Shockwave Assault

It's hard to approach a game that's been around for a while with a fresh attitude, but hey, it's now on my favorite system. Unfortunately, the Saturn version looks suspiciously like the aged 3DO game with a few minor differences. Shockwave Assault is still an enjoyable experience, and for those who've never seen the game, an extra point should be added to the final score. For everyone else, the futuristic storyline is somewhat stale, and the rudimentary 3D effects leave much to be desired. If you have a Saturn, this is definitely a worthwhile rental, but Shockwave was not a stupendous game when originally released and remains an "iffy" proposition now.

Graphics - 7

Sound/FX - 6

Gameplay - 6

Rating - 6

Shockwave Assault, the thwart-the-alien-inva-sion-of-Earth-so-we-can-all-sleep-better shooter from EA, has been seen on two platforms and spawned a seemingly endless (actually, there are only about three) line of sequels. Now, all you Saturn owners can give it a whirl.

Originally appearing on 3DO, Shockwave was a cool little number that had you blasting spindly alien machines while watching a cast of Hollywood wannabes during the FMV scenes. A fun romp. On the Saturn, the game has changed little in the way of gameplay. It's the same game as on the 3 DO, but has faster, smoother-scrolling graphics and some cleaner FMV.

A little ancient, as far as gaming technology goes, Shockwave seems to make no attempt to utilize much of the Saturn's abilities. From this first look, it looks like little more than a quick port to the Saturn to try to find someone who hasn't already played this game. It remains to be seen if this old girl has enough life left in her to wow the kids one more time.

Electronic Arts' popular 3DO sci-fi series will be making an appearance on the PlayStation. It is unknown if this will be a whole new game or a combination of the earlier titles.

However, the odds are in favor of this version featuring smoother graphics and better cinema quality. The earlier Shockwave games put you in control of a fighter. Your missions consisted primarily of hunting down aliens and picking up shield power-ups. These games sported texture-mapped polygons that made for some cool graphics. The intense action that the Shockwave series had endeared it to fans.

It'll be interesting to see what Electronic Arts has done with this game. We' II keep you up to date.

It's no shock to anyone who played the 3DO versions that Shock-wave Assault is one very cool shooter for the PlayStation.

Shock the Casbah

In the first game of this two-disc, two-game portover, aliens have invaded, and it's your mission (as flyboy Wild-Card) to drive them off the Earth. From a cockpit view, you begin in Egypt, and then it's on to nine more increasingly difficult missions over areas like Peru and Los Angeles. In the second game, you pursue much tougher aliens through the solar system, wiping out bases on Mars and other planets.

Shockwave's graphics were improved for the PlayStation. The game now takes place entirely at night, and you get a new gunsight, along with a new laser animation. The overall image quality is very clean, and the full-motion video sparkles.

The sound, which was good on the 3DO, was lightly tweaked. Some new dialogue was added, and a few of the harsher effects were softened.

Bom to be Wildcard

The intuitive controls and fairly maneuverable ship make Shockwave easy to pick up and play. Some strategy elements, however, may cause you to repeat a level over and over, which gets tiresome.

With its many intense missions, this game won't grow old any time soon. Shockwave Assault is sure to put a cramp in any futuristic flyboy's trigger finger.