Reviewed
04.30.2000
Publisher
Interplay
Developer
BioWare
Corp.
Format
1x
GD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
?
(Japan)
Mar.
29, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Hard
Dimensions
3D
View
1st
/ 3rd Person
Genre
FPS
Player(s)
1
Options
Backup
12
Jump
Pack
VGA
Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> Ever since I played the demo of MDK 2, which was included with a recent
issue of Dreamcast Magazine, I haven't stopped thinking about how sweet
BioWare's sequel should be. MDK was originally created by Shiny Entertainment,
who are also known for the Earthworm Jim (Genesis, Sega CD) series.
The Dreamcast sequel has been transformed into a combination of first person
shooter, action, platform, puzzle, and a good dose of hide-and-seek.
GRAPHICS:
> Unlike other similar titles, MDK 2's futuristic setting is loaded with
smooth animation and impressive visuals. MDK 2's locales are huge,
bosses are numerous, effects are cool, and sight distance is far.
You're given three views to contend with: third person (used most of the
time), first person (used to look around), and sniper (used to accurately
shoot distant targets). Throw in real-time cinemas to complete the
story line and you get a polished game.
> MDK 2's characters are nicely detailed and animated. You'll control
three very different characters throughout this adventure: Kurt (great
at shooting and sniping), Max (great at shooting and jet-pack), and the
Professor (ideal for platforming and puzzles). As for the enemies,
they move about convincingly and wield all sorts of futuristic weaponry
including energy bolts, lasers, and plasma blasts.
CONTROL:
> MDK 2's control takes a little time to get used to but it's gameplay
depth and satisfaction is well worth the effort. By combining various
button and/or controller inputs you can run/walk (in any direction), shoot,
jump, glide, zoom, select weapons, and more. Since the sight distance
is great, you can usually see where you want to go -- then you have to
figure out how to get there without getting killed! By combining
action, shooting, puzzles, and tight control, I'd say MDK 2's gameplay
matches or exceeds anything you can find in this genre.
SOUND:
> You'll hear a series of dark and dramatic songs throughout the game.
I liked the background music but fear not -- the music volume is adjustable
in case you don't care for it. As for the sound effects -- they're
great! Everything in the game sounds realistic from the weapons,
to the doors, to the voices. Even the nasty giggle of certain enemies
keeps you in the game.
FUN:
> As mentioned before, MDK 2 puts you in control of three different characters,
which provides a very diverse experience. The game's levels are huge
and quite challenging -- good, unless you're easily frustrated. Numerous
enemies and bosses must be defeated, each with unique personalities and
attack patterns. Essentially, MDK 2 offers as much fun as you can
find in a corridor shooter these days.
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