"If you fear for your life, dont mess with Sarge!"

Introduction:

This quite possibly could be one of the most underrated games on the Nintendo 64. Actually I take that back. It IS the most underrated game on the N64. 3DO does an excellent job in providing a third person shooter packed with solid gameplay and great replay value. Not to mention one mean, green character named Sarge.

Gameplay: 10/10

When I first started playing this game, the one thing that jumped out at me was the realism. Even though it is plastic soldiers going at it instead of humans, the gameplay is valid. There are numerous guns you acquire throughout the course of the game including the machine gun, mortar launcher, sniper, and most importantly the bazooka. Every time a shot is fired you have to look around you so as to make sure it wasn't in your house! The AI is fantastic in that the tan soldiers can adjust to your location. For the most part the controls are easy to use and you can easily cycle through guns during the game. Each level takes place in a real life household place. For example, you might fight in the bathroom, kitchen, living room, or even a backyard sandcastle! This only adds to the fun of killing tan soldiers to no end. Another outstanding feature of gameplay is the multiplayer. You can put your skills to the test against your friends in this great rendition of Goldeneye. The multiplayer arenas all contain there own individuality so shooting each other for hours straight never gets old. The story makes the gameplay more enticing, but that will be delved into later.

Graphics: 7/10

Plastic characters are polished and look like actual toys. The details that each level contains are just right for the atmosphere that this game tries to create. In the backyard you'll find flowers and in the living room you'll find a couch. Every animation is executed like a movie and are all fun to watch. One animation that stands out is the burning of an enemy tan soldier courtesy of the flame thrower. Nothing feels better than defeating an enemy with this fatal weapon. The only problem with the graphics in this game are a small amount of glitches. Sometimes Sarge might walk halfway through a wall or you might be able to shoot someone through a wall. This does not take away from the overall gameplay however.

Sound: 8/10

The guns sound real, the music is appropriate for the games nature, and the tan soldiers bellow when shot and killed. Whenever you hear a shriek, you know that you have claimed your next victim. The sound is solid for a game that relied more on gameplay than on graphics and sound.

Story: 10/10

The head of the tan army, General Plastro (no relation to Fidel Castro), wants to destroy the green army and take over the world! You play as Sarge, a green army veteran, as you try to stop Plastro from following through with his evil plan. As the story progresses you will rescue Sarge's comrades from the tan army and continue on to a glorious revolution! The story completes the package of an excellent game that Army Men: Sarge's Heroes provides.

Play time/Replay value: 9/10

The single player mode will last awhile, but multiplayer is where the great fun is at. There is no substitution for hours of multiplayer madness with friends. Even if you don't have any friends to play with, the outstanding gameplay will pull you back for another round of single player.

Final Recommendation: Buy

An excellent game all-around, Army Men: Sarge's Heroes does not fail to suffice. If you are looking for any kind of shooter I would definitely say BUY. You will not be disappointed. 3DO has created a classic that will be a mainstay in shooters for years to come.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/30/06