If you have been playing SNES games for at least a year, you probably know about Acclaim's notorious reputation for picking up movie licenses and crapping out games so bad it'll make you cry. But, there is one exception (that I know of) and that is Judge Dredd, which isn't just good, it deserves a player's choice rerelease along the likes of Super Metroid. Simply put, this is a mission-based action game based closely on the plot of the movie, and then later on in the game, based on the comic book. You play as Stallone's title character, Judge Dredd, your mission to prove yourself not guilty of a crime you did not commit. Judge Dredd is based around a world in which is complete desert, except for a few 'MegaCities' scattered about Earth. You are a Judge, Cop and Executioner and Judge all in one, they are the sole people keeping society together (and the bad guys in prison) and protecting the MegaCities from a band of outlaws and cultists living in the Desert.
If you are looking for a mindless action game, look elsewhere. You have to either kill the perps (some are even 'mutants') or actually arrest them in the game for more points, and save hostages, among other varied mission objectives. Although there are around 15 levels, there are many stages in between, making this a pretty long game, I would say 3 to 4 times longer than Contra 3: The Alien Wars. The stages are varied, going from MegaCity to the prison to the sewers and more. Also, you always have to complete the mission objecyives and some enemies have to be defeated certain ways, but don't expect any giant aliens or missile-riding like in Contra (but there is a cool biking level where you get to shoot stuff). About 3/4s of the game is taken from the movie, and then there is a new plot in which you get to go to a place called 'Dead World' which is a drastic pace from the rest of the game. This game is basically the 2D equivallent of a modern-day mission based first person shooter like Goldeneye or something, but with the Dredd universe.
Graphics [10/10]:
The graphics are detailed, there are fluid animations and no slowdown at all. There is also tons of atmosphere.
Sound [8/10]:
Nothing epic like Chrono Trigger's music tracks, but the music fits the levels.
Control [10/10]:
Nothing wrong here. Exactly what you'd expect from a 2D side-scrolling shooter.
Gameplay [10/10]:
All the missions are varied with the added depth of arresting perps (Or, if they make you mad, execute them!).
Overall [95%]:
There are many levels, interestingm,issions, great level design, a good plot....everything you could ask for in a game in this genre. If you call yourself a SNES gamer, you simply cannot miss out on this one, it's a real gem.
