Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: DOS, Sega Game Gear, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Probe Software
- Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, Majesco Entertainment, Playtronic, Tec Toy, Throwback Entertainment
Judge Dredd: A Law Enforcer’s Tale
Released in 1995, Judge Dredd is an action video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Gear, and Game Boy. The game is loosely based on the 1995 film Judge Dredd, which was itself a spin-off from the Judge Dredd comic strip from 2000 AD.
Gameplay
Judge Dredd is a top-down action game in which the player controls Judge Dredd, a law enforcement officer in the dystopian Mega-City One. The game’s objective is to progress through a series of levels, defeating criminals and completing objectives.
Dredd is armed with a variety of weapons, including his signature Lawgiver pistol, a shotgun, and a grenade launcher. He can also use his fists and feet to attack enemies. Dredd can also collect power-ups that grant him temporary abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.
The game’s levels are set in a variety of locations, including the streets of Mega-City One, the sewers, and a prison. Each level is filled with enemies, traps, and obstacles. Dredd must use his skills and weapons to overcome these challenges and complete his objectives.
Story
The game’s story follows Judge Dredd as he investigates a series of crimes in Mega-City One. Dredd quickly discovers that the crimes are part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow the city’s government.
As Dredd investigates, he uncovers a plot by the villainous Judge Cal, who is seeking to use a powerful weapon to destroy Mega-City One. Dredd must stop Cal and his followers before they can carry out their plan.
Development
Judge Dredd was developed by British video game developer Rebellion Developments. The game was originally intended to be a tie-in to the 1995 Judge Dredd film, but the game’s development was delayed and the film was released before the game was finished.
Despite the delay, Judge Dredd was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, detailed graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Judge Dredd universe.
Legacy
Judge Dredd is considered to be one of the best action games of the 16-bit era. The game’s success helped to spawn a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death (1997), Judge Dredd: Executioner (2000), and Judge Dredd: Urban Warfare (2009).
The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch.
Critical Reception
Judge Dredd received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, detailed graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Judge Dredd universe.
- IGN: 9/10
- GameSpot: 8.5/10
- Electronic Gaming Monthly: 9/10
Commercial Performance
Judge Dredd was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
Accolades
Judge Dredd won a number of awards, including:
- Golden Joystick Award for Best 16-Bit Game (1995)
- BAFTA Award for Best Action Game (1996)
Impact
Judge Dredd is considered to be one of the best action games of the 16-bit era. The game’s success helped to spawn a number of sequels and spin-offs, and it has been ported to a number of other platforms.
The game is also notable for its faithful adaptation of the Judge Dredd universe. The game’s dark and gritty atmosphere, and its over-the-top violence, are all true to the source material.
Conclusion
Judge Dredd is a classic action game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s fast-paced action, detailed graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Judge Dredd universe make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
