Blackhawk - SNES, 17/3/95

We fully imagined Blackhawk would smell worse than a pig's kidney.

Imagine our surprise, then, when the game wrapped its filthy arm around our throats and wouldn't let go.

Bottom line: Blackhawk is Flashback on a diet of steroids.

A similar control system and flick-screen scrolling is there, but you're armed with a whopping great shotgun.

Blackhawk is set in the far future, and as such requires you to assault alien invaders and human traitors.

As well as some rather lovely shoot-outs, which have you ducking and laying flush against the wall, interaction with NPCs is imperative.

They provide hints and equipment, so often it's up to you to save them from big nasties.

But afterwards you can shoot them in glorious fashion.

Though Blackhawk's graphics are small and a little dated, they're deliciously animated.

The control will be instantly familiar to anyone who played Flashback, Another World or Prince Of Persia.

Sure it's derivative, but in the best possible way. It's a vast game, with puzzles to tax the keenest of scalps.

It has been underrated or overlooked by most other mags, so take our advice and seek it out.

Blackhawk - SNES - by Interplay

Players: 1
Graphix: 79%
Sonix: 80%
Gameplay: 91%
Lifespan: 88%
Originality: 51%
Uppers: A tough but satisfying game
Downers: A little too Flashback-y
Overall: 89% - Hello Tosh!