with today's younger audience.

The game story needs to have alternative endings depending on the player's outcome. This can be challenging if I want the story to go a certain way in that particular scene but cannot. The process for both mediums starts out very similarly and I was lucky the writer is well-versed in both mediums so we speak the same language. Also, no matter how much we can do with action in movies, we are still somewhat limited. In video games the action is unlimited.

Given the violent nature of shoot-em-up video games and your own reputation for heavily orchestrated gun violence did you feel pressure at all to either increase of decrease the level of violence in this?

I enjoyed working with Midway. We had fun coming up with ideas for scenes and the world of the game just built up naturally. Whatever the medium, I never try to glorify the violence. I try never to use the violence to please the audience. I like to use the action to send a message.

How many doves?

Good question! I have worked with the development team at Midway to make sure doves will make an appearance in the game. You'll have to keep your eye out for them, because they only appear at very special moments.

How involved was Chow Yun Fat in the process?

Chow Yun-Fat reprises his role as Inspector Tequila, lending his voice and likeness to the game. Having Chow Yun-Fat involved with Stranglehold really brings the entire role of Inspector Tequila and "Hard Boiled" universe to life, in Stranglehold.