Pandemonium! (1996)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Pandemonium! (1996)

Pandemonium! is a platformer video game developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Crystal Dynamics and Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and MS-DOS. The game was released in North America in November 1996 and in Europe in March 1997.

Pandemonium! is a 2D platformer game with a unique art style that blends hand-drawn sprites with 3D backgrounds. The game features two playable characters: Fargus, a joker, and Nikki, a young witch. The player can switch between the two characters at any time.

Fargus is a powerful warrior who can attack enemies with his sword and perform a special spinning attack. Nikki is a weaker character, but she can double jump and cast spells. The player must use the unique abilities of each character to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

The game is set in a colorful and whimsical world that is divided into six different zones. Each zone has its own unique theme and enemies. The player must travel through each zone and defeat the boss at the end in order to progress.

Pandemonium! was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. The game was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Pandemonium! is a 2D platformer game with a unique art style that blends hand-drawn sprites with 3D backgrounds. The game features two playable characters: Fargus, a joker, and Nikki, a young witch. The player can switch between the two characters at any time.

Fargus is a powerful warrior who can attack enemies with his sword and perform a special spinning attack. Nikki is a weaker character, but she can double jump and cast spells. The player must use the unique abilities of each character to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

The game is set in a colorful and whimsical world that is divided into six different zones. Each zone has its own unique theme and enemies. The player must travel through each zone and defeat the boss at the end in order to progress.

Characters

  • Fargus is a joker who is always up for a good time. He is also a skilled warrior and can attack enemies with his sword and perform a special spinning attack.
  • Nikki is a young witch who is still learning to control her powers. She is a weaker character than Fargus, but she can double jump and cast spells.

Development

Pandemonium! was developed by Crystal Dynamics, a video game development company that was founded in 1992. The game was directed by David Perry, who is known for his work on the Earthworm Jim series.

The game was originally developed for the 3DO, but was later ported to the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and MS-DOS. The PlayStation version of the game was released in North America in November 1996 and in Europe in March 1997. The Sega Saturn version of the game was released in North America in December 1996 and in Europe in April 1997. The MS-DOS version of the game was released in North America in June 1997.

Reception

Pandemonium! was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. The game was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

  • GameSpot gave the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, saying “Pandemonium! is a great example of how to do a 2D platformer right.”
  • IGN gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, saying “Pandemonium! is a fun and challenging platformer with a unique art style and catchy music.”
  • Next Generation gave the game a score of 4 out of 5, saying “Pandemonium! is a solid platformer with a lot of charm and personality.”

Legacy

Pandemonium! is considered to be one of the best platformer games of the 1990s. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. Pandemonium! has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among fans of the genre.

In 2011, Crystal Dynamics announced that they were working on a sequel to Pandemonium!. The sequel was never released, but it is still in development.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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