Adventures Of Lomax

Here's a good, old side-scroller coming out in a time of almost nothing but 3-D. Lomax proves that bringing a game out from a classic genre can still be done. There's a huge number of levels, each being fairly large in size. Some of the background elements can be moved (i.e., logs, etc.) which is a lot more fun than stagnant backdrops. The graphics are super-colorful, although this can sometimes be too much when there's a lot of enemies in the foreground. I've never been a huge fan of side-scrollers, but Lomax was a lot of fun to play. Plus, it has a password feature so you don't have to play through it all at once to finish it.

In a 32-Bit market dominated by 3-D games, I must say that Lomax is a refreshing old school trip. The timing of this game is key; since we haven't seen a 2-D platform game in a while, Lomax is sure to stand out. Lomax takes Lemmings away from the old puzzle- style of play and makes a new game from scratch (albeit the side-scrolling genre has been around for quite a while). The graphics are colorful and well-suited for this game (like Rayman's style). Although Lomax will take a back seat to our recently reviewed Pandemonium and Crash Bandicoot, it is an enjoyable enough title to warrant a close look.

This side-scroller couldn't be more different from the previous, strategy-oriented Lemmings games, but it's still lots o' fun-and it proves that PlayStation titles don't have to be 3-D to be good. (You hear that, Sony?) Lomax plays much like last year's Rayman (as well as its forthcoming sequel), except the greenhaired hero can use several distinctly Lemmings-like special powers. Depending on which icons he nabs, Lomax can dig through obstacles, fly over chasms, build bridges and pull off other tricks. Lomax can also walk into the background during a few of the more than 40 levels, giving the game a slight 3-D feel.

Here's a game with some real mascot potential! The Lemmings clans have always been a resourceful bunch, and Lomax follows suit (like a good Lemming should). The various power-ups unfortunately play little role in Lomax's quest. Instead, you'll find yourself spinning through most of the game-not the most exciting time you'll have. Still, you can't deny that Lomax has some incredibly smooth animation of cartoon quality, far beyond the quality of any of the other games we've reviewed this month. I only wish Lomax would have greater use for his wonderful gadgets and skills. He's gotta be pretty dizzy by now...