Stranglehold is a fantastic third-person shooter developed by Tiger Hill Entertainment and published by Midway Games in 2007. However, before Midway partnered with John-Woo to make his masterpiece, the idea actually originated in 2003 when SEGA and John-Woo joined forces for a potential three games. The first game was called Sinner. Players would have to assume the role of an assassin who, after being murdered during a contract, is sent to hell. If they’re able to escape the 18 levels of what the lead character determines is Buddhist hell, they’ll have a chance to avenge your death back on Earth and return to the woman you love.
The second game was called Burglar. The player will play as the estranged son of a world-class thief whose father is ironically killed in his own home by a common burglar. With no experience but a number of tools left behind by their father, the player will turn to thievery and set out to avenge their father’s death.
And lastly, Stranglehold. The original pitch was slightly different from the final product. The game would have revolved around two men on opposite sides of the law whose lives become intertwined when the son of a cop is murdered, and the blame is laid on an innocent gang leader. Little is known about this pitch other than a magazine overview.
Unfortunately, SEGA and Tiger Hill Entertainment’s partnership didn’t last long, and all three projects were cancelled.
