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| While it can be said that the PlayStation never really had a scarcity of first person shooters, the Saturn seems to be lacking in that particular category. Alas, Powerslave is released on the Saturn, and offers not only excellent shoot-em-up action, but admirable graphics and sounds as well. The largely unaltered Doom feeling is prevalent in Powerslave. Although the movement through the corridors seems to be some of the most tiresome sprinting to be seen in a game of this genre, the strafing, turning, and shooting ultimately remain true to their roots in Doom. The ability to jump also works well in the game, and adds a bit of strategy in dealing with creatures that can be jumped over instead of killed. Several levels require that you search for objects underwater, so swimming occasionally comes into play during the adventure. Adding some interest and novelty, there are a variety of weapons, which cover familiar territory as well as unexplored grounds, and offer some interesting play experiences. The game is set in the city of Karnak, which bears much resemblance to what we would consider ancient Egypt. The setting makes for a distinct atmosphere, which gracefully incorporates superstition and magic with a desert environment, and works well to establish a strong overall mood for the game. Innovation comes with the inclusion of an overhead map (of all things), which us used to move from level to level as in Donkey Kong Country or Super Mario World. As well, using explosive devices to destroy walls which hide doors is a good idea, albeit one that has been previously conceived and executed. A bunch of interesting levels, strange opponents, and a well-conceived engine make this definitely a shooter to have (especially when there is little choice). The graphics in Powerslave are correspondingly well designed and executed, and do their job in at least temporarily silencing those who still insist that the Saturn hardware is ill-equipped for games which incorporate three dimensional graphics. Although the enemies are entirely sprite-based, the environments are rendered with artful beauty, and show off a bunch of great effects as well. Some weapons send out projectiles that illuminate the surrounding environments they pass through, and the explosions and such are fairly well done. The sounds in Powerslave are also an accomplishment worth mentioning. The enemies' screeches and cries are refreshingly new, and the weapon sounds are loud and crystal clear. In the background, an intelligent, airy soundtrack noteworthy for its complex composition yet simple instruments fills your ears with tunes fit for a king. Although this game has many good features, the levels are usually short, and the enemies (such as swooping birds) are just frustrating. Nonetheless, Powerslave is far more balanced for the better, and while it fails offer anything that has not been offered in a previous effort, the game provides an interesting shooter with solid control and great presentation. Any shooter fan should look into this one, and those not particular to the genre might just get hooked if you give Powerslave a chance. Now if they could only do away with that awful title… |
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