Cybernator

"Wanna cyber?"

Cybernator is a third person platform shooter. You pilot a large mech through enemy defenses, shoot things, and collect upgrades to increase your firepower. A handful of levels, but still a lot of fun.

Story: 7

The plot of Cybernator is this: there’s a war for natural resources on the earth, since they have become scarce. One side just wants the war to end and is willing to share; the other side wants all the resources for themselves. You play as a mech pilot named Jake, who fights for the Federation, the side that wants the war to end. In your Cybernator mech, you plow through the enemy Axis defenses to destroy their weapons of mass destruction, both on earth and in orbital shipyards, before the Axis can attack the Federation and conquer earth. Finally, after pushing through their front lines, you arrive at the Axis HQ and take on their leader in a fight to the death, only one mech will be left standing!

Gameplay: 9

Of course, piloting a mech, you must realize that the movements would be a bit more sluggish than a person’s would. You can aim your gun at a variety of angles, which is useful, and you have the ability to punch, jump, raise a shield, dash, and hover for a short period of time.

Your initial weapon, a vulcan gun, has unlimited ammo, but must recharge after several shots. The gun and punch can be made more powerful with chips scattered throughout the level. You can also find a laser weapon and missiles in some levels. The most powerful weapon, Napalm, can only be obtained with certain requirements.

Graphics: 10

Pretty good, considering when it was made. Your enemies and the backgrounds are all quite detailed and look great. Weapon discharges also look pretty cool.

Sound: 9

I like the music for this game; it’s futuristic and appropriate. The sound effects of weapons, jumping, and explosions also sound great. Not much you can say about sound in most games. It’s good, not the best I’ve ever heard, but still good.

Replay: 7

It’s fun to go tearing through the enemy over and over again. Try to obtain the Napalm or venture into the secret areas in some levels. Plus, mech fighting is always fun. No save function, though.

Oh, there are 2 endings. Which one you get depends on if you beat a certain boss one time. You’ll usually get the good ending the first time through.

Overall: 8

Few gameplay flaws, nice sound, and graphics, a decent challenge with moderate replay value. A great futuristic game for SNES. Plus, who doesn’t like mech combat?

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/02, Updated 02/25/02