Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday

"Simplified from the PC version, but mostly for the better..."

Buck Rogers - Countdown to Doomsday is one of SSI's licensed versions of TSR's pen-and-paper RPGs. The Genesis version is different from the computer releases in that it's viewed from a top perspective, and some mechanics and options are simplified. This was in my opinion a stupid choice from SSI, but in the end it doesn't affect the game that much, and the top view makes it more fun as it's not as easy to get lost in this version.

Compared to other (console-oriented) RPGs, the major differences is that you create your own characters, and there is barely any characterization in the game. The battles, on the other hand, are what in console terms would be called a 'strategy RPG; you can control your characters to walk around and not just stand on a line...

STORY - It's OK, but basically just consists of finding the next quest and getting to work; there is no real character interaction.

GRAPHICS - There are a few animated pictures of some enemies and characters, which look quite good, but that's about it from impressive graphics. The normal game and battle graphics are just of functional level, nothing special.

SOUND - Bad. The music is absolutely horrible, but at least it can be switched off. Sound effects aren't any good either, but at least they aren't irritating. You won't be playing this game for the sounds, that's for sure.

CONTROL / PLAYABILITY - For the most part everything works just fine, but I don't understand why you can't automatically jump to the next opponent in battle when one dies... You have every time to target a new one by moving a crosshair cursor over it; this is bothersome as the enemies die quite easily.

DIFFICULTY - Easier than the similar AD&D games, that's for sure; I never completed any of them, but I've played though Buck Rogers both on computer and Genesis. You'll die occasionally in your first playthrough, though, but as you can save anywhere this is not really a problem. The enemies are also easy in this game, there aren't any real bosses or anything, mostly just the same soldiers and robots you are fighting anyway. The game is also quite short IF you go destroy the 'doomsday weapon' right away when you have the chance, but then you're missing the numerous sidequests.

OVERALL - Definitely recommended, especially as this is one of the few console versions of the SSI games. I think the only other is Pools of Radiance for the NES.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/13/04