Macross VF-X 2

"If your a fan expect to be disappointed"

Let me first start things of by saying that this is my first review of a game. Why I started now I don't know. Well, before I proceed let me just say that I'm not familiar with the Macross series. So, pardon me if I don't use the correct terminology when referring to the game. I just bought the import game because there was nothing else to get back in September. Nevertheless, I like a game where I get to blow things up even though I don't understand Japanese. Anyway on to the review.

Graphics:4/10
Well, the intro rocks! It's like watching animation. The details of the fighter jets are cool. When it comes to the briefings the characters are well drawn. The reason the score is not as high is because of the game itself. The environment is not as detailed as you'd hope for after seeing the intro and mission briefings. It just looks plain.

Sound/Music:7/10
When you send a barrage of missiles and fire your gun, it sounds good.
When you see the intro you'll just love it. The song played during the intro suits the scene. In addition to this, the music is really cool. The music can be redundant during the game because they don't offer much but I could live with it.

Gameplay:2/10
This game offers 8 selectable VF-X Ravens. Depending on who you choose some have more weapons than others. When your playing the game it doesn't seem like your moving. Even though the vapor trails coming off the wings look cool, it sure doesn't make you feel you're flying while using your thrusters. Everything from the enemies and the environment seems like it is moving toward you. In contrast, Omega Boost gives the player a sense of movement. What I mean by this is that when your boosting, you could tell that you are in fact moving forward. But, in VF-X2 no matter what the speed of the thruster says, be it 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% it still leaves the player feeling motionless. My major gripe here is that the flight simulation in the game is dull. It looks as if you yourself is suspended in mid-air like a puppet and the puppeteer is just positioning your body into looking either up, down, left, and right . However, when you're up there concentrating your sights on the enemies you may not even notice it because when you fire your gun or send a barrage of missiles it just makes you feel cool.

Control:10/10
The controlls are dead-on. It gives you total control of the game. It doesn't make you feel uncomfortable while playing. When you lock-on to a target and fire those missiles, you know that it wasn't luck.

Replay Value:2/10
Well, the lifespan of this game isn't at all great because you can beat this game in one day and won't bother playing it again. Since, I chose not to play this game the next day, the score suffers. Unless, you just want to play and blow those fighter jets up.

Overall:5
Considering that I got mine for $75, I must say that I am greatly disappointed. So, if and only if you're a die hard Macross fan, you won't 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: 5/10, Originally Posted: 05/17/00, Updated 05/17/00