Reviewed
01.24.2000
Publisher
Capcom
Developer
Capcom,
Takumi
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Nov.
12, 1999 (Japan)
Q2
2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Top
Genre
Vertical/Shooter
Players
1-2
Options
Arcade
Stick
Backup
12
Internet
Rumble
VGA
Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
INTRO:
> Long time readers of my reviews know that old-school shooters have a
place in my favorite's list. Capcom is the first to deliver the goods
for Dreamcast in their vertical-scrolling 2D shootfest known as GigaWing.
It's an arcade port (surprise) with the addition of some new modes.
If you've played games like Battle Garegga (Saturn), and Strikers 1945
(Saturn) then you know what to expect.
> Importing this game is a cinch as almost everything is in English.
Some dialogue text and other inconsequential tidbits round out the Japanese
portion of the game. Of course, this is an old-school shooter...
If you're not into importing then just pick up the US version which should
arrive before Summer 2000.
GRAPHICS:
> If there was ever any doubt in your mind that the Uberconsole could handle
sprites like no other system before it, then GigaWing will surely put it
to rest for good. At times there's so much stuff flying around that
you can't see anything but a mass of movement! Capcom used a great
combination of colors and multi scrolling backgrounds to complete the experience.
I've read a review which compared this game to an SNES game -- ha ha (that's
truly absurd)! Trust me, the SNES would be lucky to display
a single frame of GigaWing (at a considerable loss in color and
resolution) every 10 seconds! Meanwhile, the Dreamcast version
screams along at a high, rock solid frame rate. A couple of spots
slow a bit, but nothing to write home about.
> The bosses are the usual huge, multi-deforming machines with mega firepower.
It's impossible to defeat a boss without losing a few lives, considering
how much weaponry you must avoid. The smart bombs you use are quite
impressive and the resulting attack takes up the whole screen! Lastly,
the explosions are done very well -- that's good since you'll be seeing
a lot of them.
CONTROL:
> The gameplay is basic -- shoot, force bomb, auto shot, and move.
Along the way you can pick up gun power-ups, bombs, and 1-ups. The
only thing sort of unusual is the addition of a charged shield which you
can use in an attempt to survive the onslaught. Other than that,
there's nothing wrong here, but also nothing new.
SOUND:
> The music is a mixture of rock, punk, and orchestral songs which are
nothing special. They're not bad, but they could have been better.
> Sound effects are basic. They include gun shots, explosions, various
cues, and some voice (Japanese). Considering the sound capabilities
of the Uberconsole, GigaWing barely scratches its resources. There's
nothing wrong, but I wish Capcom would have added more simultaneous effects.
FUN:
> GigaWing offers four characters to choose from each with their own aircraft
and weapons. You can play Arcade and Score Attack modes or view the
Tutorial and Gallery (pictures must be earned) modes. Thank you Capcom
for making the difficulty adjustable in multiple ways as this game would
be impossible without it. GigaWing is the 2D vertical-scrolling tour
de force of old school shooters that you only dreamed of being able to
play at home (in tact)...
|
