Iron Angel of the Apocalypse, originally released as Tetsujin in Japan and Europe, has finally made it over to the US. Panasonic was supposed to have released the game months ago, but decided not to for fear of some sort of litigation and copyright infringement. So Synergy, the makers of Iron Angel, decided to release it here themselves.
Tetsujin, in it's Japanese release, instantly become one of my favorite 3DO games and is an incredible gaming experience. It is also one of the very few games where the cinematic sequences are actually imperative to the full enjoyment of the game. Iron Angel has some of the most incredible intermissions ever created for a game. A mixture of 3D computer rendering, live action and in-game graphics, these sequences are unbelievable.
The whole atmosphere of the game is dark, mysterious and downright creepy. The plot is laid out over the course of the game, but essentially involves the quest of the cyborg, Tetsujin, to reach the top floor of a skyscraper in order to, literally, meet his maker. The story is set in a dark, cyberpunk Neo Tokyo and the whole game is played within the skyscraper.
Instead of redubbing the dialogue, Synergy opted for subtitles, because the original Japanese voices were so creepy and perfect. Some of the cinemas( especially the opening and ending) have been vastly improved over previous versions. The game is a bit faster now, but those used to running around through Doom-ish corridors will still find the game a bit slow paced.
Like Doom, Iron Angel is played from a first person point of view and essentially involves blasting anything that you come across. Iron Angel doesn't have the visceral, non-stop action of Doom, but there are some truly intense situations. Throughout the game's 30+ floors, you'll find plenty of things to figure out on the way up. Exploring is a big part of Iron Angel and one way doors, intricate elevator systems and dark, foreboding, maze-like passages abound here. Every six floors or so, you will also find a larger "Boss" robot to contend with as well.
The game will only save your position in the special recharge rooms that are placed somewhere on each level. Iron Angel allows you to save up to four different positions. Throughout the game, you'll find new weapons to upgrade yourself with, along with other special devices to help you on your way. Control is simple and laid out intelligently, but can be a little sluggish at times.
The game graphics are very good, the levels are quite varied and Iron Angel provides a very realistic 3D environment to journey in. The lighting used in the game is also very well done, accentuating the mysterious mood of the game. It would have been better if the view area had taken up more of the screen, however. The game's music is excellent, with dark, moody tunes that capture the atmosphere perfectly. Sound effects are pretty sparse, but very good as well.
I would have preferred a greater variety of opponents, though there are quite a few already, along with greater numbers of opponents to fight with in the game. However, Iron Angel is called an Action Role-Playing Movie and that really sums up what to expect on this disk. It has plenty of mindless blasting mixed with obstacles that require some thought to get around.
Iron Angel is not a particularly difficult game and it probably won't take most gamers more then a dedicated weekend to get through( and, possibly, some long nights as well.). The intermission scenes will blow you away and make sure that you stay involved to the very final, explosive end. While Iron Angel may at first prove to be a little slow paced for short attention spans, this is a game that deserves recognition. It's stylish, entertaining and involving. The developing storyline is exceptional and the execution of the plot through the cinemas is computer art in motion. Fans of Japanese animation and movies will especially appreciate this game, because of these cinemas.
The Japanese version was great, but the US release is better. And for those who do make it through the game and enjoyed the journey- take heart, the sequel, Tetsujin Returns, is already in production. And I can't wait.
