|
 |
|
|
|
|
Review Information |
|
|
 |
|
|
Reviewer Name: |
Stan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Difficulty: |
Hard |
|
|
Difficulty Options: |
False |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Game Information |
|
|
|
|
|
Full Title: |
Zillion |
|
|
Year Released: |
1987 |
|
|
Game Type: |
Shooting |
|
|
Max Players: |
1 |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Introduction |
|
|
| Ohhhhhhhhh myyyyyy gooooood!!!!! Does it get any better than this?!!!!!! (pause for bowels to return to somewhat normal lest they explode) Okay, now that I have my tracts less excited, I'll introduce you to one of the games that made me decide to play the SMS nearly every day after I purchased it. Zillion I guess could be looked at as the Master System's answer to Metroid, but really it's not like that at all, in fact, I dare say, it's better. I believe it was based on a fairly popular animated series from Japan, but I'm not certain. |
| Gameplay |
| Very nice. Basically a "find this and that and destroy the empire" game, but that really doesn't do it justice, it's just to give you an idea of what you're in for. Basically you control the main character, J.J. You exit your ship and go to infiltrate the evil Norsa empire's labyrinth to find their plans for destruction. To do so you have to find five floppy disks that contain said plans, and then go to the main computer to nuke the place. Before this, however, you have to rescue your fellow White Knight pals Champ, Apple, and Amy. They're hidden in various locations within the labyrinth, and you have to get different items and upgrades to find them. You don't find them all at once, and each one has different powers to use to get to different areas. It's really quite a ride.
As you progress, it's the same format generally throughout. Kill various enemies, watch for traps, and get into computers by imputing codes. The codes you'll find in cylinders in almost every room. For example, you'll see a door closed in a room, you shoot the cylinders, and then remember the symbols you see. After imputting them in the order you open them (it has to be the right order, but usually you'll shoot them in said order), whatever happens, happens. Also, you can access any computer to do a variety of different things like stop moving lasers and walkways. These codes can be used at any computer and don't have to be located, they're provided when you start the game.
You start with the Zillion laser (hence the title) and have a limited number of hits, which you can replenish back at your ship. The labyrinth is pretty huge, so if you have the instructions but are way anal, print out the given map blocks and keep track of where you go. That's about all you need to know, it's really a wonderful game. Plus, it has a great amount of difficulty, but, more importantly, unlike Metroid, it doesn't piss you off like every two seconds. It's difficult, but very, very playable. |
| Graphics |
| As soon as you see J.J. a' shootin' at you at the opening screen, you'll simply change your pants due to the intense anticipation before playing this. The graphics are great, even though it's an earlier release. They're stepped up in Zillion II (wait for my review on that gem), but for it's time, they're great. Some of the screens are kind of bland, but it didn't matter to me at all, they're just well done throughout. |
| Sound & Music |
| Okay, about this. Now, the music is basically the same all over with some changes here and there (some simply minor). Some people may find this annoying, but I consider it, hmmmm, how to say, atmospheric. That is, repetitive but so damn entrancing that you are somehow hypnotized into not caring. I believe the awesomeness of the game has something to do with this. I liked the music and the sound effects, oh yes, the classic SMS explosion sounds ala' SpellCaster. What more could you want? |
| Controls |
| One of the best, that's all there is to say. If you want to get used to the SMS' controls, start with this game. Not only is it incredible, but the controls are wonderfully fluid and smooth. No choppy actions or accidental slips. It all works. |
| Replay Value |
|
| Perhaps the only unfortunate thing about this game is the lack of a password. But, who cares? Doesn't need it, it's so awesome you'll want to sit down and finish it in one sitting. Even if you don't, you won't mind going through what you already beat all over again. |
| Conclusion |
| In conclusion, allow me to say that if you're looking for a basic SMS collection, this game simply MUST BE a part of it. If you own one game, pick this, really, it's just a great game. One of the best. Look for my Zillion II: The Triformation (gasp!) review coming soon. |
|
|
|
|
