PyroPlayers Magazine - PPM Reviews

Mega Man 8

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Number of Players: 1

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!).

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Oddworld

Publisher: GT Interactive

Developer: Oddworld

Number of Players: 1

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.

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Croc

Publisher: Fox Interactive

Developer: Argonaut

Number of Players: 1

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.

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PLAYSTATION

Toshinden 2

Playmates Tamsoft

Fighter Release: May 1996
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Easy

Battle Arena Toshinden 2 has officially landed on the PlayStation. How does it compare to its predecessor - the premier 3-D fighter for the Sony system? To start, the visuals are magnifique. Its Tamsoft developers took a great deal of time mastering lighting effects, making for varying, multi-source disco lights as well as plenty of other stage-based graphical touches like a shimmering river and whirling mist. The fifteen fighters have each been modeled with detailed textures and lifelike body proportions and facial expressions. And yet, it utterly fails to meet the 32-Bit fighting game standard set by contemporaries VF 2 and Tekken. Simple, ground-based brawls are all you can do with Toshinden 2. Basic 3-move combos can eliminate over half of an opponent's health bar, proving a stark lack of balance present in other arcade-style one-vs.ones.

PLAYSTATION

PO'ed

Accolade Any Channel

3-D Shooter Release: May 1996
Age Rating: Mature Challenge: Hard

Play PO'ed how it was always meant to be played with a rejuvenated edition of the 3DO original. By far the most unique Doom-like shooter to hit the scene, this quirky hit from Any Channel will have you move and fly in all directions to hunt down the craziest hordes of creatures. Start from a meager frying pan and work your way up to massive firepower as you uncover power-ups and secrets in the 25 wholly diverse stages. The key is to find the marvelous jetpack that allows for quick ascension up and down the vertically oriented levels. The processing power of the PS-X eliminated all of the frame-rate spasms and jittering that were present on 3DO and overall, vastly improving the playability. Anticipate a mighty challenge, too. Even on the easiest difficulty setting prepare to be on constant lookout for health boosts to keep you afloat.

PLAYSTATION

Silverload

Vic Tokai Millennium Int

Adventure Release: April 1996
Age Rating: Mature Challenge: Hard

A dark and murderous evil is ravaging the Western frontier. Delve into the frightful ghost town of Silverload and see if you can piece-together a horrific mystery. From the opening sequence in this point-and-click adventure game, players will meet a trio of traumatized refugees and have the opportunity to learn a bit about their destination. Explore your dank surroundings and interact with a collection of digitized denizens containing an array of voiced dialogue. Gathering information and solving puzzles can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the genre but keep at it! The moody atmosphere and engaging storyline are high points with Silverload. The control interface is admittedly a tad clumsy with the gamepad as opposed to a PC mouse. If you fell for Konami's Snatcher, rent this Vic Tokai title and try it out.

PLAYSTATION

Magic Carpet

EA Krisalis Soft

Act-Adventure Release: March 1996
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

In 1994, Bullfrog Productions came forward with a revolutionary flight simulation game called Magic Carpet. Then exclusive only to home computers, their release was an absolute stunner - well, if you happen to have a modern PC with new chips installed. Now, this much-heralded title is available for PlayStation. Explore a fully 3-D world taken right from the tales of Arabian Nights, floating through fractal environments capable of total terrain morphing. Accrue enhancing mana at the start of each locale to cast spells you learn along the way. Prepare to use your devastating magical abilities to fend off fierce beasties like trolls, zombies, and dragons. All 70 quests from the original made the journey to console, all made better with quicker gameplay and a re-worked spellcasting system that allows fast swapping at any time.

PLAYSTATION

Alien Trilogy

Acclaim Probe Ent

3-D Shooter Release: February 1996
Age Rating: Mature Challenge: Hard

Alien Trilogy, set in the cinematic world of its namesake, is a dark and terrifying first-person shooter. Start it up and you will be thrown right into the action. As Lt. Ripley, you must work to fix up an awful mess as the nefarious aliens infect a group of colonists. Ripley begins with a meager 9mm pistol, but before long will collect stronger weapons like shotguns and grenades to blast apart face-huggers as well as fully-grown alien scum. As for gameplay, imagine the hectic nature of Doom turned up to 11! Shoot all which moves and hope that you make it out the other side! Striking down foes in the haunting atmosphere of Alien results in explosive slime puddles, accompanied by lovely yet gruesome sounds. Those searching for a nightmarish horror experience with pants-wetting material will be pleased with this game.

PLAYSTATION

Return Fire

Time Warner Silent Soft

Action-Strategy Release: April 1996
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

Return Fire is Silent Software's war simulator with a masterful blend of action and strategy rolled into one. Originally emerging on the struggling 3DO last March, this fantastic game is now up for grabs on the PS-X. From a 3-D angled, overhead view, players control various types of military vehicles in an open battlefield. Navigation is a cinch thanks to the simple control scheme, and in seconds you can dart around the map and blast away as you please. To win, capture the enemy's flag and return it to your home base. Multiplayer action is a frenzy experience and certainly worth a try. Expect an above average musical score containing adrenaline-pumping classical tunes to accompany the gameplay, too. As was true other experimental gems on the 3DO, the innovative Return Fire is wonderful to see emerge on the Sony system.

PLAYSTATION

In The Hunt

Irem

Shooter Release: March 1996
Age Rating: All Challenge: Hard

Take on the role as a feisty submarine on a mega dangerous voyage in Irem's In The Hunt. Fans of manic side-scrolling shooters will be quick to fall in love with the fundamentals of this disc, an excellent reproduction of the arcade cabinet. Guiding the tiny vessel through the darkest depths of the wide seas means avoiding twisted currents, treacherous canyons, and incessant weapon fire, debris, and, of course, intense explosions! Escaping total devastation requires lightning reflexes, lest you face a painful, murky death. Not crazy enough for you? How about simultaneous 2-player action? Indeed, two can take the plunge together, with the only consequence being a slight bit of slowdown at bombastic segments. Elsewise, the sprite graphics are slick and detailed, enemy animation is skillfully done. Worth checking out for those who appreciate insanity.

PLAYSTATION

Descent

Interplay Parallax Soft

3-D Shooter Release: March 1996
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

Descent on the PlayStation is one of the better PC portovers we've seen. For those unfamiliar with this title, it essentially grabs ahold of the genius Doom formula and game engine, and expands it to a new stage. You maneuver a tiny space ship in a true 3-D environment, filled with claustrophobic rooms and tunnels stretching in all directions. Players may navigate in 360-degrees of direction, including the ability to move forward and backward, roll to the side, and strafe with side thrusters. Descent's sense of action is killer - literally! Blast apart everything that moves, using the traditional assortment of missiles, mines, and energy weapons. Apart from a select few scenes with muddled graphics, this improves on the original with fantastic light-sourcing effects. Weapons light-up surrounding walls in a neat-o fashion.

PLAYSTATION

Doom

Williams id Software

3-D Shooter Release: January 1996
Age Rating: Mature Challenge: Hard

The original blood-curtling, blood-spurting shooter trudged its way over to the PlayStation at long last. id Soft's greatest first-person game, or rather games, are here in their full glory. That's right, this disc includes both Ultimate Doom and Doom 2, thereby containing everything that would normally be purchased in seperate bits and pieces on the PC. Doom on PS-X frankly puts all other conversions to shame. All visual effects from the computer iteration made the trip, as did the seamless scaling features, excellent transparency and shadow-casting lighting effects, and perfect play control. It is almost as if the PlayStation controller was made for this. Front shoulder buttons allow for easy strafing and the back ones make weapon swapping a cinch. Oh, and a link-up feature is present here, too. It's Doom as the creator intended.

PLAYSTATION

Assault Rigs

Psygnosis

3-D Shooter Release: January 1996
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

In the distant future, the wide world of sports is whittled down to a single event: Assault Rigs. Mechanical, armored combat is the name of the game, all taking place inside of a Tron-like virtual space. In this arena-style title, you battle against opposing computer-controlled mechanized beings, delivering an assortment of deadly weapons in about 50 combat zones. Players can pick from three tank options with varying degrees of strength, defense, and speed to differentiate them. Gather up spheres and make a mad dash to the exit. A slow lead-in with early stages may tempt one to toss this aside, but unlike the more one-dimensional Cybers Sled, Assault Rigs speedily evolves to an entertaining romp thanks to mighty enemy AI and an absolute explosion of power-ups and traps strewn across the multi-tiered levels. Worth checking out on rental.

PLAYSTATION

SF: Alpha

Capcom

Fighter Release: February 1996
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

PlayStation receives another flawless arcade port with Street Fighter: Alpha, the latest entry in Capcom's 1 vs. 1 fighter phenomenon. Exhibiting graphics, gameplay, and play control exactly like the arcade, SFA easily exceeds expectations as a solid installment in the franchise. Regular moves and combo attacks are perfectly implemented - Even a novice can pull off every move as if they were in the arcade. A plethora of new options are here as well. This includes the ability to re-assign your button configurations on the fly, select numerous speed options all the way through Turbo 2, and choose from either arcade original or arranged soundtracks. All of the hidden characters like Buson and Akuma are present, too, to unlock as you play. The only real downside is the annoying load times, but elsewise a spectacular portover.

PLAYSTATION

J Bazookatone

U.S. Gold Arc Dev

Act-Platformer Release: February 1996
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

This rock star is ready to put on the show of a lifetime! Johnny Bazookatone is a 32-Bit action-platformer with much to delight in. If you love this genre and gazed slack jawed at next-gen side-scrollers like Astal, this will be right up your alley. Johnny's mission is to prevent El Diablo from stealing our hero's mythical guitar: An essential item not only to this disc's plot, but it's core gameplay as well. Bazookatone's stringed instrument is his main method of attacking. He can strum once to bring on a powerful sound wall, or twice to unleash a sonic machine gun strike. The Blues-influenced soundtrack from Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora is fairly enjoyable, though neither it nor the somewhat dull sound effects add much to the experience. Visually, we were overjoyed by the well-rendered characters and environments.

PLAYSTATION

Rapid Reload

Sony CE Media Vision

Action-Shooter Release: September 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

Fans of the Genesis action game Gunstar Heroes are in for a real treat. Rapid Reload, also known as Gunner's Heaven in Japan, is a marvelous 2-D shooter exclusive to the PlayStation. This disc manages to build on a winning 16-Bit formula with much-improved graphics and zippy gameplay. It pulls together tons of sprites all at once (No polygons!) and demands you smash the firing button as fast as possible. Blast apart anything and everything that moves to the point of utter exhaustion. It will only take a mere few hours for aficionados of this genre to complete all Rapid Reload has to offer, but this gunner provides quality in absolute spades. The music jams, as do the plethora of sound effects. Though it lacks the same sort of innovation PS-X owners have come to expect, it soundly accomplishes what it set out to do.

PLAYSTATION

Defcon 5

Data East Millennium

3-D Shooter Release: November 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Hard

Showcasing a modified spin on the familiar Doom formula, Defcon 5, from the folks at Millennium, is a part-shooter, part action-strategy game set in an intriguing space setting. You, the player, are assigned the role of programmer sent by a vast enterprise to integrate security protocols onto various intergalactic systems. As the systems go online, however, you learn something has gone amiss! Build-up automated gun turrets and drones at specified locations, and work to warn off enemy ships as their waves of soldier infiltrate and destroy. This one is less fast-paced than standard 3-D shooters, and yet we feel the tactical element adds much more to this challenging disc. Special kudos go out to the team for killer, atmospheric sound fx and fitting musical tunes. Those looking for a game with serious depth can find it here.

PLAYSTATION

Discworld

Psygnosis Teeny Weeny

Adventure Release: November 1995
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

Based on the British novel of the same name, Terry Pratchett's PC hit Discwold is now available on PlayStation. This is an adventure title set in a wonderous fantasy world filled to the brim with sorcerers, dragons, and other such genre staples. As one may expect with this type of game, the player is quickly thrown into a tangled web of wacky scenarios and bizarre sequences. Discworld's gameplay is fairly straightforward: Talk to everyone you see to gain a better insight into the plot and world around you, collect useful items, and sort out an assortment of tricky puzzles to advance the story forward. Dialogue all throughout is fun and entertaining (Not quite LucasArts levels, though -Jet). Experienced actors Eric Idle and Jon Pertwee lend their talents to this one, as well. Alas, its fun humor aside, this remains a middling experience.

PLAYSTATION

Destruction Derby

Psygnosis Reflections

Racing-Combat Release: November 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

Ready to bask in the ultimate game of road rage? With this Psygnosis title on PlayStation, it's time to turn stock cars into raucous weapons and bring on the mayhem. Destruction Derby places you in combat scenarios against nineteen competitors in one of four race modes, including time trial, traditional circuit mode, and all-out hectic, demolition derby. There are no wild explosions or FMV to demonstrate the power of the PSX, but damage is relatively easy to make out as clouds of smoke begins to spew. The real stand-out feature here is the effect chaotic collisions have on handling. You may find your car is tougher to control depending on your vehicle's health, making sideswipes and T-bones have some real consequence. That means it is either smash or be smashed. Great vocal work. Sound fx on the whole are just so-so.

PLAYSTATION

Tekken

Namco

Fighter Release: November 1995
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

The next evolution of 3-D fighting games finally landed on home consoles. Pick a fighter from a cast of eight deadly brawlers and delve into the ultimate battle for supremacy. Players will face off against one another, or a computer opponent, in SF2-type combat complete with strategic combos. Each of the four PS face buttons connects to a limb, leading to some awesome left-right combination attacks. No magic attacks or projectiles, though, but the varied maneuvers will make up for it in spades. Other than taking a second two of extra load time and the absence of rendered selection screens, Tekken is damn close to arcade perfect. That said, those who disliked the arcade experience will not be swayed with this release. Namco is doing wonders with their conversions. We expect Soul Edge will make its way over next.

PLAYSTATION

Warhawk

Sony CEA Sony ISA

Flight Sim Release: November 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

Warhawk on PlayStation is easily a top contender for best 3-D flight sim this year, surpassing even Ace Combat in our book. Gain control over an experimental aircraft as it soars in realistic, fully 3-D rendered landscapes, and engages in some choice air battles. Maneuvering properly takes time to master, but solid response time and auto-hovering makes this aircraft much easier to operate than one may think. Stages in Warhawk all feature neat, complex objectives, starting with the annihilation of an ancient pyramid to uncover a secret device and ending with, well, facing down a gigantic skull boss. Graphics are above average, albeit lacking any real killer effects, and the FMV sequences do a fine job in providing exposition. Overall, this is an addictive experience with great shooter-like playability.

PLAYSTATION

Wipeout

Psygnosis

Racing Release: September 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

For a racing thrill that is certain to make your stomach turn, try out Wipeout on the PlayStation. Perhaps the greatest come-from-nowhere shock of the E3 Conference, this impressive 3-D racer will leave even seasoned players drenched in sweat. Choose from a vast selection of hovercrafts and six truly unique anti-gravity tracks, each littered with cool bumps, twists, and turns. Look for speed-up stickers to leave your foes in the dust, or slap 'em silly with weapons like explosive missiles and tricky oil slicks. The sense of speed is incredible on this disc, as is the play control. Inertia will be a key ally in controlling your craft. The grueling courses are all well-detailed, from the misty ice worlds to dilapidated city streets. The lack of local multi-player sucks quite a bit, though.

PLAYSTATION

Twisted Metal

Sony Sony ISA

Racing-Combat Release: November 1995
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

Screaming down the pit of destruction is none other than Twisted Metal, a fired-up demolition derby where anything goes. Players pick from a swathe of amusing vehicles from Humvees to ice cream trucks, then leap into the arena to cause some serious pain. Take on twelve enemy cars at a time, using multiple views to gauge locations and an array of Doom-esque weaponry like flame throwers to deal some real damage. On the visual front, this title is nothing too special. The modeling is hardly lifelike, and the stages (and rather stiff crowds -Jet) are underwhelming. The true star is the action-packed gameplay, which moves so quickly few will care about graphical detail. Two-mode mode is amazing fun, a party atmosphere unseen since Super Bomberman.

PLAYSTATION

Space Griffon

Atlus Panther Soft

3-D Shooter Release: November 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

One of the first corridor shooters available for the PlayStation in Japan, Space Griffon from Atlus has made its way to U.S. shores. This release claims to feature role-playing elements side-by-side with shooter-based action segments, however we found neither aspect rife with quality. Navigating chambers in the sprawling catwalk-like environments is somewhat tedious and slow, accompanied by gray walls and mechanical noises. Players who do not follow the precise directions from team chatter and the map display will surely lose their way. The lack of music is a sorrowful sight as well. Griffon's storyline is thankfully intriguing, as is your ability to transform into several transport modes. Perhaps worth a try for sci-fi fans, but otherwise a certain skip.

PLAYSTATION

Kileak

Sony Genki

3-D Shooter Release: September 1995
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Hard

Welcome to the Age of Doom-like corridor shooters. Sensing the stunning success of idSoftware's PC smash hit, developers are seeking to jump in on the fun. Kileak is Genki's take on this game type. An exclusive release on PlayStation, this shooter is extremely cinematic and immersive, if perhaps a bit too surreal. The player character explores a series of connected rooms with chrome walls, and the occasional bed or table, firing on weird-o baddies like floating eyeballs. Enemy shots are almost impossible to avoid due to less-than-satisfactory responsiveness and inability to strafe side to side. Despite some well-done special effects and a curious emphasis on puzzle elements, Kileak suffers from a poor interface, semi-decent yet repetitive music, and unfair combat.

PLAYSTATION

Cyber Sled

Sony Namco

3-D Shooter Release: October 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Intermediate

Cyber Sled is a shooting-style game from the perspective of a tank. Choose from an assortment of futuristic tanks, each with their own unique ratings in speed, weapons and shields. Steer the monstrous vehicle around obstacles, hide behind pillars for protection, and seek to blast enemy tanks in a brutal hide-n-seek spree. To win, destroy your foe before you get destroyed! Pick up power-ups and health boosts to keep yourself alive and be careful as enemies sneakily work around your defenses. On the downside of this hectic fun, the graphics are a tad underwhelming for 32-Bit and the score is totally cheesy 80s synth. Still, a combo of thrilling action and addicting gameplay keeps this title a definitive rental, especially in two-player split-screen mode.

PLAYSTATION

Total Eclipse Turbo

Crystal Dynamics

3-D Shooter Release: September 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Hard

Crystal Dynamics has opted to release some of its greatest hits from the 3DO on to the PlayStation and, at some future date, Saturn. Total Eclipse Turbo is an improved iteration of last year's 3-D shooter. To our disappointment, other than some slightly smoother and cleaner graphics, very little development time was spared to fix our main complaints with the original. TE remains a feast for the eyes with plenty of textured polygons to occupy your mind, but its twitchy flight control issues remain unresolved. Navigation is tough as nails, a fact made evident in the tunnel segments when maneuvering your fighter without hitting the walls seems as unlikely as Newt Gingrich on the front page of Esquire. In this fast-changing 32-Bit era, we doubt Turbo will excite as it once did.

PLAYSTATION

Air Combat

Sony Namco

Flight Sim Release: September 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Easy

In our humble view, most flight simulators on the market fail to liven up our lives. Many falter from clunky or sluggish controls, and oftentimes push for realism at the expense of gameplay. Ace Combat is a whole new experience. Putting to the side its glorious graphical feast for the eyes, AC's arcade-quality gameplay exhumes brilliant programming and fun-centered design. The one-player story mode allows for 16 missions with a range of terrains and objectives, from blowing up massive weapon installations to taking out bomber jets. Two-player dogfighting is also a splendid sight which truly pulls you into the game world. Lock-on weapons and precise handling make this a joy to play. Gotta love those unlockable barrel rolls!

PLAYSTATION

Toshinden

Sony Realtime Assoc

Fighter Release: September 1995
Age Rating: Teen Challenge: Intermediate

One look at Battle Arena: Toshinden, and it's easy to see the cause of its mouth-watering appeal. This 3-D fighter with loads of hype behind it is finally available alongside the Sony PlayStation. Choose a fighter and get ready to thrash! Players will be thrust into a huge 3-D area as mayhem ensues. Battling it out is a ton of fun once you've sorted out the slightly awkward joypad controls. It plays much more like SF II than Virtua Fighter, a trait we consider a major plus. Toshinden is a visual force with excellent texture mapping and stage design. Our main complaint centers on the lackluster American voicework compared to its Japanese counterpart, but this otherwise remains an absolute must-play for PS owners looking for a next-gen fighter.

PLAYSTATION

Raiden Project

Sony Team Aquila

Shooter Release: September 1995
Age Rating: All Challenge: Hard

Shooter fans, rejoice! Upon setting the standard for vertical shooters back in 1990 with its arcade premier, Raiden proved the genre still could pack a huge wallop in a burgeoning era of brawling and fighting games. The quarter stealer, along with its sequel, Raiden II, are both packed into this launch title for the PlayStation. The idea is a bit simple, we admit. Shoot anything and everything in your way, whilst dodging enemy fire and steadily upgrading your meager ship. Use missiles, cannons, and bombs to get the job done, and you'll be home in time for supper! Raiden projects (Get it?) in a vertical viewing format, granting shooter fans a welcome wish. Can this type of game withstand the pressures of 32-Bit expectations? Only time will tell.

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