Crack Down

"Old school over head gameplay!"

This game is really incredible! Not to mention one of the better early genesis games. Over head gameplay? and fun? yes...you bet.
I can't belive I'm the 1st write a review!

Gameplay -7.9-

Very,Very basic and responsive. Overhead view on about 1/4 of the screen in 2p mode (it's all I remember, It's been awhile but I think in 1p mode you get the whole bottom half) and player 2 is on the other bottom quarter while a map of the level is on top telling you where to set bombs.
you set the bombs and escape the level...then...wait for the kaboom.

The actual gameplay consists of shooting bad guys to get to the set points as well as walking across moving platforms.
but the best part is that when you get shot at you can hug a wall so you won't get hit a la Metal gear. If I can remember, the button layout was like this.(Don't get ticked I don't get this right. Like I said it's been awhile since I've played this)

A- Smart bomb - Blows up everything on the screen
B- Gun - Standard gun used for killin'
C- Cannon - A large gun that is better at killin'
And yes you have limited ammo in this game.

Sound -10- (i only give it that because it's funny)

In this game the sound is really bad but for some reason it's one of my favorite parts of the game. It's really fun when you get shot and curl up in a ball and go ''roogh!'' and when you fall in to a pit you get the half hearted ''no.''
Playing this game with a friend is the way to do it because laughing about the sound together is the funnest part of the game. the voices are hilarious.

Visuals -7.2-

Your standard early 90's Genesis graphics are here in top down form. This game (for it's time) had very innovative displays and layouts. the enemies have a very futuristic robot look. Overall, above average.

Challenge -9-

Fun but rather difficult platform walking is nearly impossible in later levels but this game is really fun so it holds your attention.

Buy or Rent?
BUY IT IF YOU CAN FIND IT ANYWHERE THESE DAYS!!!!!! It rules!!! My friend found it in a Funco land a few years back. since then i've tried for years and have come up dry. I wish i could be the proud owner of this game but the thought of not having it haunts me nearly every single waking moment of my life! I need Crack Down right now!!!

Seriously though I get urges to play it at odd times. Like I wake up to pee at night and I just go...''hey, I could go for some Crack Down!'' and I can't play it because I can't find it anymore!!! It ticks me off rather badly...If anyone has a copy they're willing to part with E-mail me!!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/23/01, Updated 08/23/01