Blast Corps

Summary

Genre: Smash-things-up-type-game
Number of players: 1
Rumble Pak: No
Controller Pak: Yes
Expansion Pak: Not used

Review

One of the earliest games for the N64, Blast Corps is nonetheless one of the most innovative games around. You control a variety of destructive vehicles, with your sole objective to demolish all the buildings that stand in the way of an out-of-control nuclear missile carrier. It's a peculiar premise, and very original. But is that enough?


Gameplay: The basic objective in each level, as stated, is to raze all the buildings in the way of the carrier, but this isn't as straightforward as it sounds, since it's more than just a case of driving head-on into them. Each different vehicle has a unique way to take out structures, and some buildings need a special type of attack to be eliminated.

This variety is welcome, and makes each level a unique strategic challenge, often requiring you to switch from vehicle to vehicle as you go. The missile carrier itself is an obstacle too - not only do you have to get everything out of its way, but if you touch it or hit it with a projectile, then you've had it! Smashing up everything in your way is a mighty fun idea, and the game plays very well. In between the main levels, there are a number of extra levels where new vehicles are introduced, or special challenges such as races or Pac-man homages. Everything fits well together, and it's addictive fun. Considering the originality of the concept, the amount of enjoyment Blast Corps provides is commendable.


Challenge: Simple premise, but fiendishly difficult in places. Many of the game's main levels can be really tricky to complete, and yet always bring you back for one more try. But even when completed, the levels offer up a second challenge, since you must go back over them and locate all of 100 'radiation dispersal units'; destroy every single building; and free all the survivors. Medals are awarded once all these tasks are done, and you get a 'promotion' after getting enough medals.

The bonus levels also yield medals based on your completion times, which is another challenge; you must also locate six scientists from certain main levels. Once everything is complete, a whole new series of bonus missions are unlocked, this time set on different planets in the solar system. Get enough medals on these worlds, and another new challenge is opened up: redoing the 'carrier path clear' missions in a shorter time. Complete this, and a final challenge is available: to redo every single mission and try to get the utterly fiendish 'platinum' medals! So, as you can see, clocking Blast Corps will take a looooooooong time. No other N64 game comes close to the level of challenge this game offers!


Graphics: The graphics are okay, but they are starting to show their age when compared with more recent games. They aren't bad by any means, with a reasonable amount of detail and variety, but they are a little dull and sometimes a bit unclear. But, again, they don't detract from the game, and aren't anything like terrible.


Sounds: The soundtrack is surprisingly good. There are a variety of tunes, and all are catchy and fun, and definitely add to the game's feel. Sound effects are fine, too, with satisfying crumple noises as buildings go down, and appropriate engine noises for each vehicle too. The character voices can get a little cheesy and mildly annoying, but not badly so, and overall the sounds make a solid package.


Summing up: An original idea, and one that plays well and addictively. A fun soundtrack, varied bonus levels, and one mammoth challenge, Blast Corps is a decent title to own, notwithstanding its age.


Gamesmark: 84%


Reviewer: Maverik





Tangycheese's opinion: BC certainly is a new and innovative idea. And it's been very well carried out, too. But I wasn't too struck with it to be honest. It's a decent game, and would be worth checking out. But I'd advise you rent it before you buy it, since it's the kind of game you could either love or hate. And I certainly didn't love it.