Reviewed
01.06.2000
Publisher
Hudson
(Japan)
Vatical
(USA)
Developer
Birthday
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
May
26, 1999 (Japan)
Dec.
29, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D/3D
View
Top/3rd
Person
Genre
Action/RPG
Players
1
Options
Backup
6
VGA
Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
70% |
INTRO:
> Elemental Gimmick Gear (EGG) was originally developed for the Saturn,
but was forwarded to the Dreamcast. EGG is an action/RPG which is
mostly played in a top/down 2D view. All boss encounters take place
in free roaming 3D areas which mimic the 2D ones. Gaining experience
and abilities is a matter of finding the necessary power-ups which are
strategically placed throughout the game. Your main objectives are
to explore the Fogna ruins, fight enemies, and solve puzzles.
> My import factor is relatively low for this game since the puzzle solving
aspects require the ability to read Japanese. Even though the US
version is a "supposedly weak translation to English" of the original,
you're much better off with it than the Japanese version.
GRAPHICS:
> First of all, if you don't like 2D games then EGG probably won't convert
you. I happen to really like the fact that all the 2D portions of
the game are hand-drawn (which is most of the game). Everything is
colorful and detailed, especially when using a VGA
Box. The 3D portions are seen during boss encounters. The
3D engine is average and features a smooth frame-rate and 3D gameplay.
Some more detail in the 3D sections would be nice, but as a whole the game
looks great.
> The special effects in EGG are basic, albeit done nicely. There's
lighting, water, and decent magic effects. Your magic is based on
the elements (flame, freeze, earthquake, and plasma), hence the title Elemental
Gimmick Gear. CG cut-scenes are included to help tell the story and
they look fantastic (as usual).
CONTROL:
> Your basic controls are walk, talk, spin, and punch. Later on you'll
gain additional abilities like magic, wire punch, carry, and catch.
You can usually gain a new elemental magic after defeating a boss.
Other abilities must be found and reached (that's the tricky part).
You mainly earn money by killing enemies, which can be used for restoring
health/energy and playing the mini games. The mini games (maze and
racing) must be "earned" as well, but I will not spoil it for you.
> Fogna ruins is a complicated multi-level structure both above and below
the ground. Access chips are needed to unlock certain areas.
Other areas can be unlocked by flicking switches. There's all kinds
of enemies to fight in EGG. The deeper you go, the more deadly they
become. Your main attack strategy is to spin and ram. This
does massive damage, but it also slowly depletes your life bar. Save
spots are found throughout Fogna ruins, tower, and village. When
you're killed, you can continue from the same area (cool), but you only
get a portion of your life bar back.
SOUND:
> This is where the game really shines! EGG soothes you with resonating
orchestral music throughout. Actually, EGG's soundtrack is reminiscent
of the awesome Shining Force III (Saturn).
> The sound effects are basic and sufficient. Certain areas have
mechanical background noises which add atmosphere. Since almost everything
in the game is made of metal, you'll hear lots of clinking.
FUN:
> EGG gets off to a slow start since you have no magic or extended abilities
-- at least that gives you another reason to keep playing. Anyway,
I could have lived without the puzzle aspect, but I guess that's unrealistic.
EGG concentrates on action, which I like. To avoid frustration remember
this: use the spin attack for tough enemies. The story is run of
the mill so if that's what you're looking for, then read a good book.
My fun-factor is above average for EGG since it's heavy on action and has
gorgeous hand-drawn graphics.
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