Further to the previous comments on Jet Force Gemini, the game, like any has good points and bad points. While JFG may not be as instantly accessible as other comparable offerings, I found it a hugely enjoyable game to play.
For one, the graphics are simply the best I've seen on the N64. Perhaps JFG's imagery doesn't quite come on par with some of the latest offerings on the Dreamcast and PS2, but for a 64-bit console, these graphics as good as it gets. Each surface lovingly textured, each character carefully animated, each shadow, each reflection, spot on. JFG shows off the console to it's best, at the peak of perfection, with a stunning variety of beautiful locations. Whether it's the stunning courtyard outside Mizar's Palace, with it's shimmering floor, reflecting your every move, the dark corners of some underground industrial bunker, packed with gun-toting enemies, or the incredibly evocative mountain heights of Bluff Rith Essa, the sky tinged deep purple, this is a game that knows how to create an atmosphere. And that's another thing, perhaps no other game of this type can bear witness to such well-designed stages. Each one is perfect, and satisfyingly lengthy to boot. Jet Force defies categorisation into any one genre of game. It is primarily a shoot-em-up, but with a generous dash of adventure, and just the tiniest hint of platformer, true to Rare's roots. This goodly mixture is clearly evident in each of JFG's numerous levels. These aren't labyrinthine and narrow, like so many shooters, but open-plan, spacious, with plenty of room to manouvre. There's the odd section of puzzle-solving as well - find all the pieces of something, explore this cave, find that key - it's not all fast paced shooting (although there's plenty of that).
At times Jet Force Gemini simply begs comparison to Star Wars (sorry, it had to be mentioned sometime). The cinematic introduction scene, the tinkly music, the locations, and the very psyche of the whole game all exude that same air of adventurous sci-fi. Which is nice. But it's not just hidden references to Star Wars which really make the game. They help of course, but no, it's gameplay that lies at the very heart of JFG. Because behind it's well polished facade, there lies a shoot-em-up which still retains all the values of the traditional. Although Jet Force gemini does incorporate all these elements of different genres, the new is well-complimented by the old. The issue isn't confused by unecessary and repetetive objectives, or too much needlessly frustrating platform hopping, indeed, the focus is still on, well, shooting. Macarbre and violent as it may seem when put so bluntly, such unfettered simplicity makes for a damn good game. And the controls are simple to suit - analouge stick for movement, Z to fire, and A and B to cycle through each weapon. It may seem a tad fiddly after the likes of Goldeneye, but believe us, after an hour of play your hands will be moulded into position, your finger poised under the Z-trigger. Don't get us wrong though, though JFG may be simple in it's aims, there are plenty of different modes to try. It's not a game you'll tire of easily, Jet Force is right up there with the big boys in terms of variety. A plethora of options lie at your command, the much reproached multiplayer being one of them. For all the criticism it's recieved, though, I thought it was pretty good really. Even if the arena's aren't up to the standard of the much-revered Perfect Dark, I personally preferred JFG's multiplayer to that of Goldeneye.
Strangely enough, although I've never been that attached to shoot-em-ups before, I liked Jet Force Gemini a lot. Waa-hey!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
No matter how you slice it,Jet Force Geminiis one tough game. But the frustration of ... more
playing this epic is tempered by the sheer magnitude and quality found within. Be forewarned, this run-and-gun action-fest is not for everyone. In fact, novices may be...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Dec 7th, 2000
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