"Kind of like an arcade version of Pilotwings...but not as good"

Prop Cycle was released by Namco back in the mid '90s, when arcades were a much more profitable enterprise. I used to play it at Elitch Gardens amusement park in Denver. Good times, Anyway, on with the review.

Story: 4/10

Some inane crap about how you need to save the floating city of Solitar. Honestly, the story is about as essential to this game as it is to Hydro Thunder.

Gameplay: 5/10

Basically, you pilot a flying bicycle through various stages popping hot air balloons, which give you points. If you don't get a certain amount of points, you won't continue to the next stage. Later on, your high scores can unlock extra levels if you;re good enough This is what is called a "dedicated" arcade cabinet, meaning the control set-up is designed specifically for an arcade machine. You sit down on what looks like a bright yellow exercise bike, and pedal your feet to get your cycle flying. You also have to steer and watch out for obstacles. It gets pretty boring after a while, as the game's only way of providing a challenge is constantly upping your point quota so you have to pop more balloons faster. Still, it's fun for a short time and that's what most arcade games are designed for.

Graphics: 8/10

I'm trying to judge the graphics against the games of the era, rather than what's in arcades now. It was developed for Namco's system 22 arcade board, which was also used for Tokyo Wars, Alpine Racer, Time Crisis and several other hit coin-ops of the day. The levels remind me a lot of Pilotwings 64, except they are more detailed. You start in a lot of canyons and ruins, but later move into areas with skyscrapers and other variations.

Sound: 5/10

Nothing great, but it goes with the mood of the game, I guess. The announcer can get annoying.

Overall: 5/10
I give this game credit for being unique, but in the end it's repetitive nature does it in. You probably won;t feel the urge to play it more than once or twice.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 05/22/07