Shoot

Games go to the movies with the Die Hard and Alien trilogies, whilethe big news of the summer is F1 for Playstation. Marc Ambasna Jonesrounds up reviews.

The reviewers are divided on Fox Interactive's Die Hard Trilogy.

While Edge says the compilation is a compromise, other mags have nothing but praise. "Like Alien Trilogy before it, Die Hard is an admirable attempt to turn a series of seminal films into one video game," says Edge. "Here though, the designers have probably stretched themselves too far." Edge suggests that the whole game is not really equal to the sum of its parts.

"All sections have positive attributes, yet it seems they have been compromised in order to share the CD with each other."

Edge's seven out of ten score perhaps reflects this criticism, but it's an angle not entirely shared by other reviewers. "There are three superb games that individually are thoroughly enjoyable and challenging, but combined make a monster movie hit," says Play +. "Easily one of the best games to grace the Playstation so far," says Total Playstation. "Quite frankly Die Hard Trilogy makes previous compilation CDs redundant," says Playstation Plus, adding that the games are "not particularly stunning individually, but gel together to create a stunning home recreation of the classic films." Although this is perhaps the first time anyone has referred to the Die Hard films as "classic", the reviews do in fact suggest that the Trilogy package is a clever bit of marketing. Released on their own, the games may not have worked, but by bundling them together, it seems to make a much more attractive package.

Staying with trilogies for the moment, Alien Trilogy has now been developed for the Saturn. One of the most frequent words used to describe the PC version was "atmosphere" and according to Sega Saturn Magazine, that is definitely something the game has not lost in its Saturn conversion. "An atmospheric and downright scary shoot 'em up that makes up for what it lacks in variety with what it gains in thrills."

The compelling nature of the title comes from the fact that you have to rely on your senses to know when you are about to be attacked. Aliens emerging from shadowy walls can be heard before they are seen, but learning the sounds of an impending alien attack is crucial. "At its heart, the game is a simple case of exploring vaguely maze-like (and not that massive) levels until you've found and destroyed everything you need to," says Sega Saturn magazine.

Sega Saturn Magazine suggests there is a tendancy to lose interest despite making progress, a view shared by Mega Machines Sega. Both reviews suggest this gives the game a limited playing time, but that doesn't make it a bad title. "Alien trilogy might not do anything new, but it does its job brilliantly," says Mega Machines Sega. "This is a stupendous conversion of a superlative title. In every way a classic."

Much of this praise is allied to the fact that the game follows the films almost seamlessly without losing playability. Combined with a creepy and scary atmosphere you've got the perfect game for children of all ages.

When Mindscape finally released Grand Prix 2 on the PC this summer, Playstation users could only look on in drooling envy. The eagerly awaited F1 for the Playstation was still being, well, eagerly awaited and there were widespread fears that Psygnosis might follow Mindscape up the same delaying path. However, there is little to fear on that score as F1 is now on the verge of being released and the signs indicate that Playstation owners should start saving their pocket money now.

"Near perfect gameplay is matched by sparkling presentation too, making it the mould breaking racer it always promised to be," says Playstation Plus. The reviewer also pays homage to Psygnosis as the king of the Playstation racing game makers, particularly following the success of Wipeout. "Games don't come a great deal better than this," the review continues, adding it's a milestone in the annals of video game history.

This is a fairly universal opinion. If playability is the key, then F1 seems to be on the right track. "In the end, F1 is a definite success," says Edge. "The designers have taken what many would describe as the least likeable and least exciting racing game sub genre (the ultra realistic Indy-car 2 was desperately dull) and created an addictive and immensely playable product."

Total Playstation also points out that the real icing on the cake is the use of Murray Walker's commentary. "Supplying a constant barrage of quips, quotes and the odd 'Murrayism', Walker's commentary adds to the exhilarating experience that is F1." Mega Machines Playstation adds that "it's an excellent blend of beautiful visual.

Perhaps more suited to younger gamesters is Virgin's Broken Sword. A conversational interactive adventure game, Broken Sword is a cartoon movie.

"On these grounds, it works quite well," says PC Zone. "It's certainly atmospheric, well animated and the story's well structured. But there are lengthy chats to come to terms with." PC Zone's quip that there is "far too much talking" in the game, may hit a bit of a sore point in a market currently thriving on action, speed and full motion video. "The conversations can be tedious and disjointed at times, and if you don't like that kind of approach, steer well clear," adds PC Zone.

While tears won't be shed for Broken Sword, you can bet that a number of eyes will moisten at the thought of Final Doom. Not only because it signals the end of development of that erstwhile classic, but also because it's a bit like a sad, aging boxer trying to throw just one more big punch against the younger, smarter games on the block. "If it had sported the promised eight-player deathmatch option Final Doom would be a must-buy," says PC Zone, "but by sporting only high res and internet play as new features, it's only really good for a spurt of nostalgia." As PC Zone concludes, Final Doom will "rest in peace".

Sega Power

Alien Trilogy 83%

Issue 84 - October

While Alien Trilogy manages to capture some of the atmosphere of the films, our general feeling was, though, that it was a bit of a missed opportunity from Acclaim and Probe. The levels are small, samey and although the graphics impress, you end up feeling that there could've been more made of the tension of the game.

CG ME

Broken Sword 90%

Issue 35 - October

Captivating story and clever design could well make this the best adventure this year.

Official UK Playstation Magazine

F1 9/10

Issue 11 - October

An enormous realistic monster of a racing game. F1 announces its intentions on the grid and storms the chequered flag.

Tekken 10/10

Issue 11 - October

It scoops the first PSM maximum score which kinda means Tekken Two swans in from the highest heavens. You'd be a baffoon, BAFFOON, to miss out on this.

Shattered Steel