Elevator Action Returns (SAT, 1997)(1p)
Graphics-8.5 Sound-8 Control-7 Challenge-8 Story-?
Level Design-8 Frustration-8 Fun-8.5 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
2-player co-op
Great animation overall
Lots of neat and at times comical effects (level 3 beginning)
Destructible environment (exploding barrels)
Fun weapons (rocket launcher, machine gun, grenades - only enemies can use a flamethrower though)
Quite fast paced
Engrish is always fun (UFO or DIE)
Nice stills and briefings in-between levels
Secret items
You can shoot generators and such to shut off lights and traps
Traps also affect enemies
Decent AI overall
Three different characters (speed, power, or guns - they also have different bomb attacks)
Original game included as an unlockable
+/-
No point in avoiding the cameras? (unexplored stealth element)
Can't walk backwards in a level (smb1/contra style)
No energy refill between levels
Gory (hard mode)
-
Annoying alarm sound that triggers when you don't reach a red door fast enough (unnecessary when there's no time limit)
Some levels do have a time limit but it isn't shown until there's 1 min left
Some sprites blend with the background
Old school physics (die from jumping down just 1 floor)
Lacks big bosses
Elevators move on their own so you have to wait for them to move into position
Somewhat stiff controls (can't shoot while moving, can't move while crouching, slight delay when jumping - the original game has better response!, limited elevator control - can't duck without going down a level)
Lame ending (looks like the missile takes off regardless of what you do?)
Only one boss
Notes:
-Arcade original is from 1994
-Also known as Elevator Action II
Level Design-8 Frustration-8 Fun-8.5 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
2-player co-op
Great animation overall
Lots of neat and at times comical effects (level 3 beginning)
Destructible environment (exploding barrels)
Fun weapons (rocket launcher, machine gun, grenades - only enemies can use a flamethrower though)
Quite fast paced
Engrish is always fun (UFO or DIE)
Nice stills and briefings in-between levels
Secret items
You can shoot generators and such to shut off lights and traps
Traps also affect enemies
Decent AI overall
Three different characters (speed, power, or guns - they also have different bomb attacks)
Original game included as an unlockable
+/-
No point in avoiding the cameras? (unexplored stealth element)
Can't walk backwards in a level (smb1/contra style)
No energy refill between levels
Gory (hard mode)
-
Annoying alarm sound that triggers when you don't reach a red door fast enough (unnecessary when there's no time limit)
Some levels do have a time limit but it isn't shown until there's 1 min left
Some sprites blend with the background
Old school physics (die from jumping down just 1 floor)
Lacks big bosses
Elevators move on their own so you have to wait for them to move into position
Somewhat stiff controls (can't shoot while moving, can't move while crouching, slight delay when jumping - the original game has better response!, limited elevator control - can't duck without going down a level)
Lame ending (looks like the missile takes off regardless of what you do?)
Only one boss
Notes:
-Arcade original is from 1994
-Also known as Elevator Action II