The Final Word game review

Shockwave 2 -- Electronic Arts

Investigating a skirmish, you and the crew of your spaceship become involved in alien intrigue surrounding a mysterious artifact... Mostly because you follow an alien space ship through a warp gate and now have to explore an uncharted area of space in hopes of finding a key to open the warp back to home. Shockwave 2 is from Electronic Arts for play on the 3DO system.

E.Phoenix
With better graphics and more diverse gameplay, this sequal lays the first to rest six feet under. With a pretty cool story, fantastic CG intermissions, and truly difficult missions -- Shockwave 2 comes in as the second best game of 1995 for the 3DO (second to Killing Time).

R.I.P.
Yet another exceptional title for the 3DO. I would rank this one on par, quality-wise, with Wing Commander 3... Actually, I would have to say it's better than WC3 since this game actually has pretty easy controls to master. As for being a sequel... forget the first Shockwave. This game leaves its predecessor in the dust. Sound is very good, graphics are some of the best I've seen on the platform, and play control is right-on (with small exception). As for longevity, the game has a very good story line, as well as a very reasonable learning curve, and while I don't necessarily see myself replaying the game through, it is one that is entertaining to solve. The other thing I liked about this title was the introduction of different level scenarios. You have some levels where you play using a hovercar, others you command a fixed turret base, and in other levels you fly a fighter ship (I had a few small problems with this particular mode at first, but got the hang-of it eventually). As for cinemas, this game features some of the best integration of live actors and CG actors that I think I've seen to date.

>>>>> 44.0/50 <<<<<		E.Phoenix	R.I.P.
Graphics		4.5	5.0
Sound		3.5	5.0
Gameplay/Control		4.0	4.5
Longevity/Playability		4.5	4.0
Overall		4.5	4.5
Total		21.0	23.0

(02/96)