Shin Force | Sega Saturn Review
Shin Force
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Shin Force ~ Saturn ~
 Final Fight Revenge
Shinobi
Reviewed
04.08.2000
Publisher
Capcom
Developer
Capcom
Format
CD
Origin
Import
Available
Mar. 03, 2000 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
Side
Genre
Fighter
Players
1-2
Options
Backup 5
Virtua Stick
Requires
4 MB RAM
Importable
100%
INTRO:
         > Final Fight Revenge is a pseudo sequel to Capcom's successful side-scrolling, 16-bit beat 'em up series of yesteryear.  The most notable version was the perfect arcade translation of Final Fight to the Sega CD (known as Final Fight CD).  Actually, the Sega CD version's music was far superior to any other.  At any rate, Final Fight Revenge (FFR) is a 3D fighter similar to Virtua Fighter 2 (arcade/ Saturn) and Street Fighter II (arcade/ Saturn).  The arcade original uses the ST-V board (basically a Saturn with more RAM) so the conversion should be cut-and-dry.  Capcom also made 4 MB RAM cartridge usage necessary to ensure that nothing is lost and everything is gained.
         > If you're one of the lucky people that bought this game, then you know it's a cinch for importing.  Other than the manual, everything is in English (i.e.: menus, game screen, speech).  Make sure you have a 4 MB RAM or combo cart because you'll need it...
GRAPHICS: 
         > Capcom probably made a faithful translation of the ST-V original.  Unfortunately, the graphics engine that FFR employs is a mixed bag.  While everything animates smoothly, the number of polygons is only a little higher than Virtua Fighter 1.  Of course, average graphics isn't an instant kiss of death -- but I'll get into the control later.  Anyway, the characters are huge and beefy, almost to super-deformed proportions.
         > One thing Capcom did right was the backgrounds.  They look really good and include an alley, wasteland, junk yard, city, courtyard, marketplace, and more.  Some of them have a 3D aspects, but most are just 2D.
         > FFR's special effects aren't really abundant but they get the job done.  Capcom elected not to use real transparency -- probably because this is an older game.  You will see various fireballs, bullets, explosions, and special move bursts though.
CONTROL: 
         > This is where most Capcom games are really appreciated and FFR is no different.  You get 2 punch, 2 kick, dodge, and taunt buttons.  Combos are possible as are special moves.  The really cool thing (IMO) is the ability to pick up and use weapons (like guns, knives, bombs, etc.) which are placed in every level.  Once you're done with a weapon, you can throw it at your foe as well.  Some characters even have built-in weapons.
SOUND:
         > Unfortunately, Capcom failed us on this front.  The music is bland and muted with no option to adjust its volume.  It's not horrible, just average and difficult to notice.
         > FFR's sound effects are standard fare.  You'll hear an array of punches, kicks, explosions, speech phrases.  Nothing special.
FUN:
         > FFR only has Arcade and Versus modes to choose from.  At least there are ten familiar characters with tons of moves to learn -- why only one babe though?.  The computer's AI is pretty good, but two player games are best.  I'd have to say the game offers an average amount of fun.
BOTTOM LINE:
     > Final Fight Revenge doesn't sport the advanced 3D engine of Elan Doree, but it has a solid frame rate and good animation.  The game offers great gameplay and quick load times thanks to Capcom.  It's not close to the best 3D fighter for Saturn -- which is Fighters MEGAMiX -- but it makes a great addition to your Saturn collection.
Overall: 7.8 | Graphics: 7.8 | Control: 8.8 | Sound: 7.0 | Fun: 7.5
~ Shinobi ~


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