"Murder Death Kill your way through hordes of enemies."

MDK is an interesting game that combines some elements of platforming and shooting to make a pretty fun game.

--]Gameplay: 8
Jumping from platform to platform at times can be a pain. You have some sort of parachute on your back that you can use to try and make your landings and make it across certain areas, but most of the time you'll have to try it at least twice to make it across. Some of the controls, like swapping weapons (or should I say ammo?) and shooting in first person mode can take some getting used to, but once you've got them down it becomes second nature.

There aren't technically ''guns'' in this game, because the one gun you have shoots pretty much all the different types of ammo that you come across in the game. Speaking of the game itself, it's pretty challenging. Saving areas and killing monster after monster can be quite a challenge. You've got certain things that can help you out along the way though, like a blow-up decoy that is obviously fake, but the stupid monsters don't know that. Later in the game the levels get much harder, and can be pretty frustrating. When you finally beat the game though, it makes it all the sweeter.

--]Sound & Music: 7
The music in MDK isn't really anything that's going to be playing in your head over and over again at school or work, but that's probably a good thing. The game has a small yet varied soundtrack that doesn't really ever get old quick. The monster noises can sometimes be a little fake sounding, but it isn't like Shiny could have gotten real monsters to make the grunts and screams.

--]Graphics: 7
Maybe it's because i'm writing this review so long after the games initial release, but the graphics are pretty dated. Given how long ago this game was made however, the graphics are pretty nice. The level designs are nice and varied. Enemies also vary in design and size and the development team should pat themselves on the back for taking the time to do that.

--]Story: 6
Maybe it's because the game came with my iMac free with no instruction booklet, but i'm not quite sure about what the game is really all about. You've apparently been assigned to save select locations and cities from aliens and monsters that have invaded them. You're helped on your adventure by various devices made by an old scientist, and this strange dog-like creatures also helps you along your journey.

Gameplay: 8
Sound & Music: 7
Graphics: 7
Story: 6
OVERALL SCORE: 7

Should you buy this game? If you somehow come across it at a local video game store or on Ebay, then yes! The gameplay in this game holds up to this day despite the fact that it's pretty dated.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/08/03, Updated 05/08/03