Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Viacom New Media
- Publishers: MTV Games
Slamscape (1996): A Surreal Shooter Like No Other
Released in 1996, Slamscape is a 3D shooting game that stands out from the crowd with its surreal world, bizarre enemies, and challenging gameplay. Developed by Psygnosis and released for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, Slamscape is a unique and unforgettable experience that has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Gameplay
Slamscape is played from a third-person perspective, and the player controls a rocket-mounted pile driver called a Slamjet. The objective of the game is to pilot the Slamjet through four dangerous regions, each of which contains four heavily guarded Orb-Ids. These Orb-Ids are needed for level progression, and once obtained, must be taken to a central location within that level.
Each region of Slamscape is themed differently, and features its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The first region, for example, is a surreal landscape filled with bomb-throwing ferris wheels, deadly teddy bears, and exploding balloons. The second region is a twisted cityscape, complete with giant robots and floating eyeballs. The third region is a dark and eerie forest, home to monstrous creatures and deadly traps. And the fourth and final region is a bizarre and psychedelic world, where the laws of physics seem to break down.
To progress through each region, the player must employ a different strategy. Some Orb-Ids can be obtained by simply shooting the enemies that guard them. Others require the player to solve puzzles or navigate treacherous terrain. And still others can only be obtained by defeating powerful bosses.
Weapons and Power-Ups
The Slamjet is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a machine gun, a shotgun, and a rocket launcher. The player can also collect power-ups that grant the Slamjet special abilities, such as increased speed, invincibility, and the ability to fire homing missiles.
Enemies
Slamscape is home to a wide variety of bizarre and deadly enemies. Some of the more common enemies include:
- Bomb-throwing ferris wheels: These giant ferris wheels hurl bombs at the player, and can be difficult to avoid.
- Deadly teddy bears: These cute and cuddly creatures are anything but harmless. They attack the player with sharp claws and teeth.
- Exploding balloons: These balloons float through the air, and explode when they come into contact with the player.
- Bottled brains on unicycles: These strange creatures ride unicycles and throw bottles of acid at the player.
- Scary-Go-Round: This spinning seagull is a deadly foe. It fires lasers from its eyes and can be difficult to defeat.
- Gullicopter: This monstrous creation is a cross between a crab and a helicopter. It attacks the player with its claws and tail.
- Crabzilla: This giant crab is the final boss of Slamscape. It is a powerful foe, and can only be defeated by using a specific strategy.
Graphics and Sound
Slamscape’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game’s environments are detailed and colorful, and the character models are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, and features a mix of electronic and industrial music.
Critical Reception
Slamscape received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s unique and surreal world, while others criticized its difficult gameplay and lack of polish. However, the game has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, and is considered to be a classic of the genre.
Conclusion
Slamscape is a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to please fans of retro shooters. With its surreal world, bizarre enemies, and challenging gameplay, Slamscape is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a good shoot-’em-up.
Review Score
7.5/10
