it is blatantly evident to the hardcore and
mainstream gamer alike, that we as the gaming populace have never before
experienced gaming the likes of what Dreamcast has to offer. To be blunt,
Dreamcast software ruthlessly tears apart any gaming experience prior to
it's release. Period. There is no doubt that the Dreamcast will surpass
the hype created by the Playstation and perhaps even virtual reality
(don't laugh at me you cynical bastards!!!).
The most noticable feature initially is the virtual plethora of
immediately selectable options which allow you the pleasure (heh heh) of
fully customising the game to cater for your needs. Options include
choices of Difficulty, Number of Continues, a slew of selectable and
hidden Gameplay Modes, and the mandatory Audio/Visual options. You can
even customise the controller or light gun for that all over smoothness
and shine we're all looking for : )
However, it is when one begins to actually play the main game ( after
wading through knee deep English/Japanese options screens) that one gains
an everlasting appreciation for the depth of the title. This is
illustrated by the amount of time it takes to become profficient in taking
out those pesky zombies with head shots, improving your accuracy to a
greater level than 13%, and not using all your continues in the first two
levels. In adition, there are apparently thousands (and the hyperbole
begins) of hidden items, characters, modes and options to discover, not
withstanding the various endings. Whew....
Graphically speaking, House of the Dead 2 is brilliant. Silky smooth
(cliche analysis) 60 fps screens and an absense thus far of noticable slow
down only add to the exquisite presentation that this title brings to the
table. The in-game characters are amazing, the zombies terrifying, the
bosses huge and detailed, and the pace frantic. Even the artwork on the
game case will bring a tear to even the sternest of eyes. After about 10
minutes, you will honestly be searching with futility in your pockets, and
wondering why your TV doesn't have a coin slot!!! This is THE ARCADE AT
HOME!!!
In terms of gameplay, this is the facet in which House of the Dead 2
excells in. Believe me when I say that you will be looking under your bed
and around the corners for days after playing this game!!! The gameplay
comes fast and furious, with a flurry of zombies and a neverending
onslaught of other beasts and creatures. Utter exiguousness will surround
your being as you try in vain to fight back the brain eating, undead,
decomposing monsters that block your path. With perseverence though, you
will become a master, or at the very least be capable of finishing the
first couple of bosses!!!
House of the Dead 2 truly transcends the arcade port to home console,
by succeeding where VF3 TB could not. The port to the Dreamcast of HOTD 2
is not only arcade perfect, but has improved upon the arcade version
immensly. With a plethora of options to tinker with, and bordering on
superfluous zombie fiends hungry for your brain matter, this title is one
that every import gamer should own, NOW!!! The story mode is unbelievable,
and while not without faults - the voices are still hard to hear over the
music, ala the arcade - the Dreamcast port is THE BEST shooter I have ever
played. This coming from a man who recently pumped $125 + into Point Blank
2 in the arcade (Gun Barl) = )
My only advice to those of you with a Dreamcast: BUY THIS, BUY THIS
NOW!!! I want you all to run to the Import Store nearest you and beg them
for this game. House of the Dead 2 will take over your life, and you may
even forget about beating up your little sister. I said maybe.
Graphics: 96% True to arcade machine, without the glare!!!
Sound:
91% Good solid tracks, yet not without its faults.
Gameplay: 97% Get
that zombie, get that ZOMBIE!!!
Replay: 95% You will never tire of
this. Ahhhhh, headshots.
Value: 100% Dreamcast good - Arcade owner bad.
Ask my bank account = )
- Luke
O'Sullivan
