Dreamcast Reviews M-N

MDK2 is an absolute paradox. One minute I'm thinking it's the most kick-ass shooter ever made, and the next I want to cast it into the fiery depths of hell. Like the original MDK (Playstation One, 1997), this third-person platformer features surreal sci-fi landscapes, sniping action, and an off-kilter sense of humor. Grasping the basic controls can be a challenge. Never has the lack of a second stick on the Dreamcast controller been more glaring. The one analog stick is used to look around and aim, forcing you to use the face buttons to move. The right trigger shoots and the left trigger jumps. Hitting jump while in the air deploys a skeletal "parachute". This less-than-intuitive scheme is necessitated by the fact that you need to constantly keep moving while shooting enemies. Heck, in some cases you even need to keep moving while sniping! When you're not sniping, you're circle-strafing. The textures are smooth, but the characters look chunky due to a low polygon count. The gorgeous sci-fi stages are accented by beautiful lighting effects. Unfortunately certain areas are too dark and poorly defined, making it hard to tell where you can or can't land. Enemies tend to be green aliens, and those with high-pitched voices call to mind the lowly minions of the Halo series. In addition to the main character Kurt, some stages let you control a chain-smoking, four-armed dog named Max. Max can equip and fire up to four guns at a time! Eat your heart out, Lara Croft! My least-favorite playable character is the professor who can combine items to create weapons - with much difficulty! MDK2's difficulty is definitely "up there". One FAQ states that bosses are easy to defeat once you know what to do, but nothing could be further from the truth! One boss has more than a dozen health meters, and many stages are crippled by lousy visibility. Max's vertically-oriented jet-pack stage is an absolute nightmare. Fortunately well-placed checkpoints automatically save your progress, triggering a long, satisfying beep of the VMU. The audio effects are terrific and the pumping techno soundtrack is a good match for the ultra-modern graphics. Sadly, MDK2 has its share of bugs. Especially in the early going I encountered cut-scene glitches and the periodic loss of audio effects. When you die, your body will typically become partially embedded in the scenery. My feelings toward MDK2 fluctuated wildly as I reviewed it. How can a game be so good and so bad at the same time? © Copyright 2013 The Video Game Critic.

I recall seeing Maken X in all of the bargain bins years ago, but as it turns out, it's quite a gem in the Dreamcast library. I was expecting a total dud, but a few minutes into the game I found myself saying, "Hey, this is pretty cool!" Maken X (pronouncing "mockin X") has a unique style of play I haven't seen since Crossed Swords (Neo Geo, 1991). It's a first-person sword fighting game, where you block, dodge, and slash your way through room after room of evil freaks. Atlus kept the control scheme simple, which was probably a good idea. X is used to slash, A jumps, Y locks onto an opponent, and the right trigger is used to strafe. Simply pulling back on the analog stick initiates a block. While it sounds simplistic, there's ample technique involved, especially in the later stages. When facing multiple foes at a time, careful timing and strategic positioning is paramount. Your mask-wearing adversaries are a colorful bunch, including agile red skaters, overweight armored warriors, and brawny thugs armed with rocket launchers. It's easy to navigate the imaginative stage locations, which include the inside of a gigantic airplane, an opulent Indian palace, and the rainy streets of Hong Kong. What makes Maken-X effective is its ultra-smooth, 60 frames-per-second visuals that keep you firmly in control - even in the midst of chaos. Adding variety is your ability to "brainjack" other characters, which essentially lets you switch characters and weapons. Each playable character has a unique skill, such as the ability to vault over enemies and attack them from behind. If there's one thing bugged me about Maken X, it's the gratuitously complex storyline involving traveling through alternate dimensions, a sword with a mind of its own, and conspiracies galore. I think storylines in video games are vastly overrated, and once you sit through one of these half-hour intermissions, I think you'll agree. There's also the issue of repetitive enemies, some of whom can be tedious to dispatch. If you can look past those issues, however, Maken X offers a formidable challenge and an intriguing game playing experience. © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.

It's the year 2309, and the newly-colonized planet of Mars has declared its independence. Earth doesn't even want to hear all that. As any good gamer knows, there's only one way to resolve intergalactic conflict: shoot everything that moves and ask questions later! Or don't even bother! Back in 2000 I really didn't really know what to make of Mars Matrix with its inescapable waves of missiles and raining gold bars. Since that time however I've developed an unhealthy appetite for these "bullet hell" shooters. On the surface, Mars Matrix is a chaotic vertical shooter with grainy, somewhat pixelated graphics. As you fly over the industrialized planet surface you're attacked by hulking airships, tanks, mechanical spiders, and boiling tea kettles! Color gradients convey texture and depth, but there's nothing here I'd characterize as "eye candy". When it comes to pure shooting and destruction however, Mars Matrix hits the spot. You're armed with a rapid-fire shot and a medium-range auto-piercing weapon. Best of all is your ability to consume incoming missiles and then propel them outward to obliterate all enemies. Be sure to save that for times when you're being overwhelmed. Keep in mind that flying over attackers will not harm you - only their missiles pose a threat. Mars Matrix is relentlessly difficult but also intoxicating. I love catching the gold bricks, and those mammoth gold blocks are irresistable. The industrial musical score isn't very tuneful. In fact, the first stage sounds like a T-Rex in a meat grinder! Continues are available but you only "rank in" with your first credit. The game records several pages of high scores (with initials) and these scores are so long it's comical (zillions!?) As a sweet bonus, your cumulative scores are used to unlock new modes and bonus materials. Mars Matrix won't win any beauty contests, but if you're in the mood for some balls-to-the-wall shooting action, this is what you want. Note: Use an arcade-style joystick if at all possible. © Copyright 2014 The Video Game Critic.

Capcom pioneered the fighting game genre and Marvel superheroes kick ass, so what happens when you put them together? Suffice to say, it is on like the proverbial Donkey Kong! Marvel Vs. Capcom (MvC) takes 2D fighting to new heights in terms of frenzied action and actual altitude. The Capcom side of the roster features Chun Li, Ryu, and Zangeif (of Street Fighter fame), Mega-Man, Morrigan (Darkstalkers), and Captain Commando. Representing Marvel is Spiderman, Captain America, Venom, War Machine, Hulk, Wolverine, and Gambit. MvC's 2D graphics are a visual feast for the eyes. The characters are huge and animated with style. The layered 2D backdrops are expansive but not particularly detailed or memorable. Each contest is a two-on-two "tag team" match, although a third "guest" character can be called in to provide a strategic quick hit. This guest is randomly chosen from a large grid containing second-tier characters like Thor and Arthur (of Ghouls and Ghosts). MvC's two-on-two format is ideal because matches are quick but still long enough to allow for some strategy. The laws of gravity have been alleviated for this game, and high-flying attacks cause the screen to scroll upwards. The overloaded control scheme doesn't map well to the Dreamcast controller. Since the three punches and three kicks use up the main buttons, you'll need to hit combinations to call in a guest or switch fighters. MvC's style of play is conducive to button mashing, but even then you'll regularly stumble across some jaw-dropping moves. It's easy to lose track of your character in the midst of the chaos, especially when a third fighter enters the fray. Still, Marvel Vs. Capcom is thoroughly entertaining arcade fare. High scores are saved to the VMU, but you'll need to manually load and save them. In addition to the standard modes, there's even a "Cross Fever" mode that lets four players fight simultaneously. I'm sure that's not the least bit confusing. © Copyright 2011 The Video Game Critic.

Gamers couldn't get enough of the first Marvel Vs. Capcom, and this sequel blows the roof off with an unheard-of 56-character roster! Only 24 are available from the outset, but even that is an impressive number. Returning from the first game are favorites like Spiderman, Hulk, Wolverine, Chun Li, and Morrigan. Newcomers included are Jill Valentine (Resident Evil), Servbots (Mega Man), Akuma (Street Fighter 2), and Cable (Marvel). Has there ever been a hotter chick in a fighting game than Psylocke? That girl is stacked! I don't care much for shape-shifting types like Anakaris the mummy or Amingo the flexible cactus, but I guess that just comes with the territory. I've never even heard of oddball characters like the pirate chick Ruby Heart, the monkey girl Sonson, or the kid in the mech (T. Bonne). MvC2's matches are as chaotic as ever, and this time the contests are three-on-three. You only control one fighter at a time, but you can swap them out at will, or call upon them to administer timely "assists". The new format pushes the limits but adds more strategy as you strategically rest characters to recuperate their strength. The controls have been streamlined to perfection. Now there are only two punch and two kick buttons, leaving two buttons for calling in partners. As in the first game, the screen scrolls up as the characters battle in mid-air, and there are some absolutely outrageous special attacks. Iron Man has the biggest gun ever (where does he keep that thing?), and Ruby Heart's pirate ship practically consumes the entire screen as it plows into its helpless victim. The backdrops are now rendered in high-resolution 3D polygons, and while I still prefer the 2D illustrated look, there's something to be said for those smooth graphics. MvC2 is loaded with extra features including an auto-save and an option to view your high scores. Between matches you see where your current score falls in the rankings, and it's exciting to move up the chart. You'll gradually earn points to unlock new characters, stages, and outfits. This is one game that just keeps on giving. With tremendous replay value and ridiculous arcade gameplay, Marvel Vs Capcom 2 is one of the best fighters I've played on any system - much less the Dreamcast. © Copyright 2011 The Video Game Critic.

With the success of last year's Pac-Man World (Playstation), it's no surprise that Ms. Pac-Man is making a comeback as well. But instead of being a typical 3D adventure, Maze Madness is more old-school. The levels are much like the 3-D mazes in Pac-Man World, but they are more elaborate and linked together to form large stages. It's a winning combination of classic Ms. Pac-Man gameplay and modern 3D graphics. There are four major theme worlds: Egyptian, Ice Caves, Harbor, and Halloween. Each stage offers several challenges such as collecting all of the dots, collecting all of the fruit, or making it through in a certain amount of time. It's hard to dislike this game! You can feel the vibration of Ms. Pac Man eating the dots, and the stages are full of surprises. There's some switched-pulling and crate-pushing action ala Crash Bandicoot, but nothing too complicated. In addition to the standard ghosts, there are other characters you'll have to deal with as well. In a nod to the classics, there's even a centipede that wonders through some of the stages! The controls are simple (no buttons!), and the music is exceptional. Maze Madness is fun to play and will appeal to all ages. In addition to the main game, there's also an arcade-perfect version of the original Ms. Pac-Man, which of course is one of the greatest video games of all time. The one bad thing about this game is the multi-player modes. There are some original ideas here, like playing as ghosts or bombs, but these games are rather unpleasant to play. You have to contend with CPU controlled players (unless you have four people), and the gameplay is utterly confusing. I would have preferred that they included a two-player simultaneous version of the classic Ms. Pac-Man - THAT would have been fun. But nevertheless, Ms. Pac-Man fans looking for some solid one-player action should pick up this disk. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.

The initial crop of Dreamcast titles were impressive, but this game was the first to garner widespread media attention. NFL 2K was light years ahead of other football games of its time, offering a degree of visual and audio splendor comparable to an actual NFL telecast. When watching the computer play itself, it was like watching a real game! The ultra-detailed graphics reveal creases in player jerseys and amazing "breath" in cold temperatures. 2K's responsive, intuitive controls make it easy to pick up and play. The standard behind-the-quarterback view isn't the most dramatic camera angle, but it's easily the most playable. The gameplay is no joke. Runners react naturally to hits and receivers wrap their hands around the ball. The limited tackle animations usually fall into two categories: ankle tackles and body slams. I love how players display elation or frustration depending on the outcome of a play. You have the option of selecting plays via the controller VMU (to hide your selection), but since it only displays the name of the play (not the routes), you'll need to be an expert to use it effectively. NFL 2K incorporates a fantastic instant replay system that utilizes the analog shoulder buttons to give you perfect control of the playback speed. Usually I struggle to use instant replay systems, but this one feels surprisingly natural. Two broadcasters provide timely and realistic play-by-play and color commentary, often playfully bantering with each other in the process. They rarely repeat themselves, but some may object to their use of the word "damn". The game makes effective use of TV-style graphics to highlight players or statistics. The main problem with NFL 2K is its ineffective running game, which makes it nearly impossible to bust a long run. Another issue is how passes tend to "float" since you can't adjust their velocity. You'll want to make sure your receiver has plenty of room before heaving the ball. Your playbook is limited, so if you're a blitz-happy defense, your options will be limited. 2K also lacks extraneous bells and whistles such as a half-time show or cheerleaders. I recently revisited this game with my friend Scott, and we were amazed how well it's held up. With its no-nonsense interface and arcade-style gameplay, NFL 2K actually compares quite favorably to Madden 10! © Copyright 2010 The Video Game Critic.

At first glance Sega appears to have "pulled a Madden" with NFL 2K1, re-releasing the same basic game except with updated rosters. Further investigation however reveals that NFL 2K1 represents a substantial improvement. First and foremost the running game is easier. Thanks to better blocking and runningbacks that fend off tacklers, you can really fight for yardage and occasionally break a big gain. The new juke move is welcome, but hitting both triggers to initiate it seems odd. When passing, you can now throw the ball at different speeds, but it would be difficult to classify the hardest as a "bullet". The kicking game has also been upgraded thanks to a directional arrow that now moves with the wind, adding a bit more challenge. New animations include receivers who make spectacular leaps to snatch passes and then spin around when hit. Defenders apply more realistic tackles and attempt to knock down low passes. Runners fight to maintain their balance, and occasionally are able to regain their footing. Opposing players can get into shoving matches, and I like how the linemen on one team will clap when the other side draws a penalty. A nice variety of penalties are called, but it takes the referee too long to specify which side is at fault. The overall presentation is superb, with beautiful replays, statistical graphics, and a sports ticker at the bottom of the screen. On occasion however the flashy graphics appear prematurely and get in the way. The solid, two-man play-by-play team are a little less outrageous this year, but still deliver spirited commentary. I always find it amusing how they pause when stating the score ("It's the Ravens [pause] ten, the Steelers [pause] seven.") The guitar music that blares after a score sounds a heck of a lot like U2's Vertigo - a tune that wouldn't be written for many years to come! NFL 2K1 was also notable as being the first football game to support on-line play. The CPU difficulty could be tweaked a bit, but for sheer playability, NFL 2K1 could be ranked among the greatest pigskin titles of all time. © Copyright 2010 The Video Game Critic.

I loved the original NFL Blitz (Playstation, 1998) but this ill-advised sequel takes the franchise in the wrong direction. Blitz made a name for itself with simple controls, arcade graphics, frantic action, and rampant unsportsmanlike conduct. This 2000 edition takes things a little too far however. The graphics are clean and well defined, with lush turf that looks exceptionally sharp. Your playbook is limited to a modest number of pass plays, and selecting them using the over-sensitive analog stick is a pain. On the field, the action is a little too fast for it's own good! After hiking the ball you need to get rid of it almost immediately or you'll find your quarterback being body-slammed into the turf. Receivers get minimal separation, resulting in an inordinate number of interceptions and fumbles. Blitz 2000 needlessly complicates the controls by incorporating an additional button - the right trigger. For the life of me, I'm still not sure what the hell that's supposed to do! The left trigger is now used to initiate turbo. The original Blitz game was well balanced, but NFL Blitz 2000 feels out of kilter. The flying helmets and 10-yard dives are fun, but the 80-yard field goals and constant turnovers are tiresome. The lines tossed out by commentators (and players) are amusing at first, but they get on your nerves once they start repeating. I enjoyed the photos of drop-dead gorgeous cheerleaders on the statistical screens, but they are very much underused. Blitz 2000 was extremely hard to review, not only due to its breakneck pace, but the fact that there's no pause function, making it really hard to take notes. All in all, it left me with the distinct impression that the series had jumped the shark. © Copyright 2010 The Video Game Critic.

I didn't expect Quarterback Club 2000 (QB2K) to give NFL 2K a serious run for the money, but nothing could have prepared me for this steaming pile of dung. Acclaim must have paid Brett Favre some serious dough to plaster his image on the cover. At first glance, QB2K doesn't look half bad. The players are well proportioned but their rough edges give the game the look of a PS1 title. Upon breaking from the huddle, the players all wave their arms in unison like a flock of geese! After witnessing a single play I had already compiled a laundry list of flaws. The animation is choppy and the frame-rate stutters. Players pause momentarily before responding to your commands. Receivers approach the ball at odd angles, and defenders seem oblivious to what's going on around them. I'm not sure what the mindset was behind the control scheme, but it seems as if the developers were trying to be different for the sake of being different. When running with the ball, the A button functions as a "brake", and I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to use that. Catching a pass requires you to hold in the X button, and it really takes a lot of practice to get the timing right. After an incomplete pass you never know if it was you or the receiver at fault. The kicking system is inordinately complicated, and it's funny how the nets behind the goalposts appear to rise about 500 feet into the air. QB2K's commentary is sparse and full of mistakes. As an example, I heard the commentator say Jermaine Lewis "is back to punt", instead of "back to receive the punt." An ear-splitting whistle is blown with annoying regularity, and the referee runs around like he has a large pole up his butt. QB2K's main claim to fame is its celebrations, but these are unspectacular and it's irritating how you can't skip the extended showboating. The lone highlight of QB2K is its a half-time show featuring cheerleaders forming letters on the field. When that's all a football game has going for it, it's time to head back to the drawing board. © Copyright 2010 The Video Game Critic.

The first Quarterback Club was an unmitigated disaster, but could Acclaim get their act together one year later? Not really! Quarterback Club 2001's graphics have been cleaned up and the running game is stronger, but the same substandard game engine continues to hamper the action on the field. The most notable graphic improvement is the fact that the players are different sizes, with linemen being thicker than quarterbacks and wide receivers. The play-calling interface is also cleaner and easier to read. Interesting bells and whistles include chain measurements and players on the bench that react appropriately to their team's performance. I was pretty excited to see the chain gang make a measurement, until I realized there was no chain attached to the markers! The action on the field unfolds at turbo speed, but player movements are still jerky and unpredictable. During play-action passes, the quarterback has to go a long way (several steps) to fake the hand-off, making him vulnerable to sacks. After each play, unnecessary text is displayed recapping the play, and you'll get tired of hitting A to bypass it. The control scheme has been improved, but that's not saying much. It's no longer required to hit X to catch the ball, but it does improve your chances of pulling in a reception. When running, the A button is now used for a shoulder-charge, which makes a lot of sense but is not particularly effective. The CPU can run the ball well, but he's no fun to play because he takes forever to snap the freakin' ball! At least the game is easy to make fun of. Check out the "Play Football" banner hanging near the end zone. Some imaginative fan was probably up all night working on that one. Quarterback Club 2001 emphasizes celebrations, and it's unintentionally hilarious to watch the kicker shamelessly gallivant around the field after converting a long field goal. The half-time show, which was the single memorable part of the last game, has been unceremoniously axed. Brett Favre once again adorns the cover, but we'll try not to hold it against him, because that guy is awesome. © Copyright 2010 The Video Game Critic.

I loved the original Namco Museum discs for the Playstation One. Not only did they dish out pixel-perfect arcade hits, they even threw in "virtual museums" full of promotional materials. Five editions stretched the series a little thin, so it's no surprise the series landed on the Dreamcast as a "greatest hits" compilation. This Namco Museum contains six bonafide classics along with some meager customization options. You'll get Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaxian, Galaga, Dig Dug, and Pole Position. These vintage 1980's arcade hits look sharp, and I like how the widescreen is filled out with the original cabinet art. I still can't get over how good Pole Position looks on my widescreen TV! And the sound effects are so crisp! It sounds like Ms. Pac-Man is saying "chomp chomp chomp" as she putt-putts around the maze. I also love the "psss psss psss" of your shots in Galaxian and the thunderous explosions of Galaga. Dig Dug fares less well, with tinny effects that are a bit hard on the ears. You can use the analog stick or digital pad, but for my money a good arcade stick is the way to go. Pole Position begs for a steering wheel, but sadly it's not supported. Each game plays well but the emulation is suspect. I managed to pass clear through a ghost in Pac-Man, and once I died in Ms. Pac-Man without being touched (I swear!). Still, these games really bring back the memories. I'll never forget when me and my sister dumped about $10 of my parent's change into a Ms. Pac-Man machine at a particularly boring family reunion. I noticed the title screen for Tower of Druaga flashes briefly as Pole Position loads; is it a hidden game? Rounding out the package is a downloadable VMU game called Pac-It. It's a simple catch-the-dots game that won't hold your attention for more than three seconds. Namco Museum for the Dreamcast lacks the museum part and the selection is paltry. Why not throw in a few more titles like Mappy, Pac-Man, Rally-X, or Xevious? Namco could have put more effort into this, but it does capture the best of the series. © Copyright 2019 The Video Game Critic.