May 2001 Volume 82 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
Crime Cities
by Mike Horsfall

Like something out of The Fifth Element comes the futuristic sci-fi game Crime Cities.

Around the 23rd century, society and human population growth has expanded beyond the boundaries of Earth and into the abyss that is the universe. The federation government has commissioned several newly populated and mostly ore-mining planets called the Pandemia system. More important, however, is that some are dedicated penal colonies.

Lawless and most distant is a planet that holds the terrorists and war criminals, who run their own social order. Unorganized crime is decreasing, while organized crime is on the rise. Gangs are being formed, and even the StarPol dont know whats going on. With terrorism imminent, several agents have gone undercover to find out who is the mastermind behind it all. However, they seem to have disappeared, so its your job to help find them and get to the bottom of all this crime.

You must clean up the streets and skies of Pandemia from behind the wheel of your fully-equipped Spector G12 spacecraft, which resembles the agents car from Men In Black. Flying around 3D-modelled cities, you work your way up the crime ranks to get more information by completing various missions that become continually harder.

Graphically, Crime Cities looks great lighting effects are most noticeable and the vast array of vehicles and environments help immerse you into the future. Unfortunately, theres not much thats innovative or new, and that can sometimes disappoint those looking for an edge over other games. In the sound department, EAX is supported, and this provides relevant effects to help you locate your enemy.

Without even a jitter at times of mass destruction, gameplay is extremely smooth. The physics model, too, is nice and easy to master. It is complete with all the manoeuvres you could imagine possible in the 23rd century.

To play Crime Cities, youll need a multimedia Pentium 200MHz or equivalent, 32 MB RAM, 4MB 3D Graphics Accelerator and 300MB hard disk space. Optimum performace is gained from a Pentium 400MHz or equivalent, 128 MB RAM, 32 MB 3D Graphics Accelerator and a Sound Blaster Live!

Rune

The creatures of this land are crawling from the shadow of evil and coming for me. If I am to evade their jaws, I must be more cunning than they. They want mle combat, close enough to smell my fear. I will fight until I am red with my own blood. I will be a silent terror that will find you and take you down.

Those with a passion for action games may be interested in a new release called Rune.

Described as a whirlwind third-person mle action game, Rune is all that and more. Presented in fabulous 3D graphics and featuring surround sound, the game is set in the days of the Viking. It includes over 40 single-player levels in addition to unique multi-player environments.

Versions are available for both the PC and MAC, but system requirements are relatively high. To play on a PC you will need a minimum 300 MHz processor with 64 MB RAM a 450MHz processor with 128MB RAM is recommended. Mac owners will need a minimum 300 MHz G3 with 96 MB RAM 128MB is recommended.

Visit www.Runegame.com/ for more information. A demo version is available and its about 80MB!

Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars

Those who love the thrill of the chase will have been overjoyed with the Ratbag Games sim, Dirt Track Racing. A great-fun and well-priced sequel, Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars, is now available. The combination of fantastically realistic graphics, top-quality audio, sensational driving dynamics and a great price will make this title a big winner.

Oni

Another great title to look for is Oni, both for the PC and Playstation2. Its an action thriller with exciting graphics and a very animated environment. To undertake the mission of defeating the evil Syndicate, players will have to master explosives, hand-to-hand combat and a huge arsenal of weapons. The range and fluidity of character movements will amaze most players.

Serious Sam

Serious Sam will also satisfy the demands of gamers, particularly first-person shooters. In 2104, countless deadly creatures attack human civilization and Earths forces are steadily defeated. Because of his extreme bravery, Sam Serious Stone has become a legend, but even he cannot abate the attack. To save the world, Sam must go back in time and get serious with the assailants predecessors. Throughout the journey players should be prepared for action, adventure and high-quality gaming. Serious Sam is seriously good, seriously busy and seriously bad.

mich@picknowl.com.au

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