Shin Force | Sega Saturn Review
Shin Force
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Shin Force ~ Saturn ~
 Virtua Cop
Shinobi
Reviewed
01.30.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM2
Format
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1995 (Japan)
1995 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st Person
Genre
Gun/Shooter
Players
1-2
Options
Backup 11
Stunner
Requires
n/a
Importable
99%
INTRO:
         > Back in the days when people questioned the Saturn's ability to do 3D, Sega was hard at work converting their most popular Model 2 arcade games to the platform.  AM2, the masterminds behind Sega's arcade prowess, brought gamefans what is still today one of the best gun shooters around.  Virtua Cop's stunning (for the time) 3D graphics and fast gameplay made it quite successful in arcades.  We know the Saturn wasn't cake to program for, which made this 3D conversion all the more impressive...
GRAPHICS: 
         > Virtua Cop's 3D engine moves along just as smooth as the arcade, but I'd bet the textures aren't as detailed and I know the resolution is lower.  Technical aspects aside, the game looks great, has decent color and is interactive.  Some of the most interesting effects would be the smoke trails, explosions, and the constant zooming of your view.  You'll fight the bad guys mostly in a city setting, but the medium level goes into a construction yard.
CONTROL: 
         > Simply aim, shoot, reload, and get the occasional power-up.  At the same time, you must avoid killing innocent people.  This may sound overly simplistic, but the action is non-stop so you won't have time to worry about it.  While playing, don't forget to blow up the cars, barrels, and windows...
SOUND:
         > Although it's never bothersome (to me), the music is sort of light hearted techno-beat and quite repetitive.  It matches the on-screen action well and suites the arcade gameplay too.
         > The sound effects consist of cheesy voice, weapons firing, explosions, various death screams, and other cues.  These are essentially arcade exact, but they could have been better.
FUN:
         > There are only 3 multi-level stages in the game, but it's challenging and just long enough for my taste.  Aside from the half a dozen (or so) different enemies, you'll encounter end of level bosses with heavy firepower.  Add a friend and make sure to use the Stunner (gun) for maximum enjoyment.
BOTTOM LINE:
     > Gun shooter fans should not miss this excellent Model 2 to home conversion for Saturn.  Sega's AM2 programming team knows how to make games that stand the test of time and Virtua Cop definitely fits the bill...
Overall: 8.9 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 8.5 | Fun: 8.5
~ Shinobi ~