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Well
now, just what we need, yet another DOOM-clone...Well considering the fact that
us PlayStation owners only really have one really good DOOM type game (Alien
Trilogy. I won't even put Kileck or Epidemic in the same group), I figured maybe
this one was worth a look. I'm glad I tried it! Disruptor is a game that takes
place in a future time where the Earth has been united. An elite commando group
known as the "Stormtroopers" has been assembled to keep the peace and
protect people-kind (trying to be politically correct here ladies and
gentlemen). You play the role of Jack Curtis, younger brother of Blake, the
current leader of the Stormtroopers. You are granted "rookie" status
in this elite group and are called on to help control the monster/robot
situation that has gotten out of control on Earth and throughout our solar
system. You bravely grab your gun and intend to uphold the high standards of
your father, the original leader of the group. And so our story begins....
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A
very polished DOOM style shoot-em-up.
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The
graphics in my opinion, are easily the best I have seen in this genre of
PlayStation games. Everything is crisp and clear and extensive light-sourcing
is used to highlight rather than detract from the game. Just wait until you see
the brilliant partial explosions that occur when you defeat an enemy. Amazing
stuff here.... Each level is completely different from the last one and
beautifully rendered. Make sure to check out the Antarctic level...it's
wonderfully done (as are all of the levels) and quite easy to get caught up
sight-seeing instead of defending yourself! Another nice part of these tasty
graphics is that there is very little pixilation of the walls and scenery as you
get up close to them. This is something DOOM cannot claim. The large variety
of motion captured characters are also nicely done and again, little to no
pixilation. Character animation, while being somewhat limited, is also depicted
well. The Full Motion Video, while being a bit grainy for my tastes, is well
executed and integrated into the game. You get to meet your alter ego, Jack,
his brother Blake and several other interesting characters. Another point of
mention is that while each level is loading you get voice instructions from your
brother on how to handle the level. Again, a very nice touch. It serves nicely
to ease the "load wait" time...which is minimal by the way.
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The
sound effects are brilliant. It seems that nothing got past the programmer of
this game. From the variety of sounds your footfalls make on the varying
terrain to the explosive sounds of, well, explosions, the sound effects play an
integral part of this gaming experience. Sounds of the creatures get louder as
they approach and weaker as you move (notice I didn't say "run") away
from them. Nicely done. The music is cinema quality throughout (what else
would you expect from Universal) and plays an important role in getting the
player immersed. It also is worth mentioning that the musical score and mood
changes with each level.
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Gameplay
is executed flawlessly. I was able to jump tight in and start playing without
any problems. Game speed is rendered at a consistently high frame rate and the
action never lets up. I was extremely impressed with the way the levels were
put together. They are complex without being confusing, challenging without
becoming frustrating. The puzzle-solving elements are also nicely done and yes,
there are many secret rooms with goodies to be found throughout the game.
I found the 20 or so creatures that you encounter to be varied and
interesting. Each with their own AI, attributes and attack capabilities. The
levels are large and as I stated earlier, completely different in presentation
and approach. Congratulations to the developers of this game for taking the
time and effort to churn out such an effort.
There are nine physical weapons that your can use (if you find them
all) and a nice little twist, something call psionics. These mental weapons
have the ability to cause a great deal of damage to your opponents and also
bring health to your character. It should also be noted that the special
effects used for the psionics are awesome! The lightning and drain power
psionics are incredible to see in action.
My only gripe with the game is that you don't have the ability to look
up or down. Why this is, I don't know. That aside though, this is a quality
game throughout. No shortcuts were taken to get this game to market, just play
it and you'll see what I mean.
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A
very polished DOOM style game. But perhaps it really isn't fair to keep saying
that. This game actually takes the DOOM idea and expands on it, bringing this
style game to a whole new level. Perhaps in the future we will (and rightfully
so) start hear things like "yeah, it's another Disrupter clone type game"...and
after all, isn't that the highest praise that one could give to this "type"
of game....
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TOM |
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GRAPHICS: |
Brilliant |
Gameplay
is extremely good and varied. Each level brings a new challenge and thrill.
Get this game! |
SOUND: |
Good |
PLAYABILITY: |
Good |
VALUE: |
Good |
OVERALL 8/10 |
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