Tag / Lucasart
Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 – The Hidden Empire – Review
Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 - The Hidden Empire
Game Reviews, Gamer, Gaming, Lucasart, Nostalgia, PC, PCgaming, Rebel Assault 2, Retro, Retrogamer, Retrogames, Retrogaming, Science Fiction, Star Wars, Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 - The Hidden Empire, Videogames
Occasionally, even though the first game in a series may be panned by critics, creators will get a second bite of the cherry. When this occurs, one would hope that the creators learn where they went wrong in the first instalment and remedy these mistakes to help ensure the success of the sequel. Alternatively, they could just ignore all feedback because, let's face it, it has a trademarked brand name in the title and will therefore sell anyway.
Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 – The Hidden Empire is an action rail-shooter developed by Lucasart (Factor 5 for the PlayStation), and published by Lucasart. It was released 1995 for DOS/Windows, PlayStation and Mac OS. I chose to review the PC version.
Rail-shooters are fine, but at least sort out the jittery aiming! (screenshot taken by the author)
Set after the destruction of the first Death Star, you play as Rebel pilot Rookie One. After a series of mysterious disappearances, you are sent out on patrol near the planet Dreighton to investigate. Your party soon receive a distress call from a ship whose pilot explains that he has valuable information regarding a secret project that the Galactic Empire are hatching in order to destroy the Rebel Alliance once and for all. Sadly, the pilot carrying the information is killed before you can reach him and your party is then attacked by Tie Fighters.
These levels would have been better suited with a light gun (screenshot taken by the author)
The gameplay is almost identical to Star Wars: Rebel Assault, in that there are three gameplay types. The first is a rail-shooter where, for the most part, the computer pilots your ship whilst you take control of the crosshair and try to shoot at the enemy. Occasionally, you will be called upon to steer when a flashing arrow appears, indicating that you need to press that direction on your joystick/control pad etc. The second sees you shoot at stormtroopers, killing a certain number before you can progress to the next screen. The third sees you take control of a ship/speeder, and you must fly through a course, again, with occasional flashing arrows showing the safest way through.
I found the controls jittery, and it is very difficult to determine depth perception (screenshot taken by the author)
Sadly, there aren't many positives I can give this game. The issues that plagued the first game were not fixed for the sequel. The controls are still just as jittery and frustrating to use. Whenever you release control of the cross hair, it immediately centres, which is incredibly annoying when you are trying accurately shoot moving targets with a joystick/control pad. I even tried to turn the sensitivity of my control pad down to 0, which helped aiming a bit. Annoyingly, you cannot change the axis for the joypad during the game. It is easier to have the controls as up is up and down is down for the shooting scenes, but have down is up and up is down for the flying levels. I don't know why, it just feels more intuitive that way.
The issue with the flying levels is that it is difficult to distinguish depth perception. For the levels where you need to shoot and occasionally direct your ship, ensuring you don't collide with asteroids or the side of the space stations, it is the pits and doesn't compare at all to Star Wars: Tie Fighter.
I can't understand why they didn't learn from the first game. If you're going to have a rail-shooter then a light gun or allowing the user to use a mouse makes more sense. Using a joytick etc. to aim is just too annoying and inaccurate.
The game begins with the Star Wars text giving a brief backstory to the game. The opening scene really pulls you in and gets you straight into the action.
Although it may look a bit fuzzy nowadays, at the time, the graphics were awesome and just what you'd expect from any Star Wars game. The only issue with the graphics is that when flying the Millennium Falcon, for example, it's not easy to judge when you are going to crash into the sides or into and incoming object.
The intro to this game is awesome. It's great to have the original music from the movies. Sadly, James Earl Jones didn't reprise his role as Darth Vader.
No, I rage quit after Mission 3 – The Mining Tunnels as I was so fucked off with the jerky, shitty flying controls!
GameSpot: "There's also a serious gameplay problem in the vehicular levels. The controls are too loose and jittery, meaning that you have to constantly fidget with the directional pad just to fly in a straight line. This also makes it almost impossible to dodge obstacles in your path. An even larger flaw is that, even with that awful control, the game is still much too easy to vanquish – any average player should be able to rip through it in two or three hours. Overall 4.9/10".[1]
GameSpot: "Rebel Assault II's fine musical score, well-written script, and decent acting will be enough to satisfy those seeking a worthwhile multimedia "experience," but the limited gameplay will most likely send hard-core gamers running back to Tie Fighter. Overall 7.5/10".[2]
Next Generation: "…you aren't playing a game. You're watching a movie that requires you to move a stick around and press a button at certain points until you get to see more of the movie. Overall 2/5".[3]
"Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 – The Hidden Empire seems to be unsure just what type of game it is. It has no redeeming features that would make a gamer choose this game over say, Tie Fighter or Dark Forces, as they are superior in every way. Jittery controls and poor targeting just make for a frustrating game that is no fun. What makes this game worse than Star Wars: Rebel Assault , is that they clearly didn't learn from their mistakes."
What are your memories of Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2 – The Hidden Empire? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don't for get to follow and subscribe so that you don't miss my latest reviews! You can also find me on Instagram: @nicklovestogame.
[1] Gamespot Staff, (May 2, 2000). 'Rebel Assault II – Review'. GameSpot. (https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rebel-assault-ii-review/1900-2549039/ Accessed 3rd September 2020).
[2] Gamespot Staff, (May 5, 2000). 'Rebel Assault 2: The Hidden Empire – Review'. GameSpot. (https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rebel-assault-ii-review/1900-2532726/ Accessed 3rd September 2020).
[3] 'The Empire Strikes Out – Rebel Assault II'. Next Generation. (March 1996). Issue 15:92.
July 29, 2020 February 3, 2022 by lawrenceofcanadia
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis – Review
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Archaeology, Childhood memories, Game Reviews, Gamer, Gaming, Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Lucasart, Lucasfilm, Nostalgia, PC, PCgaming, Point and Click, Retro, Retrogame Community, Retrogamer, Retrogames, Retrogaming, Videogames
"It belongs in a museum!"
I was introduced to the Indiana Jones movies by my older brother. I soon became a huge fan as a consequence. Controversially, I don't think the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a bad a movie as most think. For the record, these films had nothing to do with me going into archaeology as a profession. Time Team holds that honour.
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is a point and click adventure game developed and published by Lucas Arts. It was released in 1992 for the Amiga, FM Towns, MS-DOS and Macintosh. In 2009, a version was also released on the Wii. The version I chose to review was purchased from Steam.
"We do not follow maps to buried treasure, and X never, ever marks the spot." (screenshot taken by the author)
It's 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War II. After a Nazi agent tricks Indy into opening an artefact before running off with its contents, Indy finds himself in a race to find Atlantis before the Nazis do. Whilst dodging Nazi henchmen, Indy must solve a plethora of puzzles and learn the secrets of Atlantis. Indy is accompanied on his adventure with colleague Sophia Hapgood, a former archaeologist turned psychic.
"What is Shankara?", "Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory." (screenshot taken by the author)
The game plays in a similar way to the early Monkey Island series. You have several commands at the bottom left part of the screen ("talk to", "pick up" etc.) and need to use your cursor to highlight a command before clicking on the object or person you wish to interact with. Your inventory is located in the bottom right of the screen. When talking to a person, dialogue will appear at the bottom for you to select. Asking the right questions will help you progress in the game.
The game is easy to play but this old style of point and click can get frustrating when you are stuck and relying on specific commands to solve a puzzle. I have no real complaints about the controls though.
"Half the German army's on our tail, and you want me to go to Berlin?" (screenshot taken by the author)
One thing I will say about Lucas Arts is that they know how to make a game look great. The graphics and animation are fantastic! The characters and backgrounds are very detailed and beautifully illustrated and animated.
Originally, there was no voice acting. This was added to the enhanced version released in 1993. Alas, Harrison Ford didn't reprise his role as Indy, which, for me, shatters the illusion of the game. The theme music is an 8-bit version of the film's main theme which, let's face it, would have been ridiculous if Lucas Arts couldn't get the rights to a movie theme produced by Lucas Film.
There are three "storylines" giving the game good replay value, but I struggled to maintain my interest for one storyline let alone try the other two. There are also two alternative bad endings. I have been reliably informed by chums who have played the game that it is best to allow Sophia to join you on your quest, so i will no doubt return to this game in the future.P
Although this game was critically acclaimed, I just didn't enjoy it but I can't quite put my finger on why. Some of the puzzles were frustrating and convoluted, and I question whether an Indiana Jones game works in this format. Surely, an action-adventure game would work better!? After all, the beauty of Indiana Jones films is not necessarily the intellectual intricacies of archaeology, but more the action of swinging with your whip, fighting a foe who is twice as large as you, and beating him, and running from falling boulders or indigenous tribes.
No, I've yet to complete this one.
Dragon: "We can't speak highly enough of this offering, and we ask Lucas Arts to consider future Indiana Jones game releases to please gamers of all ages. Overall 5/5".[1]
PC Review: "Fate of Atlantis is simply brilliant. I can honestly say I haven't really enjoyed playing an adventure game as much since Indiana Jones and the Crusade. Overall 9/10".[2]
Electronic Games: "The graphics here are spectacular, studded with the sort of period effects expected from the Indy films. Overall 97%".[3]
Mega Zone: "Overall, this is one of the best adventure games I've seen in a long time (and I've seen a few). The combination of excellent graphics, great game play and the multiple plots (sheer genius) makes for great value for money. Overall 94%".[4]
Best Adventure – Mega Zone Game of the Year Awards '92[5]
"This game is beautiful! The detail and animation of the sprites and backgrounds are first rate. The game play is simple but can get tiresome when trying to find the exact command needed to progress. I have to confess that I just didn't enjoy this game all that much. I found myself becoming easily bored with it. For me, Indiana Jones is an action-adventure, not a slow-paced point and click."
What are your memories of Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don't for get to follow and subscribe so that you don't miss my latest reviews! You can also find me on Instagram: @nicklovestogame.
[1] 'Reviews – Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis'. Dragon. (May 1993). 193:60-1.
[2] Presley, P., 'PC Review – Indiana Jones and The Fate of Atlantis'. PC Review. (September 1992). 11:40-4.
[3] Video Game Gallery: SNES – Indiana jones and the Fate of Atlantis. Electronic Games. (October 1992). Volume 1 Issue 1:82–3.
[4] 'Review: – Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis'. Megazone. (October/November 1992). Issue :46-7.
[5] 'Game of the Year Awards 1992 – Indiana jones and the Fate of Atlantis'. Megazone. Issue 25:20.
February 19, 2020 January 20, 2022 by lawrenceofcanadia
Star Wars: Rebel Assault – Review
Star Wars: Rebel Assault
3DO Interactive, DOS, Empire, Game Reviews, Gamer, Gaming, Lucasart, Macintosh, Rail-Shooter, Rebels, Retro, Retrogamer, Retrogames, Retrogaming, SCi-Fi, Science Fiction, Sega CD, Star Wars
Star Wars is one of the most loved franchises in movie history, and has a place in the hearts of millions of cinema goers everywhere. Now it's your turn to get into the cockpit and help fight against the evil Galactic Empire. May the Force be with you!
Star Wars: Rebel Assault is a rail shooter developed and published by LucasArts, and released in 1993 for DOS, MAC, Sega-CD, and 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. I chose to review the version downloaded from Steam. There is a spoiler below so watch out for it.
Training missions will see you flying through canyons at high speed… (screenshot taken by the author)
The game is set during Star Wars: A New Hope, although for some reason, the Battle of Hoth seems to takes place too. You play as Rookie 1, who is a trainee Rebel pilot. Once you complete the trainee missions, you are sent to take on the Empire in battles that see you navigate asteroid belts, fly in close proximity to a Star Destroyer and many other hazardous situations.
Throughout the 15 levels, there are three aspects to this game. First person shooter, overhead view, and third person view, depending on which level you are on.
…tracking and shooting Imperial Probes… (screenshot taken by the author)
Star Wars: Rebel Assault had so much potential, and as a Star Wars fan I loathe to criticise the franchise, but the gameplay really lets this game down, to the point where the fun of playing was drained out of the experience. An example of this is during the battle scenes. The cross hair used to aim is so jittery, and because you don't have control of the craft, aiming is incredibly difficult and accuracy goes in the toilet. Using a mouse as oppose to a joystick or joypad surprisingly only makes things worse. Flying through the canyons and through caves also becomes frustrating because it is difficult to gauge when you are going to hit obstacles. The attempt to make the game 3D simply plays havoc with your depth perception, especially because this is a rail shooter and you have no real control over the craft.
…and traversing through asteroid fields. (screenshot taken by the author)
For the time, the graphics looked great! Nowadays, the pixelated film footage from the movies looks fuzzy and cheap, and for some reason the original dialogue containing voices of the original actors has been replaced, which detracts from the game because it sticks out like a sore thumb.
The SFX and music are authentic music and sounds from the movie which really adds to the atmosphere of the game, making you believe you are in a Star Wars movie.
Cut scenes from the original movie was added which I thought looked great at the time (screenshot taken by the author)
Another odd factor was that the ending of A New Hope was re-written for this game. There is no sign of Luke, Wedge or Han Solo, and it's you who destroys the Death Star. You are then shown the ceremony at the end of A New Hope and see Luke Skywalker as he walks down to collect his medal…how come you aren't awarded a medal? Unless that is supposed to be you of course, which wouldn't make sense if you choose your pilot to be female.
One mission sees you take on a Star Destroyer (screenshot taken by the author)
Did I Complete The Game:
Sadly, I could not get past the asteroid field in Chapter 6 and became so frustrated that I decided not to continue playing.
NEXT Generation: "The clips from the Star Wars movies, the music, and the 3D rendered graphics are all great – however, they all function as little more than window dressing for a not-so-hot, shooter-style game. The control is none too solid, and the gameplay is rudimentary. Overall 2/5."[1]
NEXT Generation: "Yes the gameplay is silky and yes, the music and visuals are terrific, but this is, after all, an "arcade" game, and the rails here will get old fairly quickly. If you're really into Star Wars, Rebel Assault will make you happy. Overall 2/5."[2]
Computer Gaming World: "Rebel Assault is a gorgeous, fast-paced shooter that is a lot of fun to play. The problem is, the fun is too short lived, and the game certainly doesn't lure us back to play again and again (No rating given)."[3]
Electronic Gaming Monthly: "Being a Star Wars fan I tried to give this one a chance but to no avail…The digitalised looking graphics are just too grainy, and the gameplay is simple and not interesting enough to maintain your level of attention. Overall 5.75/10."[4]
"For me, this game was a cheap way to cash-in on the Star Wars franchise and has very few redeeming features. The music and some of the graphics are the only reason why this game gets a 2-star rating instead of a 1-star rating. The controls are simply awful."
What are your memories of Star Wars: Rebel Assault? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don't for get to follow and subscribe so that you don't miss my latest reviews! You can also find me on Instagram: @nicklovestogame.
[1] 'Review:PC – Rebel Assault'. NEXT Generation. (March 1995). Volume 1 Issue 3:89.
[2] 'Review:PC – Rebel Assault'. NEXT Generation. (December 1995). Volume 1 Issue 12:195.
[3] Schuytema, P.C., 'Begger's Canyon Anyone?". Computer Gaming World. (February 1993). Issue 115:176-8.
[4] 'Review Crew:PC – Rebel Assault'. Electronic Gaming Monthly. (July 1994). Volume 7 Issue 7:38.