Smash TV

"Great addition to the Live Arcade"

Smash TV is one of those classic games you remember as a kid because it was so darn hard. With this addition to the live arcade you at least get unlimited credits so it's at least possible to complete the game. But is it worth doing so?

You have entered a TV game show. You need to kill as many enemies and grab as many prizes as you can. The catch? Don't die. It's an interesting idea and this comes from when games didn't really need a plot so it's nice to have one.

The sprites in this game are nicely done. The enemy variety is really good and while some are just different colors you'll encounter at least 7 enemy types within the first 2 levels. The death effect is also really cool with a big eyeball flying into the air all bloody. The bosses themselves are also nice eye candy. Take the first boss, he gets his limbs blown off as you hurt him, soon his ribcage is shown, his head goes flying, ect. Very nicely done.

Sound in the game is nicely done as well. The game show like music fits the theme nicely. The weapons all have their own unique sound and it's a nice sound to boot. I don't remember any voice work but this is an old title so that is to be expected.

Control in the game is actually responsive with this port. You move with the left analog stick and the right stick is used to fire in all directions. It's smooth, responsive and really gets the job done.

The goal of Smash TV is to grab as many prizes and make it through each maze. This is something that sets it apart from most other games because you get multiple paths and each is different and some are easier than others. The idea is to keep replaying and finding the best path that rewards you with gifts, which raises your score and gets you some extra lives.

The enemies poor out of the four doors. Think of them as the four directions. They storm at you and it's your goal to kill them all and to do so you'll need to learn your weapon power ups. These are essential to your survival. The bombs destroy pretty much everything; the nuclear bomb will kill all enemies on the screen. There is also a shield which is a must and should always be grabbed when seen.

The game is tough. The enemies are ruthless but after a while it all kind of clicks and you'll be able to finish the levels one by one without continuing. To add some extra content to the game we get some on-line play. Sadly no one has ever been on in the 6+ months I've owned the game so I have been unable to experience the on-line play. There are also achievements and the first batch are easy but this game also has the one achievement most people don't have and that's to beat the game without continuing. A difficult feat that's for sure.

Smash TV is a classic game and unlike so many others this one holds up. It's still difficult but it's also still fun. It's worth the 400 MS Points and would be a must buy if only people played on-line.

Story - 4/10
Graphics - 8/10
Sound - 8/10
Control - 9/10
Game Play - 9/10
Replay Value - 5/10

Final Score - 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/12/07

Game Release: Smash TV (US, 11/24/05)