Official US PlayStation Magazine 19

"Yes, this is a demo disc."

Introduction:

I can already imagine what you are thinking.

''Huh? A review on a demo disc? What's this guy been smoking?''

Well, I figured I would try something new to help me get out of my case of the reviewer's block. As I was going through my Playstation game library a couple days ago, I came across some demo discs hidden behind my full games. After doing some quick searching here at GameFAQs, I noticed that a couple of my demo discs were in the database. Being the creative person that I am, I figured I would take a shot at writing a review for a demo disc. For this, I will have to use a different format, and it will be used to give you, the reader, an idea of whether or not this demo disc is any good. Hopefully, it (meaning my review) will not suck.

Before I talk about the demos on the disc themselves, I probably should bring up the opening video. Usually, OPM (the Official Playstation Magazine) does a nice job on their videos. I don't know whether or not they actually make the videos, or if they have Sony do it for them, but it's usually not a complete bore. This video happens to have a futuristic setting with hovering cars racing to make the OPM exit. It's really nothing special, but it is a nice touch.

Okay, now let's start with the first game on the disc, Ridge Racer 4.

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

Graphics (8.9/10)

R4's graphics are beautiful, and they are very detailed. The course set in the game is kind of dark, with the occasional lights during tunnels and such. I didn't notice much draw in, if there was any at all. Overall, the graphics really show off the Playstation's power, and it adds to the demo.

Sound (8.4/10)

The music in this demo is kind of upbeat, and it fits the flow of the game very good. While you are racing, the announcer will mutter some random phrases like ''Look out behind you'' or something similar to that. The driving and crashing noises are normal for a racing game, as are the rest of the sound effects.

Gameplay (8.7/10)

You get to race on one track, the ''Grand Prix'' in the demo. The computer automatically gives you a car, and it is always the same slow car. With that car, you can race three laps or five minutes, whichever comes first. There are seven other cars to race against, and again, they already selected for you. You really can't select anything here, but the whole point of the demo is just to race. Atleast, that's what it seems.

Once you finish the race, a replay screen will come up with a replay of your race. I really don't see what is so great about the racing replays, but I guess some will like it.

Overall, there is just enough stuff to do in this demo without it getting too repetitive and boring.

Control (8.4/10)

The control is superb, as it is easy to learn and complex to master. Only three buttons are used, besides the directional keys. To accelerate, simply use the X button. The square button is used to brake, and the triangle button is used to change the view from inside the car to outside the car or vice versa. What makes the controls complex to master is the powersliding technique. To powerslide, you must let up on the accelerator and then hold it back down when you are facing the proper direction. It takes a while to learn, but if you actually do learn it, then it will greatly help your racing problems.

Overall (8.2/10)

I like this demo. It is the best one on this disc, and it really makes me want to get the full version right now. Even if you aren't into racing games, this is still worth a look.

Rollcage

Graphics (7.2/10)

I found the graphics in Rollcage to be kind of choppy, but the game runs so fast that it isn't too annoying. The cars, backgrounds, weapons, and everything else look good, but nothing in particular jumps out to make the graphics noteworthy.

Sound (7.8/10)

The music in the demo has a fast beat, and it really fits the game very well. The sound effects are the usual basic ideas, but they also fit the game.

Gameplay (7.3/10)

You can select from two characters, each with their own car. There are two modes to try out, single player action and a two player mode. It was nice of Psygnosis to leave in a two player mode for the demo because it helps show how much fun is possible in the game.

While you are playing the demo, you will come across some weapons and speed boost markers. I never use the weapons because you don't really need them when you are going so fast. I always use speed boost markers, though, because they can help out a great deal if you are stuck in the back of the pack.

Controls (7.0/10

The controls are erratic, as you will be driving upside down and sideways throughout much of the race if you don't know what you are doing. The face forward button is a nice addition, but it takes too long to actually face forward. Every button on the controller is used, but only the main four are needed.

Overall (7.4/10)

This is a good demo, but it is nothing spectacular. The addition of a two player mode is great, and it adds to the replay value. It will be fun the first few times you play it, but not much after that.

WCW/nWo Thunder

Graphics (6.0/10)

The graphics are kind of blocky, well atleast the characters are. The crowd is set in 2D, but then again just about every sports game is on the Playstation. The ring and arena both look decent, but nothing really has a lasting effect in my mind.

Sound (4.1/10)

The sound is pretty bad, even in this demo. You get to hear one music track, although it is not the worst I have ever heard. There is also commentary during your matches, but they only shout out things like ''PILEDRIVER!'' and ''Powwwwerbomb''. It gets repetitive and annoying fast.

Gameplay (7.2/10)

Surprisingly, the gameplay is easily the best part of the game and demo. You can select from two modes here, a regular one on one match and a steel cage one on one match. You can only select from two wrestlers, Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Bill Goldberg. What I really liked about the gameplay, though, is that you can choose which group you want the wrestlers to be in. Go ahead and turn Hulk Hogan into a member of Raven's flock. Stick Goldberg into the nWo Wolfpack. It is all up to you. Also, another neat feature is that you can watch a small little FMV rant of the wrestlers. If it weren't for those to options, I would have given this a lower score.

Controls (4.7/10)

The controls are below average. Pulling off a move is a pain in the neck because you have to be careful what you push. For example, to do Hogan's finishing legdrop, you have to push UP, SQUARE, SQUARE, and then X. Also, some of the moves are outrageous. I highly doubt Mr. Hogan can do a flying headscissors. These days he can barely lift his feet off the ground. Overall, the controls are disappointing.

Overall (5.6/10)

Eh. This demo gives a nice feel for what the full game is like, but the crappy controls don't help make this game very playable. If you are wondering what the full game is like, then give this demo a shot, but otherwise it is probably not worth your time.

Rugrats: Search for Reptar

Graphics (5.2/10)

I don't see why everyone likes these graphics so much. The characters look very blocky and in all actuality look pretty bad. There is a FMV opener when you start the demo with the TV show's beginning scene, too. The backgrounds and characters both made me dizzy, as the topsy turvy camera made it worse.

Sound (5.8/10)

The sound is true to the show, but nothing is really memorable. I think most of the tracks had been used on the TV show, prior to being used in this game. I found the music to get annoying, though, but the music does fit the show and the game.

Gameplay (4.9/10)

You have two modes to choose from - putt putt golf and chasing Grandpa's teeth. With putt putt golf, you get to play three holes of miniature golf. With chasing Grandpa's teeth, you get to ride on the dog Spike while chasing Chuckie, who is on a wild goose. It is a crazy concept, but I am sure the children will like it. If you aren't a little kid, you will probably find the gameplay dull and repetitive.

Controls (4.4/10)

The controls are also below average. They are very loose and do not make the game fun to play at all. The camera doesn't help at all, either, as it just seems to go wherever it wants to. This definitely needed improvement to the full game.

Overall (5.1/10)

I would recommend parents to play this demo to see if it would be a good children's game, then they could decide if they want the full version. That's what Rugrats is, a children's game. Gamers ages 12 and up probably won't like it.

Warzone 2100

I'm not into strategy games, as I just don't have the patience to bother with them. I tried to give this Warzone 2100 demo a chance, but all I really did was drive around in the cars without any clue as to what I was supposed to do. Therefore, I won't try writing a mini-review on this because it is not my cup of tea. I suppose strategy fans should try this out, but other gamers need to stay away if you are anything like me.

Legend of Legaia (video)

This video serves its purpose, to me anyways. It really makes me want to play the full game, despite the reviews I have heard about it. The video features some nice shots of actual gameplay, and it has some cinematics thrown in there too. It is reasonably short, less than two minutes. It is worth watching atleast once.

Shady's Final Analysis:

This is a good demo disc, as the Ridge Racer 4 demo makes it worthwhile. The Rollcage demo is good, but the rest is just average with nothing special. If you are interested in any of the games, then give this demo a look. Otherwise, don't bother.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/17/00, Updated 12/17/00