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Platform
games are seriously attempting to move into the next generation, before they are
left on the doorstep. With Resident Evil for strategy, Tekken 2 for the
beat-em-up and F1 in the racing class, all pushing the Playstation to the
limits, the platform has had to settle for the likes of Gex, Cheesy, Earthworm
Jim and Rayman. Now that Jumping Flash and lately Crash Bandicoot have shown
the way ahead utilizing the 3D platform, we have the latest arrival with
Pandemonium.
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3D
Platform game that may be played with a choice of two characters.
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Pandemonium`s
use of stunning graphics and fast action, more than match that of Crash
Bandicoot, without being so frustrating. Using a floating camera angle rather
than a first person perspective , it actually tracks the player moving in and
out as the action builds. This will enable you to see the hazards before you
end up in the thick of it, though if you quickly switch direction a few times,
when avoiding attack, the camera angle will alter at the same speed and can make
you feel quite dizzy.
Although Pandemonium is set in a 3D world, you
only allowed to follow the walkways provided , rather than wander off in any
chosen direction, but it does look a damn site more attractive than the many 2D
scrolling platforms available on the market.
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The
sound effects are adequate, featuring the usual bangs and crashes associated
with this type of game. The music plays quietly in the background and is hardly
noticeable. Put it this way, no-one is going to make a fortune selling the CD
Soundtrack to Pandemonium.
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The
gameplay is the usual platform format. You may choose to play as either Fergus
the jester or Nikki the acrobat. The difference being, apart from gender, is
that Fergus has the capability to cast spells and uses a cartwheel attack to
eliminate his enemies, and Nikki is extra nimble which allows her to leap out
of all kinds of trouble. When she jumps up, just hit that button again and you
will give her that extra push in mid-air for those long jumps. I suppose this
is Crystal Dynamics way of offering you a difficulty setting, as each character
seems to be suited to alternate levels. Fear not, as once a level is complete,
you may switch characters for the following level without having to restart at
the beginning of the game. The control pad allows you to jump crouch and cast
spells.
You begin the game with three lives. The aim once again is to
collect gems on your travels. Collecting 300 gives an extra life, so look out
for the clusters hidden in the crates and if your lucky enough to cross a golden
icon, grab it, as this beauty is also worth an additional life. You are allowed
two chances before a life is lost and this appears on-screen in the form of a
red heart. Lose a heart, and you must tread carefully until you collect another
or complete the level, otherwise it's right back to the start for you, pal.
There are also keys to collect which will open up new areas. To eliminate the
enemies just jump on top of them or use the ice beam weapon to freeze them and
then you can just smash 'em to bits. Power up spells are large glowing crystals
which are often well hidden or out of reach and when collected make the
character glow. The spell lasts until either you are damaged, or you replace it
with a newly collected spell, which dependant on the color, determines the
power. A grey spell makes you invincible, covering you in a suit of armor, and
a green crystal allows you the capability to shrink spiders and then stand on
them. The blue ice spell, we've mentioned and there is a pink spell that arms
you with a missile which will destroy all in your way.
There are 18
stages set in different worlds from Forests and mud mines to ice worlds, each
are inhabited by enlarged insects with themed enemies tied in with each level.
There are some nice touches with Fargus using spiders webs as trampolines in
order to jump higher in one section and if you guide your character between two
stones he will change form into a frog, dragon, turtle or rhino to help you
progress. Depending on which landscape you enter, the frog will leap from
object to object overcoming hurdles, or the fire breathing dragon can fly you
to your destination. The rhino will just charge forward killing anything in
it's path until you reach another two stones where you are returned back to
normal.
After completing six levels you must overcome one of the
bosses. Puzzles and skills are used to defeat the boss rather than the usual
blast him to bits routine, which makes a pleasant change.
Although
Pandemonium uses the standard Platform routine, it does play rather well and
will be a justifiable addition to the quality next generation games in your
collection.
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Stunning
visuals and helpful camera angles. Offers a challenging, rather than
frustrating gameplay. The background music is instantly forgettable. A 3D
platform game that will appeal to those who enjoy the Sonic and Mario type of
gameplay.
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MARTIN |
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GRAPHICS: |
Brilliant |
I
progressed through Pandemonium at a steady pace, but I will return to the
earlier levels again to seek out the sections I could see, but failed to gain
access into. There also remains the challenge of completing the game with both
characters. Pandemonium has to be the surprise hit for '96-97. It quietly
crept up on Crash Bandicoot, and climbed above to a higher platform. Unlike
many other platform games, this is neither repetitive or frustrating, just plain
good fun. The worthy challenger to the Sonic and Mario games, truly the next
generation platformer. |
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SOUND: |
Good |
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PLAYABILITY: |
Good |
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VALUE: |
Good |
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OVERALL
8.5/10 |
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JIM |
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GRAPHICS: |
Brilliant |
The
graphics and 3D camera angles used in this game will give anyone with vertigo a
real headache. It plays and moves so well that you instantly forget that your
range of movement in and out of the screen is none existent. The graphics are
possible some of the best seen on our console. |
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SOUND: |
Good |
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PLAYABILITY: |
Brilliant |
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VALUE: |
Good |
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OVERALL
8.5/10 |
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