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»Devilish
"The Castlevania of Breakout games? ...maybe."
Remember that game Classic Action: Devilish that recently came out on the Nintendo DS awhile back? No? Well, there’s a reason it’s called “Classic Action.” The game had a prequel, the original Devilish, found on the Genesis and our own Game Gear. Devilish (both the original and the remake) can be best summed up as a horror-themed Arkanoid meets 19XX. Sure, that idea may sound pretty stupid, but back then it churned out a pretty good game.
Players
take on the role of a young couple, a prince and princess. One day, a
dark demon appears and transforms them into two stone paddles. Shortly
afterwards, the demon’s hoards enter the world, transforming it into a
hellish abode. However, a giant blue orb also falls from the sky.
Utilizing their cursed forms, the couple must use the orb to defeat the
demon and regain their human forms. Okay, it’s not the best storyline,
but back in these days, that wasn’t really important. Besides, you try
coming up with a decent storyline for a Breakout-type game. I’d like to see how far you get.
As I said earlier, this game’s a lot like Arkanoid.
However, as opposed to one paddle, players take control of both of the
transformed lovers. It’s odd to describe, but while the paddles are
linked on a horizontal axis, the top one can move freely on the
vertical axis, while the lower one is stuck in position near the
bottom. Players can also change the positioning of the paddles, from
the standard stack to a split lower block that extends the reach of the
paddle and two arrangements that turns the top block sideways in some
sort of pseudo-corner.
There
are six stages in this game, each with their own time limits. Players
have to direct the aforementioned blue orb in such a way that it blasts
through various headstones and other obstacles like zombies and evil
decapitated women. The goal of each level is to reach a whole slot
marked with arrows. In some stages, there are giant bosses, somewhat
like the ones found in those pinball games like Kirby’s Pinball Land or Sonic Spinball.
There’s
also a time trial mode, in addition to the “story” mode, dubbed “Normal
Mode” in this game. Comparing it to the Genesis version, there is one
thing missing that I think would’ve been an awesome addition to the
game: a two-player mode. Granted, it may have been a hard addition to
the game, but even an alternating single-system mode would’ve been
nice.
The graphics are
actually pretty good. Everything is clear and has a nice visual flare
to it. Sure, it’s not quite as good as the Genesis version, but that’s
to be expected. The atmosphere of the game comes into full effect here,
with the environments and enemies fitting the game’s horrific tone.
Hell, the bosses are even designed well. Still, there is a fairly
limited look to the game (especially in the menus), but considering how
early in the Game Gear’s lifespan this game was released, I think I can
let that pass.
The music’s
pretty good too. For the most part all of the melodies fit with their
respective environments. However, most of the songs aren’t exactly
memorable, with the exception of the first stage’s theme. Sound effects
are okay too. There all fit for the most part and there is one piece in
particular that impressed me: the digitized beep “laugh” that is played
when the start button is pressed at the title screen. Granted, it isn’t
exactly realistic, but it’s still awesome, especially considering the
game’s age.
As for replay,
well, this game’s actually pretty fun. There are a few areas that
could’ve been improved though: more game modes would’ve been neat. You
know, like a two-player mode or maybe a mode that would’ve changed some
of the game’s mechanics (like limiting players to one paddle or making
the game more like Breakout). But, you can’t win them all. It’s
a good game nonetheless. I haven’t played the DS remake, but I hope
it’s as good as the original, though some other reviews I’ve read say
otherwise.
Article by: Wolfdogg
Posted on: Jul. 26th, 2007 |
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Review Recap |
| Gameplay |
| It’s an awesome take on Arkanoid-style gameplay. |
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Graphics |
| Not bad, all things considered.
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Sound |
| The music does have some odd, yet good tunes. Sound effects are okay too. |
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Replay Value |
| It’s Arkanoid meets Aero Fighters, what more could ya want? Nothing...aside from some additional game modes. |
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