Shin Force | Sega Dreamcast Review

Shin Force > Systems > Sega Dreamcast > Reviews A-M

Shin Force ~ Dreamcast ~
Expendable
Shinobi
Sega Force Vault
Reviewed
06.24.1999
Publisher
Imagineer (Japan)
Infogrames (USA)
Developer
Rage
Format
1x GD
Origin
Import / Domestic
Available
Jun. 21, 1999 (Japan)
Sep. 9, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3/4 Overhead
Genre
Action/Shooter
Player(s)
1-2
Options
Backup 2+2
Jump Pack
VGA Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
95%
Intro
     > There hasn't been a whole lot of Action/Shooters for hungry fans, but Rage has broken the silence with their PC to Dreamcast port of Expendable.  This game is similar to Contra: Legacy of War (Saturn), Mass Destruction (Saturn), or imagine a 3D Mercs (Genesis -- which would be sweet... c'mon Capcom).  You must traverse enemy-infested battle zones with loads of weapons and never-ending explosions in the allotted time.  Classic, yet Rage managed to make it fresh.

     > The main screen and game screens are mainly English, whereas the option menus are in Japanese.  Fortunately, the menus aren't nested deeply at all, which allows for easy identification.  At any rate, this is a shooter which is easily playable for importers.

Graphics
     > There are a lot of people out their bragging how they could (key word) buy a computer that would display better graphics than the Dreamcast.  The reality is that only a minuscule amount of people are silly enough to spend the money to continually upgrade and match settings on PC's just to play a game.  Hear this...  Expendable looks better on a $199 Dreamcast than almost every personal computer bought and used to play games!

     > Rage is quickly becoming the developer that makes eye-popping, eye-candy filled games for the Uberconsole.  If there is a graphic effect you can think of, then it's used in Rage's conversion of Expendable.  You'll see tons of impressive and different explosions throughout the game.  The lighting effects will impress even the most jaded among you.  The pure, smooth, unadulterated shooting action has to be seen to be fully appreciated!

     > Most of the locales are dark, futuristic, and industrial in nature.  Your character is a bit small, but the enemies can be absolutely gigantic.  You'll fight against soldiers, robots, flying vehicles, gun turrets and bosses galore.

Control
     > Classic, simple, and perfect.  The analog stick is put to good use in Expendable as movement is instant and accurate.  The controls are fire, weapon select, grenade, and strafe.  The only hang up is that sometimes the camera angle changes momentarily, which can disorient you.

     > Along the way you can blow almost anything up, which may or may not reveal a power-up.  Sometimes defeated enemies leave a present as well.  Some of the weapons you can find are a rocket launcher, heat seeking missile, laser, spread shot machine gun, and grenades.

Sound
     > Very good.  You'll hear pulse pounding songs that could almost make it into a blockbuster Sci-fi movie.  The option to set music and effects volume is also available.

     > The sound effects, thanks to the Uberconsole's all-powerful sound chip, are exceptional.  They have depth and a wide range of frequencies.  You'll hear various gun shots, multiple explosions, cues, screams, jet engines, etc....

Fun
     > There is so much to shoot with non-stop action that the game's levels just seem to fly by.  You can save the game once you've completed a level and then continue from there (nice touch).  This is a sign of an exciting gameplay experience, and I'm positive shooter fans will enjoy this classic game.
Bottom Line
     > Expendable is 1-2 player, arcade shooting heaven (assuming you're into this genre).  You'll want to play this one over and over just to see the sweet graphics.  Expendable undoubtedly plays better on Dreamcast (compared to PC) and definitely doesn't have any conflicts, additional requirements, or loading problems.
Ratings
Overall: 8.8 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 8.5 | Fun: 8.0
~ Shinobi ~

[ PIX >> ][ PREVIEW >> ][ :: REVIEW :: ][ SCANS >> ][ WALLPAPER >> ]
[ << BACK ][ TOP /\ ][ FORWARD >> ]