| October-November 1997 |
Blast Corps
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Release Date: March 1997
Best Feature: Explosions!
Blast Corps truly energizes the anemic Nintendo 64 catalog, proving Rare's three years of development resulted in a unique and creative payoff. You're tasked with clearing a route for an out-of-control nuclear missile carrier, demolishing anything blocking its way. It's like living a childhood dream with Tonka trucks, but bigger and bolder. It’s not simply about mindless destruction; this game blends puzzles, vehicle simulation, and strategy into a stimulating challenge. Throughout its over 60 distinct stages, you control a dozen varied machines, ranging from bulldozers to a missile-firing motorcycle, each with their own handling of demolition. The game looks sharp - clean polygons and appealing lighting effects. With its expansive stages, lasting appeal, also that irresistible urge to play "just one more level," Blast Corps stands out as a worthwhile purchase among Nintendo 64 games.
Mario Kart 64
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: February 1997
Best Feature: Battle Mode
Mario Kart 64 retains the style and fun of its 16-Bit predecessor and supercharges the action onto the N64 with bright visuals and a challenging assortment of racetracks. Its gameplay immediately invokes familiarity thanks to straightforward, responsive controls utilizing the controller's analog stick. An abundance of play modes, racers, and items keeps the action engaging and the blood pumping. However, MK64 is not without its imperfections. Tracks are missing any real hidden paths or shortcuts, and the varied power-ups sometimes feel unbalanced - oftentimes propelling last-place characters to the lead. Wish we could disable that awful lightning bolt! Oh, plus a smidge of slowdown in four-player Battle Mode. That aside, the good far outweighs the bad, and surpasses the Super NES classic in virtually every way. This is a magnificent game that is certainly worth picking up to play with fellow player pals.
Goldeneye 007
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Release Date: August 1997
Best Feature: 4-Player Deathmatches
Rare's GoldenEye 007 isn't simply a great adaptation of the movie - its quality surpasses the film and is arguably the best N64 first-person shooter yet. It moves beyond the mindless corridor shooters on the market and forces players to rely on stealth and strategic thinking, truly embodying the spirit of James Bond. This title's eighteen intricate levels contain twenty missions, each with nifty gadgets at your disposal to accomplish your tasks. Using a silencer to sneak into a facility and rescue captured scientists isn't seen in your average Doom clone. Prepare to be immersed in this game world courtesy of solid enemy AI and realistic animations. Outside of the main missions, four-player, split-screen deathmatch mode is the stuff of shooter dreams. This is what the N64 was made for. We would warn that these controls may take a bit to get used to for players new to 3-D gaming.
Mega Man 8
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Release Date: March 1997
Best Feature: Smooth 2-D Gameplay
Mega Man lands on the PlayStation with its eighth mainline entry, a crisp and colorful side-scroller which matches precisely what fans have come to expect out of Capcom's flagship series. Kudos to the devs for resisting the temptation to make this into a clumsy 3-D platformer. On the contrary, MM8's level design is thoughtfully crafted and visually pleasing. The Blue Bomber's numerous weapons give this adventure plenty of variety, as do the challenging and inventive face-offs with Dr. Wily's latest robot masters. Splendid animated cutscenes break up the action nicely with minimal load times. And yet, the experience is hindered by the inclusion of some of the worst voice acting heard in a big-name title, so have that mute button at the ready! Those who disliked the NES and Super NES entries may not be enthralled here (Frostman's stage! Grrr!).
Oddworld
Publisher: GT Interactive
Developer: Oddworld
Release Date: September 1997
Best Feature: Creative Puzzle Ideas
Forget all about state-of-the-art 3-D games - Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee shows what 2-D can do. This is a visually stunning side-scroller combining tricky puzzle-solving, cinematic presentation, and a refreshingly original game world.You play as Abe, an unassuming factory worker who learns his species is being cut up and served as lunch meat. His mission, if it were not clear enough, is to liberate his fellow Mudokons by relying on tactical cunning, precision, and a "Gamespeak" communication system. Abe's Oddysee delivers a remarkably immersive world and expressive characters rarely seen nowadays. Though impatient players might find this game's slow speed or tough puzzles irritating, overcoming these obstacles is satisfying as it rewards observation over reflexes. Boasting beautiful graphics, layered audio, and a heartfelt story, this is a standout experience.
Croc
Publisher: Fox Interactive
Developer: Argonaut
Release Date: September 1997
Best Feature: Character Designs
Fox Interactive's ambitious entry into the 3-D platforming genre not-so-subtly seeks to capture the magic from Super Mario 64 and Tomb Raider. Developers at Argonaut built a visually impressive title from top to bottom with Croc, featuring some of the smoothest polygons and animations this side of the N64. Croc controls splendidly with a variety of moves from tail-whipping to ledge-grabbing. This journey will take our crocodilian friend through nearly fifty stages spread over five islands with the pursuit of rescuing the fluffy-faced Gobbos from captivity. The game shines visually, demonstrating genuine talent in the graphical department. Sadly, the gameplay is merely satisfactory. Levels lack diversity and infrequent enemy encounters leave us snoozing. Certainly fun for younger players, but a far reach from the quality of the games which so clearly inspired it.
Mr. Bones
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Zono
Release Date: October 1996
Best Feature: Fun Level Variety
Mr. Bones is one of the quirkiest games we have seen in a long time. You play as a soulful, blue-eyed skeleton revived by the wicked Da'Goulian as he schemes to blanket the world in darkness. This game unfolds across two discs, throwing players into a whirlwind of stages: Frantic side-scrolling escapades, rhythm challenges, and even bizarre guitar solos against the forces of evil. Mr. Bones' graphical presentation is standard, and the same goes for the FMV cutscenes. Great tunes and sound effects, though. We appreciate oddities like this one, even if the ideas did not always land as intended. The sheer inventiveness at play coupled with creativity and humor make up for the so-so visuals. This is a one-of-a-kind experience which will surely surprise you with its ingenuity. Weird and witty Mr. Bones is a perfect fit on Saturn. Grab your guitar and play that blues riff in B, or else.
Sonic Jam
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega CS3
Release Date: August 1997
Best Feature: Awesome Overworld
Fans of the speedy blue hedgehog will rejoice in the news that the first 3-D Sonic game is here, at least! Well, sort of. This title gathers four essential 16-bit Sonic titles (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles) onto a single disc with a few neat enhancements. Visuals are nicely polished-up, the spin dash was added to the premier Sonic entry, and Knuckles is playable in the latter three games. Beyond these portovers, the real draw with Jam is the explorable 3-D overworld. This space offers a glimpse of how a fully realized, next-generation Sonic game will give the series a much-needed modernized upgrade. For now, it is a free-roaming preview with some nifty art galleries and sound tests to check out. Sega may still be a ways away from Sonic Xtreme, but Sonic Jam presents an excellent celebration of the past and a preview of the future.
Saturn Bomberman
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Hudson Soft
Release Date: August 1997
Best Feature: Great Multi-Player Fun
Saturn Bomberman looks unassuming, maybe even a little childish, and yet it remains a top-tier, 2-D blast from the past. The concept, essentially the same idea from the Super NES days, is incredibly addictive. Drop bombs to blow away rivals, maneuver through levels, and hide behind obstacles. It's an extremely easy one to pick up and play, making it truly irresistible to both veterans and new players alike. The game is bursting with power-ups to enhance the chaos, granting abilities drop more bombs, make bigger explosions, or even hitch a ride on a dinosaur buddy! Traditional single-player progression and giant boss fights are available, but the real allure is in the Battle Mode. Saturn Bomberman has the capacity for ten players on-screen at once via the Segs Multitap: An awesome idea if not for the shrunken sprites (big-screen TV is a must!). Easily the best entry since Bomberman 2.
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