Publisher - 03 Entertainment
Devoloper - Newgrounds
Type - 2d Shoot em up scroller
Console Releases - PS2, GC, Xbox
Players - 1 to 2
Reviewed by Jaydash
Graphics -
Made using Macromedia Flash (A computer program that deals with Graphics) Its amazing the smooth, crystal clear animation what came from their project. Very simple but smooth. I wish all 2D games could've been like this. The graphics are truely pheoniminal. Backgrounds are also very interesting aswell. With some humourous buildings to laugh at. The actual Alien Homminid and the the FBI designs are very simple when you look at them. Simple coloring, with simple black outline. Also the backgrounds are drawn with simple colors aswell. No detailed shading used. I think this is what makes the graphics so unique from any other game you see today. Looks like simplicity is the key to future 2D games then.
(The community that made this game is Newgrounds. Their site is www.newgrounds.com , so if your intrested in making a game and need advice ask them, and dont bother bugging them as they will more than likely ignore you like the plague. Another interesting fact is that they got help from someone who previously left Capcom, so thats a plus bonus aswell to Newgrounds devolopment in this game)
Music
Musically, its a mix between sci fi, techno and some cartoonish dramatical music. I actually, yet again love the fact that its simple music. Nothing over the top. Just right, Just like the graphics. Speaking of characters, they hardly use their voices alot. But then again, is it really needed in a game like this? I dont think so. The sound fx are pretty cool. When Alien Homminid dies, it sounds like a sickening thud of blood. Also, when his shield gets attack, its like a glass crack sound occurs. Its really cool and definately something to be excited about.
Gameplay
16 magnificant levels at the same time, very difficult levels are packed in this game. It doesnt seem like much, but if you actually played the levels before judging them, you will understand what I mean. Its not just a standard platform game where you run, jump and shoot your way through levels. Oh no, it goes up a notch from that. You have to fly in a aeroplane and control it shooting other ships down. Some other levels require you to control a kart, shooting people, jumping over obstacles, stuff like that. Bosses arent a breath of fresh air to beat. It requires a few deaths to come back with a technique to beat them.
Anyone remember Metal Slug? Metal Slug's shooting, throwing grenades style of gameplay is exactly in this. This is like Metal Slug revisited and revitalised. Side scrolling shooter has been remade into something good. It just plays exactly like Metal Slug. Same controls. Shoot, Jump, Throw Grenade. Only a few add ons of moves have been made but still ressembles Metal Slug nevertheless.
Alien Homminid isnt all about shooting and running. Their are cars you can drive, Monster trucks to cause total havok, Fly in the air with a spaceship (as the above screenshot shows). This proves that there is a whole load of different things to do than just the regular running and shooting.
Huge Variety of different weapons to choose from. (Fat Boy is the guy that hangs about at least 3 times on each stage handing you power ups and stuff)
Normal Bullets - Unlimited bullets, doesnt really pierce through bosses.
Ice bullets - freezes opponents, which allows you to slice them up.
Fire bullets - burns opponents
Multiple color bullets - Blasts out 3 way bullets, which helps when trying to shoot high, mid and low at the same time
Also Alien Homminid uses his knife when very close to opponents. He slices them. This will be most satisfying to roar blooded gamers. Another unique skill is that he can crawl underground and grab opponents down, resulting automatic death. This doesnt work with bosses by the way. Slicing will not do much damage at all and you will look like a right idoit cause you will lose a life. Beating bosses requires you to attack from a distance, cause they are very unpridictable.
Even with the main game completed the fun doesnt end there. you are treated to a somewhat, shabby ending after completing the main game. I wont spoil it for you though. Some might find it somewhat entertaining. With this done, You can select whatever level you want to start from which is fantastic in my opininon, instead of starting over from scratch. You can also try out some of the mini games listed below:
Mini Games
PDA Games - A platform game with simple stick drawings. Collect X ammounts of fruit then try to get to the exit without being hit by the guards.
Pinata boss - Blast the boss and collect the sweeties that come out to gain points. the aim of the game is to try and get the highest points without dying.
Challenge - Do as much damage on a stage of your choice and rack up as much points as you can. Again, the aim of the game is to try get the highest points without dying.
Super Soviet Missle - Guide a nuclear warhead missle to its base without being hit by a bird or aeroplane. When you complete a stage, it will say 'PWNED'. pretty cool. Again, its stick drawings like PDA games.
Neutron Ball - Throw the ball in the hole slicing up your opponent only fun when against a friend. Otherwise, you will be playing by yourself with no opponent. Its sorta like basketball, but against a friend.
So yeah, there is alot of ram packed stuff to keep you entertained for awhile. The mini games are better played with friends than by yourself. You will exploit its proper fun factor that way.
Two player mode is fantastic. You both have to apply to each others techniques to beat each tough level ahead. Its great fun, Its a fantastic ressemblance of Metal Slug (a shooting game on the Neo-Geo console) two player opition. So if you have a friend who wants to play the game, let em, It will be better off having someone to play the game rather than your own. Although its great as a one player game also.
Overall, I loved this game. It was just the perfect game graphically and gameplay wise that could match up to the likes of Metal Slug series.
Graphics - 9.5/10
Music - 6.5/10
Gamplay - 9/10
Lastablity - 8/10
Overall - 8.5/10 A fantastic game
