|
 | |
DEVELOPER
Lion Entertainment
PUBLISHER
Origin Systems
AVAILABLE
Now
MEDIUM
CD Rom
PLAYERS
One
| | |
|
 he
Wing Commander series has been a mainstay of my game library for years,
and can take credit for my decision to buy a 3DO, it was also a factor
in my PC purchase. While these games have always been good on the PC, last
year's PS Wing Commander III left much to be desired. When I heard that
WCIV was to be released on the PS, and at only four discs (the PC version
is six discs), I was somewhat apprehensive.
Well, thankfully, I was worried for nothing. Lion Entertainment has
done a superb and thoughtful job on the PlayStation conversion. The control
scheme has been designed specifically with the PS in mind, which is so
often not the case when a PC game is brought to consoles. If you so desire,
you may have complete control over all functions while in the cockpit,
or you can have the computer take care of the no-brainer commands, like
requesting landing clearance, or choosing the correct missile for a given
situation. For those of you who enjoyed WCIII, that control setup is available
as well.
|
One of the many beautiful rendered scenes you'll be
treated to in WCIV.
Witness the "flashpack" at work.
|
|
The reason why the game is on multiple discs, however, is because the
story, is played out through FMV scenes. Starring such names as Mark Hamill
(Star Wars, Batman Animated Series), John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, Sliders)
and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Star Trek Generations), these
scenes are superbly written and directed, using real backgrounds, rather
than the CG backgrounds in WCIII. This allows for more action and camera
movement. Story has always been an integral part in this series, and WCIV
is the best one yet. Involving rebellion, espionage and even chemical warfare,
this would be a good movie, even without the game to complement it. The
video quality, as usual, is high.
The only interaction during these sections is when Blair (Hamill) needs
to make a decision. Choose wisely, for a decision that seems insignificant
at the moment can have serious ramifications later in the game.
The graphics are very well done. All the ship models are solid, with
no break up unless you fly right into them. The framerate remains constant
and smooth, and the on-board graphics are fantastic. Although not sporting
quite the resolution of it's PC counterpart, WCIV still looks excellent
on the whole.
|
Luke!! Look out for those Stormtroopers!
True movie sets make for a much more dramatic story
line.
|
The sound is, for the most part, pretty nice. The flight music changes
according to the battle, and is all orchestrated. When you get a radio
transmission, though, the music is cut while the voice actor says his lines.
This is slightly annoying at first, but overall, doesn't really detract
from the enjoyment of the game.
So, how did they fit it on so few discs? Easy, all missions and FMV
not absolutely necessary to the development of the plot has been cut from
this version. While I don't have a problem with this practice, certain
sub-plots were not completely clear due to it. For example, why is Sosa
so overjoyed that I saved Catscratch's life? Why is Hawk ready to deck
Maniac? However, these are the petty nit pickings of a die hard WC fan.
Wing Commander IV on the PlayStation is a very solid product, with good
action and a great story. Definitely worth a look.
-- Greg Sewart
|
