Dead to Rights is a 3rd-person shooter where the player takes on the role of Jack Slate , a police officer in Grant City. On a routine call, he discovers the body of his father. While searching for the killer, he becomes framed for another murder and must go on the run from the law. His pursuit will take him to various locations, including strip joints, hotels, office complexes, and even prison.
When controlling Jack Slate , players can perform various moves, such as grabbing an enemy from behind and using them as a human shield, or tossing a fire extinguisher and shooting it, causing a massive explosion. If Jack Slate does not have a gun drawn, he can disarm an enemy, which causes them to steal the enemy's gun, then perform a finishing move like a neck breaker. Initially, only a few disarm moves are available, but more can be unlocked as the game progresses.
Players will also control Shadow , Jack Slate 's loyal K-9 dog, which allows players to kill enemies from a distance. Additionally, Shadow can fetch their guns and bring them back to Jake Slate .
The game features "adrenaline combat", similar to the slow-motion sequences found in Max Payne. Jack Slate will perform slow-motion dives and spins, giving him an advantage as long as his adrenaline meter holds out.
Dead to Rights was released for Xbox on 19th August 2002.