Firepower 2000

"An Old School Shooter That Deserves Some Attention"

Released in 1992 by Sunsoft, Firepower 2000 was most likely an un-noticed entry into the Super Nintendo's library at its time. Firepower 2000 is your typical ''rail'' shooter. From an overhead view one or two players, controlling either a helicopter or a jeep, could blast through 6 very large and heavily populated stages. Firepower 2000 didn't try to make any innovations in the gaming world, all it did was take an old formula that was tried and true, and not only make it work, but look pretty damn good doing it.

Gameplay: 9
Pretty simple. You, or you and a friend take control of either of the two vehicles at your disposal and proceed to blast the hell out of everything in sight. What keeps Firepower's gameplay fresh is that the two vehicles available control differently, so being stuck with one or the other now had an impact on how you played the game. Scattered throughout each stage were challenges equal for both vehicles. While the helicopter maintained air superiority by warding off the enemy's air assult, the jeep was on the ground taking out ground units and making jumps over caverns. This makes Firepower 2000 a real team game, so it's safe to say may will enjoy playing with a friend rather than roughing all six stages alone.

Graphics: 8
Pretty standard shooter graphics for the time. The landscapes of the stages in the game looked quite nice and the units weren't marred by pixelation or flickering. The explosions in the game are pretty cool themselves. They're big and colorful, but do not interfere with gameplay whatsoever.

Sound: 6
Nothing that will stand out in the music department, just your typical driving tempo for each stage. The sound effects are very typical as well with gunshots, missle sounds, explosions, sirens the works. Nothing spectacular but it works.

Control: 9
The controls feel really natural and are not only responsive but fluid. You really feel like you're in control of your vehicle and accessing special weapons is a breeze. Simple games requires simple controls and these controls are just that. Very effective in helping the game remain fun.

Storyline: 2
Do you even need one? It's nothing Paramount is gonna license for a movie deal and the only hint of story is in the ''hidden'' opening movie. An underground race of terrorists (I'm assuming) has taken over a considerable portion of the military's units and are planning a global assult. I'm on the edge of my seat. Can't you tell?

Challenge: 7
Yes, this game has a tendency to be hard. Dumping clusters of enemy units and bullets on the screen at the same time is almost a specialty of this game. The bosses of each stage provide some pretty tough challenges as well.

Replay: 5
Once through and you'll be done for a very long time. Nothing you're gonna be pulling late hours to finish.

Overall: 8
Firepower 2000 is a quick kick in the pants for the fun of it. It's a great way to waste away an afternoon with a friend if you're bored. I'd say if you see it somewhere go ahead and pick it up. Although I did think it could have been at least 2 stages longer.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/01, Updated 12/20/01