Cybermage - PC, 31/1/96
Cybermage - PC
Come on, son. Take off that cyberpunk adventure tabard and let's see you for what you really are: a welcoming hot-roy (a Doom clone).
The free comic and convoluted plot detailing a future world run by warring corporations cannot disguise the 3D keys-lifts-guns gameplay.
Mr Biffo was tantalised to note that the homage even stretches to your heavy breathing after 10 blokes shoot at you.
Despite the overpowering stench of Doom, Cybermage does manage to exude freshness from certain raw platelets.
There's certainly a higher puzzle element than in other Doomies, with even the first level demanding all manner of filthy "find component A to fix machine B" dancing.
You can also buy armour, perhaps by selling blood to a clinic (at the cost of a permanently lower health-point ceiling). Or by playing slot machines. These are two positive facts.
Cybermage also excites with the prosect of varied locations (city alleys as well as the inevitable laboratory corridors) and the opportunity to drive assorted vehicles.
It wouldn't be fair, though, to pretend that these are more than asthmatic popcorn vendors at the main event: the destruction of men's lives with lasers.
In this it is not as frenzied as Doom. And you will only get supra-Doom graphics with the 16Mb RAM required for SVGA.
Cybermage - PC - by EA
Req: 8MbR DX2
Graphix: 82%
Sonix: 90%
Gameplay: 95%
Lifespan: 82%
Originality: 76%
Uppers: Death and puzzles
Downers: No real novelty. SVGA=16Mb
Overall: 84% - Cybermen: you know, Dr Who
Do you know of any important moments from the annals of Digi history that have been omitted? If so, then mail me (superpage58@gmail.com) right now, man. Credit will be duly given for anything that gets put up.
