Heavens Gate

Imaginative characters in a cross between Toshinden and Tekken, this spells only good things for Atlus' newest 3-D fighter called Heaven's Gate. The title features a number of new and mostly original fighters who battle in a platformed arena (Toshinden-style). The backgrounds in their 3-D splendor are enjoyable and colorful to say the least. They are clear and brightly designed even if to the point of nausea.

Control seems to be a little slow, forcing players to telegraph moves long before they actually launch from the players sides anci strike the opponent. However, considering the percent complete of this title, there still is some time for tweaking before release.

Heaven's Gate also features a Training Mode as well as the typical Arcade Mode for one or two players. There are power-ups and special moves for the players out there who won't accept it as a fighting game without the included genre traits. Does Atlus have what it takes to make Heaven's Gate a hit? Only time will tell.