PyroPlayers Magazine - PPM Previews

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Conker's Quest

Developed By: Rare
Release Date: Spring 1998

With the awe-inspiring Super Mario 64 fading fast in the rearview mirror, it is now up to Rare to deliver the next major 3-D platforming experience. This step into the spotlight will be Conker's Quest, the first self-published title from the studio. On the surface, its resemblance to the SM64 breakthrough is hard to miss: Bright and youthful visuals, a sprawling 3-D environment, and a charming protagonist. Rather, make that two! Players can cycle between the heroic duo of Conker the Squirrel and Berri the Chipmunk. In this tale, a gang of troublemakers have stolen over 1,000 housewarming gifts, scattering them across four distinct worlds. Guide the fuzzy rodents through puzzles and platform challenges, commandeering unique vehicles and bopping enemies along the way.

Perhaps CQ's most intriguing feature is its advanced A.I. engine, which allows characters to respond "emotionally" to game events. Through lifelike facial cues, Conker and Berri can hint at upcoming obstacles or point out missed secrets, adding an impressive level of immersion. Neat! CQ looks ready to continue Rare's winning streak, assuming the extra development time will bring everything together. Originally due out this December, the release has been delayed and is now expected to land early next year.

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Metal Gear Solid

Developed By: Konami
Release Date: TBD 1998

The buzz surrounding Konami's upcoming spy-action thriller Metal Gear Solid is reaching a fever pitch, confirming that this is one of the most ambitious titles attempted on PlayStation. Excitement sparked with a six-minute gameplay reel shown at E3, stunning viewers with perhaps the most graphically intense title for PS-X, period. The footage, composed much like a high-energy movie trailer, showcased all-polygon environments and unprecedented realism. MGS will be the third installment in the classic Metal Gear series, placing players in the role of Solid Snake as he infiltrates an Alaskan nuclear weapons storehouse commandeered by a dangerous terrorist group called Fox Hound. The chief emphasis, much like its NES predecessors, is on strategic infiltration and stealth rather than full-on firefights.

Snake begins his mission with nothing but cigarettes and binoculars in his possession. Worry not, this legendary operative will pick up an assortment of items and weapons along his trek through risky territory, including plastic explosives that shake entire rooms. Konami's high attention to detail is a feast for the eyes. From the clatter of empty shell casings on the floor to visible clouds of breath in the chilly Alaskan air, this is shaping up to be the most realistic game since Tomb Raider. Keep an eye out for MGS. If it meets the hype, it may just be the greatest game of 1998.

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Burning Rangers

Developed By: Sega CS3
Release Date: Spring 1998

From the mind of famed game designed Yuji Naka, famed creator of Sonic and NiGHTS, a highly ambitious and visually striking title is on the way to the Saturn. Prepare yourselves for Burning Rangers. This title is a radical departure from Naka's trademark whimsical style, thrusting players into a futuristic rescue squad tasked with scouring the maze-like interior of a burning space station for survivors. With as many as 80 rooms per stage, navigation could become overwhelming, but the included Maps Screen will surely help players keep their bearings as the fires close in. These roaring blazes are not just static hazards - They maintain the intelligence of living enemies, bursting through walls with explosive backdrafts.

Running on a highly modified version of the NiGHTS game engine, the graphics are nothing short of extraordinary. Expect to see plenty of 3-D areas as well as impressive transparency and dynamic lighting effects. Players will control either a male or female Ranger, utilizing an assortment of firefighting weapons to battle the blaze. Rangers are equipped with jetpacks for double-jumping abilities and chargeable weapons to tackle the infernos. While battling fire, expect to encounter roving robots and at least four total Bosses. Naka is poised to deliver a fiery smash hit on Sega's system when this disc hits shelves next year.

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