Shin Force | Saturn Review
Shin Force
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Shin Force ~ Saturn ~
  Dead or Alive
Shinobi
Reviewed
10.12.1997
Publisher
Tecmo
Developer
Tecmo/Ninja
Format
CD
Origin
Import
Available
Oct. 9, 1997 (Japan)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
Side
Genre
Fighter
Players
1-2 Players
Options
Backup 26
Virtua Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
100%		 INTRO:
         > Tecmo is not known for its fighting games so I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I'm pleased to say that Dead or Alive is a hot VF2-esque fighter.  Similarities aside, the game adds a new aspect known as the danger zone, which is the outer rim of the ring.  If you get knocked into it, you take massive damage!  The arcade version even uses a Sega Model 2 board.  Thus the faithful conversion to the Saturn.  Oh...  thinking of importing?  No problemo.
GRAPHICS: 
         > The first thing you see is the incredible FMV intro that graces this game.  The Limited Edition 
    version includes a picture book with shots of the many FMV scenes in the game.  The fighting itself is 
    graced with the hi-res mode and really shines.  Nicely detailed polys (for excellent 3D) and classic Saturn character animation are welcome.  However, the best part is the realistic body movements of the women combatants during a match and the winning pose...
CONTROL: 
         > Very VF2.  Perfect... Tight control, punch, kick, hold, special moves and combos are all second 
    nature.  Easy to learn, but tough to master...
SOUND:
         > Again the music is similar to VF2, but not quite as good.  Hard rockin' tunes grace just about every level.  The sound effects are great and basically a VF2 ditto too.
FUN:
         > Lots-o-fun to be had.  You get six modes, eight characters (Lei-Fang is hot!) and the ultimate; a
    Bouncing Breast option.  All this combines to make one of the best 32 bit fighters you can buy.  Add to that all the hidden stuff you don't get until you've beaten the game numerous times!  As always, a friend would be best though!
BOTTOM LINE:
     > Model 2 conversion...  Virtua Fighter-like gameplay...  Silky smooth Saturn 3D Animation...  Arcade perfection!  A definite winner!  A must buy!  Need I say more?...
Overall: 9.5 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.8 | Sound: 9.0 | Fun: 9.5
~ Shinobi ~