Battlestations

"This game could have been good."

Battlesations is a unique game in which you control a modern day naval warship in combat against another warship. Sounds cool. The game includes an arcade mode, in which you fight one at a time against a computer opponent. You gain ranks the more points you get, and the first one to get 300 wins. There is also a scenario mode. 10 scenarios in which you must defend your base, raid an enemy fort, or whatever to complete your objective. Sounds like a good game? It should, but it doesn't cut it.

Graphics-4 The ships themselves look ok, but the explosions on the ships are 2-d, and they don't look good in the 3-d environment. Also, the cinemas just plain suck.

Sound-7 The booming explosions sound pretty cool on a good sound system with the bass cranked up, and the music is appropriate for the type of game.

Control-2 This is where the game really blows. I know that actually controlling a battleship would be tough and unmaneuverable, but this is ridiculous! I'd rather drive my parents gas guzzling Buick than control a ship in this game.

Fun-5 The scenarios are unimaginative, and offer little variety. Also, only eight ships to control is way too few. The game is unique, but after that wears off, all you have is a sub-mediocre Combat rip-off. Rent it. Maybe.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99