Reviewed
12.27.1999
Publisher
Eidos
Developer
Core
Format
GD
Origin
Domestic
Available
Dec
23, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Action/Adventure
Players
1
Options
Backup
8
Rumble
VGA
Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
--% |
INTRO:
> Core has been one of my favorite developers for a long time. Who
could forget classics like BC Racers (Sega CD, 32X), Battlecorps (Sega
CD), Thunder Strike (Sega CD, Saturn) and many more! The first Fighting
Force was supposed to be a Saturn exclusive, but that changed when Saturn
sales didn't keep up with the competition. However, I know from reading
various interviews with Core that they enjoy making games for Sega consoles.
Fighting Force 2 is their first Uberconsole game and it's a welcome sight.
It combines various mission objectives with hand-to-hand combat, multiple
weapons, exploration, and mass destruction.
GRAPHICS:
> Core claims to have a "stunning 3D game engine". For the most part,
I agree. You'll traverse complex facilities (a map would have been
nice) complete with awesome lighting effects. I wouldn't characterize
the graphics as having "a ton of polygons per object", but at least the
frame-rate is rock solid and smooth as silk. Some of the textures
are a bit basic but on the whole, everything looks realistic enough to
immerse you in the action. The view is mainly third person and works
really well. For looking around and aiming there's a handy first
person view .
> The special effects are what really impress me. You'll see streaming
electric bolts, realistic flames, sun-burst explosions, and cool liquid
effects! I really like the fact that you're sight distance is never
limited. For instance, you can be on the first floor of a three floor
atrium and look up (first person view) to snipe an enemy on the third floor!
By the way, he'll still be dead when you get up there.
CONTROL:
> The controls are on the complex side, yet they're well laid out to make
it second nature. You have select weapon, jump, kick, punch, aim/look,
inventory, and various other combinations for complex movements and actions.
Everything about the gameplay is great except for the hand-to-hand combat.
This could have been tweaked a bit more, but it doesn't detract from your
enjoyment at all.
> Essentially, you're given mission objectives and told to eliminate any
resistance along the way -- and there's plenty of it. You'll fight
armed and unarmed guards as well as bosses. Just about everything
in the game can be destroyed to reveal power-ups and weapons plus earn
money (points). There's even hidden passages which are usually revealed
by blowing up 55 gallon drums. When used to aim/look, the analog
stick is excellent for sniping enemies or destroying various targets.
SOUND:
> The music is mainly atmospheric and mood setting. There is a volume
control, but there's no reason to shut it off.
> The sound effects are excellent! Everything makes a noise and it
almost always sounds realistic. I especially liked the flame roaring
and crackling. Other effects include guns firing, pipes banging,
fans blowing, doors opening, and alarms (to name a few).
FUN:
> The moment I began playing this game it drew me in like a black hole.
Once you start, there's no quitting until you've accomplished at least
one mission (then you can save). Fighting Force 2 is interesting
and has enough variety in scenery, gameplay, and weapons to keep you going.
It's not a cake walk either, even though the first mission is somewhat
easy. Things get tougher and you just keep getting better -- this
is what I call fun!
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