Sega
Force Vault
11.28.1997
Reviewed
06.28.2005
Publisher
ASC
Games
Developer
NMS
Software
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Nov.
20, 1997 (Japan)
Nov.,
1997 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3/4
Overhead
Genre
Action/Shooter
Player(s)
1
Options
3D
Pad
Backup
47
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> If you've been jonesing for a game where all you do is destroy things,
then this is your week. First, Mass Destruction, then
Rampage...
Yes! This game isn't deep, but at least it fills a gap in the Sega
Saturn lineup. It's very similar to the Desert Strike
/ Soviet Strike series by EA, only you control a
tank instead of a chopper. You have to go through each level and
complete the primary and secondary missions, sometimes in a prompt fashion,
then exit at the landing zone. Easier said than done. |
| Graphics |
|
> The overall graphics are similar to Soviet Strike and Return
Fire, but the explosions are ever so cool and spontanious.
You will traverse terrain which includes jungle, desert, city and snow.
The objects are 3D polygon generated, and everything moves smoothly, even
when the screen is full of enemies and explosions. In the end, using the
flame thrower is da bomb! |
| Control |
|
> The gameplay is classic and very responsive. You can move
about freely, except when the terrain is impassible. Experts will
enjoy the ability to independently aim the turret while moving in another
direction. If you can get proficient at this technique, you'll become
unstoppable. The enemy is relentless, though. You'll fight
all sorts of weapons toting soldiers, tanks and aircraft.
> The flow of Mass Destruction is pretty straight forward:
initially, you select a tank -- select a mission -- get briefed -- complete
your goals (primary, secondary, bonus, hidden) -- go to the extraction
site (all without dying of course). There's an option to turn the
radar on/off, and a briefing/map screen that you can bring up anytime for
situational awareness. Find power-ups along the way and sometimes
reveal them after the destruction of a building. The beauty of old-school... |
| Sound |
|
> The tunes are good enough for the background (and they're selectable),
but I don't find myself humming anything from the game. I'm too wrapped
up in the annihilation of everything anyway! The sound effects aren't
ground breaking, but they're done very well nonetheless. Mass
Destruction just needed a better soundtrack. |
| Fun |
|
> This is one player mass destruction, literally! Choose from
three tanks with various abilities from speed to armor. You can acquire
the following weapons: 100mm Cannon, Hi-Explosive Shells, Mines, Mortars,
Torus Bombs, Flame Thrower, Guided Missiles and Chain Gun. All in all,
gameplay is key here -- it's what keeps you interested in continuing through
the game's 24 levels. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> A fitting title for the non-stop action, killing and massive explosions,
Mass
Destruction is an old-school action/shooter to be reckoned with.
If simple gameplay and a mission to annihilate is your cup of tea, then
look no further. NMS Software comes through bigtime,
as a gap for the Sega Saturn library has been filled.
Check out Expendable
on Dreamcast, if you're looking for something newer that's
similar. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
8.4 | Graphics: 8.9 | Control: 8.9 | Sound: 7.9 | Fun: 8.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
