Playability and good graphics combined in the same game are a rare thing. Combining them in a shoot-em-up seems to be even rarer! There has been Xenon2, there was Project X, and there was Banshee. Any more?
Here, rendered sprites and backdrops and 5 themed levels make up the graphics, while well designed levels and loads of options make up the playability. Easy, eh?
Well if you take the important thing, playability, it's not that easy! You have to give it that "I'll just have one more go" factor, plus they have to be able to get a little bit further almost every time. Not easy at all.
WeatherMine Software have done this and can quite safely add their game to that rather short list. 50 rendered sprites and objects are really impressive, with obvious influences from Super Stardust (which is no bad thing), the asteroids are particularly good. The speed of the game fairly zips along, especially the third level which is similar to a car chase through the streets of Los Angeles, but with bigger and better baddies. They have achieved full screen, 50 frames per second, 128 colours animation throughout. This is no mean achievement from 4 guys working from home with no previous experience. If they were to get in touch with a software house I'm sure they would be well recieved. There's a two player game, eight different weapons with power-ups, mission objectives, excellent explosions, hidden weapons, joypad support and will detect and use fast ram and processors.
It's been a while now since we've had a good blaster, and I'll admit I haven't finished this yet, but even if the last looks the same as the first, I'll finish it and enjoy doing it!
For only £8.99 you will as well, guaranteed.
Score, 85%
or Email: XP8@mattwmsdemon.co.uk