Cowboy Bebop

"Only fans need apply, but don't expect much"

Here's a 3D shooter game featuring your favorite characters from Cowboy Bebop. Actually, it features your favorite ships from Cowboy Bebop, but Spike and the crew are along for the ride. I didn't understand the story much. Seems like you have to save some group of people or something. It doesn't really matter since this is a shooter.

Playability : 6
You have limited 3D movement while fighting tons of incoming ships and tanks. Basically, you'll keep moving forward until you face a boss, then you have some freedom similar to Starfox 64. You have two weapons, the guns and a secondary weapon that could be lasers or missiles depending on the craft you fly. With the laser, target lock was difficult since you have to keep pointing your ship at the enemy while the laser is being fired. It overheats after awhile.

Sound : 5
Music is average for a shooter, below average considering the source is Cowboy Bebop, which is known for its spectacular soundtrack. The character voices can get on your nerve at times since you don't know what they're saying. They constanly comment on your piloting skills.

Graphics : 8
Very nice for a shooter. There's plenty of lasers, missiles, and explosions to draw you into the action and all the enemy craft look distinctly different. Bosses are huge. They've added nice touches. If you fire into the trees, leaves and branches break off.

Difficulty : 9
What's wrong with this game? There's not enough room to move when you're facing the boss so you constantly keep crashing into your target as you try to turn your ship around. I had to spend most of the time fighting upside down. If you die, you will have to repeat the entire level!!! This is what's called a second life?

Replay Value : 6
It's a shooter, and a very difficult one at that. If you like to replay shooters, then replay value is high. Otherwise once it's over, it's over. You get to pilot different craft from the series as you go along, and everybody seems to be there including Faye.

Final score : 6 (not an average)
This would have been an 8 if the amount of space they give you for fighting the bosses wasn't so cramped. This is a major flaw. You NEED some freedom of movement. I felt like I was fighting inside a closet. You have to be Spike to finish this game, because only he could pilot in this tiny space.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/31/01, Updated 01/31/01