Blue Stinger - Sega Dreamcast - Activision - Adventure - 1 Player
Graphics: *** 1/2
Sound: ***
Control: **
Gameplay: ***
Replay Value: *
Overall Rating: **
Blue Stinger is the first adventure game to hit the dreamcast and unfortunately, it's not a very good one. I'll be the first to admit that I could be wrong about this, as I haven't really given the game a good run through, but what I've seen so far has not impressed me.
The graphics in Blue Stinger are an odd mix, the alien creatures look incredibly detailed, the mutated humans are of the quality of the Resident Evil (PSX), and the main characters look cartoony. It gives a very unbalanced feel to the game. In addition, your characters movements are extremely jerky, no where near the quality we've come to expect from this type of game. The backgrounds are nondescript and really don't help the mood of the game in any way.
The sound too is lackluster, I couldn't tell you if there was any music because I honestly don't remember any (I'm not saying it's not there, I'm just saying if it is, it certaintly isn't memorable.) The voice acting is standard game fare, you know - not really showing any acting ability, and if you've got small kids, you may want to keep them away from this one as certain characters speech is peppered with mild profanity.
I'd like to say something positive about the controls, but I can't. While the analog stick makes running and walking simple, actions such as aiming your weapon are difficult enough without being further hindered by the horrible camera system (more on that later)
Some of the game elements are the only things that stop this title from being a complete waste of time. The concept of being able to purchase supplies throughout the complex is innovative and realistic. In addition, it allows the player to decide what type of equipment he/she will use throughout the game. The problem is that the money you use is made by picking up coins dropped by defeated enemies. Just another step towards removing any feel of realism from the game. Anyone who has followed the game since it's release in Japan knows that there were problems with the camera system that Activision claimed they would fix before the U.S. release. Well, I don't know how bad the cameras were, but they certainly aren't any good now. More often than not, you're left trying to fight with camera angles that restrict your view of the combat area. It's O.K. to use dramatic camera angles sparingly, but this game almost makes it a point to annoy you with the views.
I really couldn't see playing this game more than once. (Hell, I'm not even sure I'll want to play it all the way through) If you absolutely have to have an adventure game for your Dreamcast rent this one and decide if it's worth purchasing. I think most of us will find that it's not.