Disaster Report

"Nice idea, but should have been better"

If you look at the score I've given this game, you may think that I didnt like it. Well, I did. However, the game has some serious problems that stopped it getting a higher score which was it so possibly could have.

GAMEPLAY:

The games main selling point is it's unique setting: an earthquake. You take the role of a reporter on his way to Stiver Island as the earthquake hits. It starts just after the bridge you are on gets majorly damaged, forcing you to find your way on foot through the rubble to the (relative) safety of the mainland, and ultimately get rescued. Of course, while you are trying to do this, the island is being hit by aftershocks, which is where the most inventive element of the gameplay comes into play; buildings collapse, walkways cave in, and generally at any time the scenery can completely change. As it can happen at any time, it can lead to some real tension. As soon as the pad starts to vibrate, you know somethings coming! Unfortunately, this is also where one of the problems lies. Basically, when the earthquakes start, you have two options. You can either run, or use the R1 button to ''brace'' yourself to stop yourself falling over and taking damage. The problem is it's often hard to tell which, and even if you do the right one, it's still possible to get hit by something falling that you dont see till it's too late. Sudden deaths are common in this game. It's not helped by awful camera angles. Controls are adequate, but often seem sluggish. The story is at least interesting, and the puzzles are satisfying. If they'd just found a way to incorporate the earthquakes more effectively into the game, then this could have been something special.

Graphics

To be honest, they're pretty poor. Most Dreamcast games looked better than this. It wishes it looked half as good as Shenmue did. Textures are bland, lighting effects are laughable, and to top it off, sometimes it slows right down. The only good thing I could say about it is that the draw distance is decent, and pop up isnt noticable.

Sound

Not much to say here. Generally, there isnt any background music. Sound effects are ok, and the voice acting is reasonable, but nothing special.

Re-playability

This is where the main problem of the game lies. Sure, there are several endings, but I personally cant see myself playing the game again after I've finished it. And that's even worse when you consider that the game can be completed in about 6 hours (less for one of the endings). Even if you did all the endings, you could still see them with a couple of days play.

So, would i recommend you hire or buy? Well, I bought it. But I'm taking it back for Res Evil 0 tomorrow. It is worth playing, it's just not something that will take up much of your life. I doubt most people would play it beyond the rental period anyway.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 03/08/03, Updated 03/08/03