Reviewed
04.28.2002
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sonic
Team
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Feb.
26, 1998 (Japan)
Jun.
3, 1998
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person / Dynamic
Genre
Action
Player(s)
1
Options
3D
Pad
Backup
33
Requires
n/a
Importable
75% |
|
Intro
|
|
> What can I say... SONIC TEAM does it again! First, they brought
us NiGHTS for Saturn. Now they bring us yet another excellent, original
action title. Burning Rangers is everything the DFPs
say the Saturn is not capable
of, period. Sonic Team took the NiGHTS engine and revamped it to
produce what will surely remain a benchmark achievement on the Saturn for
some time (if not indefinitely). The basic idea is to find your way
through each level while rescuing survivors and extinguishing fires along
the way. Simple, yet intriguing... Don't forget to check out the
CG intro, which plays like an anime flick!
> There is nothing about the import game that will keep you from playing
successfully. The reason for the lower importability rating is that
understanding the voice navigation is impossible, unless you speak Japanese.
As a bonus though, the import version includes a 3 inch CD which contains
three sweet tunes from the soundtrack. |
|
Graphics
|
|
> Like I said, a benchmark achievement for the Saturn. Specifically,
the 3D polygon engine rocks through the high color, light source shading,
detailed bitmaps, transparencies, and ultra smooth action like no other
game (in its era). You'll explore huge buildings and even go for
a swim or two. The fires you'll encounter range from a camp fire
to being completely engulfed in animated flames!!! Throw in an occasional
boss, and you get nonstop action throughout (complete with suspense to
boot). Wrap that up in a space age, futuristic setting, and you get
one heck of a game for Saturn. With the addition of this and other
sweet 3D games to the Saturn library, I have to wonder how the Saturn got
the reputation for not doing 3D... But then it comes to me. |
|
Control
|
|
> The control is excellent and easy to learn. This should be a model
for 3D action games. Putting out fires is a matter of firing your
laser, which supposedly engulfs the flames. This action yields energy
crystals, which are needed for your shield, and to generate a warp to rescue
survivors. You can also charge the weapon for a super blast, which
doesn't release any crystals when extinguishing a fire. You might
get a continue every time you successfully rescue a survivor (nice touch),
depending on how many crystals you have. There are many doors on
different levels which you must find, and maybe unlock. You can also
control your view by using the L and R buttons to rotate, or holding the
Y button while using the D-pad to freely look around. Finally, you
can even make a call for help if you get lost via the voice navigation
system. |
|
Sound
|
|
> Burning Ranger's
music is excellent. From the Sonic
R type main theme to the well placed level tunes. The music creates
the excitement and ambition you need to continue playing. The sound effects
are excellent too. Everything in the game makes a sound. You'll hear fire
cues, lasers, explosions, warnings, voices, and more. Sonic Team
even included a voice navigation system, which is quite helpful and impressive. |
|
Fun
|
|
> The Story Mode is the beef of this game. You can choose between
Shou Amabane (guy) and Tillis (babe) while playing. Both are rookie
fire fighters. There's even a short tutorial when you begin a game,
which helps greatly. You'll traverse huge levels in search of survivors,
and make Smokey the Bear proud while you're at it. FUN is an understatement. |
|
Bottom
Line
|
|
> It's too bad that so many people (that don't have a Saturn) will miss
out on this one. Burning Rangers is a clinic on how to make a 3D,
3rd person action title while utilizing as much power a console can muster.
It is easily the best, most original action title to hit consoles in 1998.
Pick it up IMMEDIATELY... |
|
Ratings
|
| Overall:
9.8 | Graphics: 9.8 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 9.8 | Fun: 10 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
