I, Robot (ARC, 1984)
Graphics-9 Sound-8 Control-7 Challenge-8 Story-6?
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-8 Fun-7.5 Originality-8
Overall Score-7.5
+
Polygonal 3D graphics w/ pretty smooth gameplay, Pretty nice art direction (flat-shaded polys)
Hybrid gameplay (first TPS?/cover shooter, rail shooter, minor stealth element - can't be in line of sight of the hovering eye while jumping)
Semi-fixed camera and movement (can't turn and have the camera follow from behind, grid-based movement)
Multiple camera angles (start to switch)
Drawing/doodling mode
Auto-fire
Warps (sometimes a bit hidden, they let you warp up to the level you managed to get to on your previous attempt as well as backwards if you want to)
Sometimes trippy visual effects
Some interesting enemies (the razorblade, tankers - avoid shooting them or they home in on you quickly, homing balls, the sharks)
Decent flying head bosses
Difficulty options (easy-hard, slower rail shooter levels and eye in the sky on easy)
Some gameplay tips during gameplay that don't pause gameplay. Other gameplay tips in-between deaths and prior to playing - can't skip the ones after dying however
Gain more points from shooting enemies while close to them (risk/reward mechanic)
Some breakable walls
Good variety until level 10 or so
+/-
Level timers
Semi-automated jumping (game jumps for you and you're stuck to the grid)
Short levels overall
Occasionally something gets in the way of the eye so you can't see it unless the camera is way up high
Letter collectibles (points)
-
Only 5 lives and it's kinda hard to gain more (can't credit feed though the warp in level 1 basically works like one)
If you don't commit to a jump then it gets canceled
Somewhat unforgiving hit detection at times (the homing ball enemies)
Gets too hard even on easy (pretty easy giant eye rooms/bosses however)
Not much music past the first level and the tracks are basic monophonic loops
Gets repetitive after about half the game (26 levels/1h+) and the rate at which the eye opens and closes gets a bit ridiculous
Notes:
-Save states don't work in MAME
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-8 Fun-7.5 Originality-8
Overall Score-7.5
+
Polygonal 3D graphics w/ pretty smooth gameplay, Pretty nice art direction (flat-shaded polys)
Hybrid gameplay (first TPS?/cover shooter, rail shooter, minor stealth element - can't be in line of sight of the hovering eye while jumping)
Semi-fixed camera and movement (can't turn and have the camera follow from behind, grid-based movement)
Multiple camera angles (start to switch)
Drawing/doodling mode
Auto-fire
Warps (sometimes a bit hidden, they let you warp up to the level you managed to get to on your previous attempt as well as backwards if you want to)
Sometimes trippy visual effects
Some interesting enemies (the razorblade, tankers - avoid shooting them or they home in on you quickly, homing balls, the sharks)
Decent flying head bosses
Difficulty options (easy-hard, slower rail shooter levels and eye in the sky on easy)
Some gameplay tips during gameplay that don't pause gameplay. Other gameplay tips in-between deaths and prior to playing - can't skip the ones after dying however
Gain more points from shooting enemies while close to them (risk/reward mechanic)
Some breakable walls
Good variety until level 10 or so
+/-
Level timers
Semi-automated jumping (game jumps for you and you're stuck to the grid)
Short levels overall
Occasionally something gets in the way of the eye so you can't see it unless the camera is way up high
Letter collectibles (points)
-
Only 5 lives and it's kinda hard to gain more (can't credit feed though the warp in level 1 basically works like one)
If you don't commit to a jump then it gets canceled
Somewhat unforgiving hit detection at times (the homing ball enemies)
Gets too hard even on easy (pretty easy giant eye rooms/bosses however)
Not much music past the first level and the tracks are basic monophonic loops
Gets repetitive after about half the game (26 levels/1h+) and the rate at which the eye opens and closes gets a bit ridiculous
Notes:
-Save states don't work in MAME