Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Arcade, Racing, Simulator, Sport
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Criterion Games
- Publishers: Namco, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
AirBlade (2001) Review
AirBlade is a futuristic hoverboard racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by Acclaim Entertainment for the Dreamcast. It was released in North America on October 31, 2001, and in Europe on November 23, 2001. The game takes place in the year 2051, where a man named Oscar has developed a perpetual energy source that will revolutionize the world. However, the GCP Corporation, which is heavily invested in the oil industry, fears that Oscar’s invention will hurt their business. Desperate to silence him, they kidnap Oscar, but before they can take him away, he gives his friend Ethan a prototype hoverboard called the AirBlade.
Ethan uses the AirBlade to race through the streets of the city, trying to stay one step ahead of the GCP Corporation. Along the way, he meets other racers who join him in his fight against the evil corporation. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges. Players must use their hoverboards to navigate through obstacles, jump over ramps, and perform tricks. The game also features a variety of weapons that players can use to attack their opponents.
AirBlade was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced action, stunning graphics, and innovative gameplay. The game was also a pioneer in the use of online multiplayer gaming. AirBlade was one of the first games to offer online multiplayer racing, and it helped to pave the way for the popularity of online gaming today.
Gameplay
AirBlade is a fast-paced hoverboard racing game. Players control their hoverboards using the analog stick, and they can use the buttons to accelerate, brake, and perform tricks. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges. Players must use their hoverboards to navigate through obstacles, jump over ramps, and perform tricks. The game also features a variety of weapons that players can use to attack their opponents.
One of the most unique aspects of AirBlade is its use of the Dreamcast’s analog triggers. The left trigger controls the hoverboard’s acceleration, while the right trigger controls the hoverboard’s braking. This gives players a great deal of control over their hoverboards, and it allows them to perform a variety of tricks and maneuvers.
AirBlade also features a variety of weapons that players can use to attack their opponents. These weapons include rockets, lasers, and mines. Players can use these weapons to slow down their opponents, or to take them out completely.
Graphics
AirBlade is one of the most visually impressive games on the Dreamcast. The game’s graphics are sharp and detailed, and the colors are vibrant and eye-catching. The game’s environments are also very well-designed, and they create a believable and immersive world for the player to race in.
Sound
The sound design in AirBlade is also top-notch. The game’s music is fast-paced and energetic, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The game’s sound effects are also very well done, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.
Multiplayer
AirBlade was one of the first games to offer online multiplayer racing. The game’s online multiplayer mode allows players to race against each other from all over the world. The online multiplayer mode is very well-designed, and it provides a great way for players to test their skills against other racers.
Conclusion
AirBlade is a classic Dreamcast game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s fast-paced action, stunning graphics, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of racing games. If you’re looking for a great Dreamcast game to play, then you should definitely check out AirBlade.
Score: 9/10
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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