Robotron 64
Reviewed by Andrew Pagan
Robotron 2084 hit the streets way back in 1984. The game was
created by arcade legend Eugene Jarvis, who also developed such
hits as Defender and Cruis'n USA. For its time, Robotron was as
good as games got. It had excellent control, high-speed gameplay
and players always had the feeling that they were one second away
from dying. It was addictive and fun.
About a year ago, Robotron X was released for Sony Playstation by
newcomer Player 1. While the game had a new 3D polygonal engine
and decent control, its retro graphics, annoying camera perspectives
and limited control added up to a gaming experience that was far from
impressive. And given the competition at the time, which consisted of
games like Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot, the title quickly disappeared.
So why bring it to Nintendo 64? The team at Player 1 claims that it
didn't have time to create the game it really wanted to for Playstation
and that Robotron 64 is a much more complete title. The major
differences? Levels now have textures, unlike the Playstation
version, which had grids. Multiple camera angles are now working,
and an optimized view of the action has finally been implemented.
The Playstation version's camera view was horrendous -- it zoomed
in way too far, which made gameplay an annoyance if not an impossibility.
But most importantly, the Nintendo 64 version uses the analog stick on
two controllers at the same time. This addition is the most intuitive
use of the Nintendo 64 controller yet, and frankly, it makes the game complete.
Graphics 4 out of 10
Visually, there's not much to it. A solid 3D polygonal engine displays
various shapes of textured grids all filled with various polygonal
opponents. The textures on the grids are quite ugly, usually a shade of
brown or dark green. And the background (which is a swirling graphic
scheme of rainbow colors) mixes with the textured grid to give off
horrendous '70s sensibility (although the '70s are back in style, right?).
The 3D opponents are greatly lacking in detail. Women, men and children
(who players must save) have no face textures, so close-up views reveal
scary, expressionless zombies. If you buy video games to impress your
friends with the latest graphic achievements, stay away from this game.
Music and Sound 8 out of 10
The music is surprisingly good, resembling that level of quality found
in Tetrisphere. Electronic beats and sound effects blend nicely for the
techno backdrop, which is quickly becoming a standard for Nintendo 64
games. Despite the fact that there are more than 11 quality tracks on
the cart, it does manage to become repetitive at times.
Game Challenge 8 out of 10
Players shoot their way through tons of grid-levels, controlling a polygonal
character with full freedom of movement. At any given time there are
increasing multiples of opponents on screen, with little to no slow-down.
Though killing everything in sight while saving humans (who run wildly
around the grid) is the object of the game, players must also avoid legions
of enemies who attack and acquire weapon power-ups and items.
Game Play-Fun
Let's make no bones about it, the game is retro, and what really matters
in a game of this kind is its gameplay. After all, people aren't going to
buy it for its graphics or groundbreaking engine, they're going to buy it
for the gaming experience. Luckily, the gameplay is strong, highly addictive
and downright fun due to two new features: The new camera angle which
actually allows the game to be viewed (ahem, Playstation), and its use
of two controllers (analog sticks) for dead-on control.
A basic controller configuration similar to that of the Playstation
version is available, but the real fun comes with the addition of a second
controller. How does it work? Players walk with the analog stick on one
controller and shoot with the analog stick on another. It sounds odd, but
it is absolutely ingenious and replicates the same double-joystick control
of the original arcade machine. It allows for so much movement possibility
that addiction is inevitable. For example, I sat down to play a few quick
rounds before lunch today and by the time I realized it I had progressed
through more than 70 levels. I would have continued on, too, had I not been
killed off. It's safe to say that the addition of the second controller is one
of the most intuitive gameplay enhancements in a long, long time.
Rumble Pak 10 out of 10
Of course, ever since Star Fox 64, the Rumble Pak was a huge success.
This game is no different. Every blast of the robots (and yourself)
burst into your arms. The Rumble Pak provides more realism (if you
ignore the graphics) which provides extreme fun.
Frustration
Probably the most frustrating game I've ever played. The higher amount
of levels you complete, the higher amount of robots and people, which
adds up to the higher amount of frustration. NOT only do you have to save
people from dying, but you have to dodge every shot the robost make at you.
This game has probably the same amount of frustration as Tetris and
Missile Commando.
Replayability 5 out of 10
The replayability of this game might become quite boring, always having
the same plot in each level. But if your the type of player who wouldn't
mind running around the robots for the heck of it while avoiding shots in
a wild way, then you'd probably have some amount of entertainment (well,
that is, after you beat the game). Probably would have been better if it
was a game like Goldeneye.
Game Value 7 out of 10
Well, yes, and no. If you like games that are extremely addictive and
wouldn't mind playing for hours and trying forever then sure. But if
your the kind of guy who just buys a game to beat it and impress your
friends then let it collect dust and never explore for codes and also for
graphics, then no way.
Overall 7 out of 10
Those of you obsessed with graphics will hate this game. You won't find
any eye-candy. And control scheme aside, it really doesn't offer gamers
anything completely new or trend-setting, but instead delivers high
amounts of brainless shooting and amazingly addictive gameplay that's
both nostalgic and fun. If nothing else, give it a rent and don't forget
the second controller.