Reviewed
01.13.2000
Publisher
Activision
Developer
Luxoflux
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
TBA,
2000 (Japan)
Dec.
23, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Vehicle/Combat
Players
1-4
Options
Backup
4
Rumble
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense (V8:2O) is the sequel to a popular vehicle combat
game previously available on various platforms. For the Dreamcast
version, Luxoflux has added multiple four player modes and improved graphics.
The main idea is to destroy your opponents before they return the favor.
Depending on the mode, side objectives like collecting certain items and
destroying key structures are thrown into the mix. I went into this
one with low expectations because my previous experiences with this genre
left me wanting more...
GRAPHICS:
> V8:2O's graphics are a pleasant surprise. The lighting and explosion
effects remind me of a Rage developed game like Incoming (PC/Dreamcast).
Throughout the game, the frame rate remains solid and the sensation of
speed is good enough. Various locales are available including Florida
(Kennedy Space Port), California (shipyard), Alaska (pipeline), and Pennsylvania
(steel mill). I thought the colors used are a bit dull, but maybe
that adds to the sensation of being in a wasteland.
> You get two views during a game: 1) third person behind and slightly
above 2) first person front. Both work just fine, but the first person
view is needed a lot while using the buses or trucks because they're so
large. A cockpit view would make a nice addition for the next sequel
though.
> Special effects abound in V8:2O. Every weapon makes some sort of
lighting, smoke, and explosion effect. The flame thrower is the most
impressive as it looks like a real fire. Other effects like car damage,
rippling water, sun flare, and sparks are included as well.
CONTROL:
> In the Arcade mode you select a vehicle, enemies, and locale -- then
battle it out until you destroy everyone or get killed. Quest mode
adds more objectives and goes through eight rounds (one for each locale).
Many more modes are available, which are listed in the fun section.
To add some challenge, Luxoflux threw in various traps to hamper and/or
damage your vehicle (like suction fans, rockets, sharks, alligators, and
water).
> There's a lot to control in the game and it's a good thing you can customize
the buttons because the default layout is lame. Anyway, you get machine
gun, fire weapon, select weapon, select target, view, hand brake, accel,
and brake/reverse. Special moves are available depending on what
power-ups you have. Some of the power-ups you can collect include
repair, jammer, shield, missiles, lasers, mines, mortar, cannon, hoverpods,
hydrofloaters, and skis n' treads. Everything works well but some
improvements would be nice. I'd like to see the handling tightened
up a bit, crash detection tweaked, and vehicle stability increased (it's
too easy to flip over and become immobile).
SOUND:
> V8:2O has a song for everyone. You'll hear the entire selection
while playing as the music does not loop until every song has been heard.
However, you can pause and select whatever song you like. There's
jazz, pop rock, motown, disco, techno, etc....
> The sound effects are done quite well. Included are engines, various
explosions, voice cues, and unique sounds for each weapon. The only
thing I would add would be some more environment sounds.
FUN:
> Select from 18 all-new (some must be earned), supercharged '70s and futuristic
vehicles, each with unique special weapons and attack moves. Combat
takes place in 8 huge, fully destructible areas located throughout the
USA. For variety, add one player Arcade, Quest, and Survival modes;
two player Versus, Cooperative, and Quest modes; and four player Brawl,
Team or Smear Modes. Initially, I thought the game was pretty shallow
-- after some time on it, I've really come to enjoy Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense.
The multi player modes are by far the coolest feature of the game...
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