Macross Digital Mission VF-X

"Damn those Milky Dolls!"

Macross (known as Robotech here in the States) finally goes 3D! Who hasn't wanted to play a action/sim game of a giant, transforming robot? But is this the game you're looking for?

In Macross : Digital Mission VFX, you play a pilot whose job is to save and protect the all female singing group known as the Milky Dolls. Okay, so its somewhat original, but once you hear them sing, you'll wonder why you rescued them.

Graphically, Macross has its problems. First, the levels you fly through have horrible detail, leaving you wondering why they bothered in the first place. Your enemies are equally unimpressive, almost to the point that you wondering if your fighting flying cardboard boxes! On the plus side, the six ships you fly (all from various movies and shows in the Macross/Robotech universe) are really detailed with great animation.

Please, make the Milky Dolls stop singing! And the sad thing is, the Milky Dolls' music is better than the in-game music! *gag* The sound effects are about as stellar sounding as the music.

The controls for Macross aren't too bad. There are buttons assigned to special moves, guns, missiles, and transforming up and down. My only complaint is the sluggish movement you have to fight while trying to fly your ship.

Some mention should be made of the overall presentation of Macross : Digital Mission VFX. They really tried to deliver a fast-paced game that would make fans happy. Unfortunately, the finished design wasn't as inspired.

As far as bonuses go, you get a full color instruction booklet with the whole Macross time line. Plus, for no extra charge, stickers! Woohoo! The only secret to be uncovered is one hidden ship which is a variation of an existing ship.

Unless you're a die hard Macross fan, you wont' enjoy this game. Hell, even if you are a fan, you might not enjoy it. Give it a try though, its not too bad.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 07/05/02