Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Saffire
- Publishers: Gradiente, Midway Games
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (1998) Review
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is a 3D fighting game released by Midway in 1998 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC. It was originally planned for arcades, but the arcade prototype was scrapped and never officially released (although it exists on MAME).
The game features a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters are all genetically engineered freaks, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and combo-heavy, with a focus on close-quarters combat. The game also features a unique “rage” system, which allows players to power up their attacks by taking damage.
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. was a critical and commercial failure upon release, but has since gained a cult following among fighting game fans. The game is praised for its unique characters, fast-paced combat, and innovative rage system.
Gameplay
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is a 3D fighting game with a focus on close-quarters combat. The game features a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and combo-heavy, with a focus on close-quarters combat. Players can string together a variety of attacks to create devastating combos. The game also features a unique “rage” system, which allows players to power up their attacks by taking damage.
The rage system is a unique mechanic that adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. Players can choose to take damage in order to power up their attacks, but they must be careful not to take too much damage or they will be knocked out.
Characters
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. features a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters are all genetically engineered freaks, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.
The characters include:
- Blade: A cyborg with a variety of weapons built into his body.
- Cutter: A female assassin with a variety of bladed weapons.
- Cy-Kill: A cyborg with a variety of weapons built into his body.
- Demolition: A large and powerful brute with a variety of explosives.
- Frightmare: A female vampire with a variety of psychic powers.
- Ghoul: A male zombie with a variety of regenerative abilities.
- Havok: A male demon with a variety of fire-based attacks.
- Impulse: A female alien with a variety of energy-based attacks.
- Jack: A male werewolf with a variety of claws and fangs.
- Meg: A female insect-like creature with a variety of acid-based attacks.
- Mindbender: A male psychic with a variety of mind control powers.
- Pyro: A male fire-based creature with a variety of fire-based attacks.
Development
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. was originally developed for arcades, but the arcade prototype was scrapped and never officially released. The game was later released for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC.
The game was developed by Midway Games, which was known for its arcade games such as Mortal Kombat and Pac-Man. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. was one of Midway’s first attempts at a 3D fighting game.
The game was directed by Eugene Evans, who had previously worked on the Mortal Kombat series. The game’s character designs were created by Mark Texeira, who is known for his work on comic books such as Ghost Rider and Wolverine.
Reception
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. was a critical and commercial failure upon release. The game was criticized for its repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and poor graphics. The game also suffered from a lack of marketing support from Midway.
Despite its poor reception, Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. has since gained a cult following among fighting game fans. The game is praised for its unique characters, fast-paced combat, and innovative rage system.
Legacy
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is a unique and innovative fighting game that deserves more recognition than it received upon release. The game’s unique characters, fast-paced combat, and innovative rage system make it a fun and challenging experience for fighting game fans.
Although the game was not a commercial success, it has gained a cult following among fighting game fans. The game’s unique characters and gameplay mechanics have inspired other fighting games, and it is considered to be a cult classic.
Review Score
7.5/10