Area 51

"Saturn + Stunner + Area 51 = tasty treat!"

I'll summarize briefly and early - this is a really great arcade translation, and if you liked the stand-up version you'll probably love the home conversion. There is, unfortunately, a slight graphics hit on the Saturn version, but other than that it's really delicious. If you're a big fan of Area 51 in the arcade (and you should be!), this is a riot and really close to owning the arcade machine at home.

Graphics first - close. There's a ''border'' instituted to help the light gun situation, but you do get used to it. Basically, there's always this little fence-type border that definitely wasn't in the arcade, but it's not so bad. And yeah, the graphics are definitely noticeably granier than the arcade version of the game. BUT they look really good nonetheless, just not nearly as crisp as the nicely digitized arcade edition.

Control - Well, this is where the game shines, and in the most important area. Sega's Stunner is (and perhaps always shall be) the greatest home-version light-gun ever made, if you ask me. Sure, the Gun Con for the playstation is accurate - but it's trigger action leaves _much_ to be desired. The stunner has excellent accuracy and fantastic trigger action, and in a nutshell REALLY should've been brought to the Dreamcast. Alas. And in Area 51, it's just perfect. One complaint - no ''grenade'' button. So you've got to shoot a grenade icon on the border, which can be a big pain. But that's okay - any true Area 51 fan knows that grenades are for wusses anyhoo :).

Sound - Absolutely perfect. The classic ''hunting'' Area 51 music is all there, as are the booming sound effects. A subwoofer really helps bring this out, highly recommended for any home game system setup.

Apart from a translation, Area 51's a great game. Yes, it's pretty short and the ''ending'' leaves a bit to be desired. But there's secrets to be found, and the game is damned fun while it lasts. All gun shooters are short anyways, as a fan of that kind of game you do get used to it.

If you've got a Saturn and a Stunner gun, get this game. If you liked the arcade version a lot, and don't have a Saturn - you owe it to yourself to get a Saturn, gun and this game. (there's a few other fantastic gun shooters on Saturn also...). Go git them aliens!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/15/02, Updated 03/15/02