When the joint project between Data East and Ocean produced the successful
NES version of the original "Robocop" in 1988, and the mixed-results of the
overly complicated sequel, "Robocop 2" in 1990, the series finally jumped
systems to the SNES with this conversion of the third (and lame) movie.
Combining the winning elements of the first two games into one, now in the
sole hands of Ocean, results in another mixed blessing as, once again,
Robocop is called in to save the futuristic city of Detroit.
Graphics [6.5/10]:
While easily the best graphics in the series (this IS on a 16-bit system,
now), it's still nothing to scream about. When comparing the game
side-by-side with "Robocop 2" on the 8-bit NES, while there is a certain
polished look to "3," there isn't THAT much of a difference, which is a shame
considering the hardware Ocean had to work with this time out. Some of the
figures are nicely drawn and animated, but Robocop himself, simply, looks
pretty bland when compared to how crisp, shiny, and detailed he looks in
"Robocop Vs. Terminator" (another SNES offering from a few years later)
...and the rest of the game ain't much better. Even the TITLE SCREEN from
"Robocop 2" (with Robo firing his gun, shells dropping) had more life than
anything here!
Music and Sound [5/10]:
Nothing memorable. I just shut the game off a few seconds ago and I honestly
can't recall a single tune I heard...that's not a good sign. But, for
background music, it does what it's required to do. Just don't expect
anything groundbreaking. But then, you could very well say the same for the
rest of the game. Sound effects are okay...no more, no less. Explosions
sound like, well, explosions...and the gunfire is about the same. Again, not
bad, but nothing great. About what you'd find in ANY video game of this
nature.
Gameplay [6.5/10]:
As I said, you can tell Ocean tried semi-successfully to blend the better
gameplay elements of the first two NES games in this one. In the first game
you couldn't jump (then again...you didn't need to), but could stop on a
dime. In "Robocop 2," you could jump (and, believe me, you NEEDED to), but
your character was harder to control...a lumbering pile of metal that slipped
and slid along the ground, making it far too easy to glide right off the edge
of most platforms...of which there were WAY too many in that game. But I
digress... Here, you can jump...AND you can stop on a dime. Perfect...too
bad the surrounding game isn't as much fun to play... You move at about the
same slow pace as you moved in the first game (whereas you moved much quicker
in the second), but in a much livelier game such as this, they should have
made Robocop move a little faster. It worked in the first game, it does NOT
here. 'Nuff said. By the time you're flying in the later levels...who cares?
Challenge and Replay [4/10]:
Well, for one thing, in the first level alone, you have a million and one bad
guys (and robot-like thingamajigs) firing at you at once, making your life
meter drop quickly. There's really not too much you can do to defend
yourself, aside from ducking (even THAT doesn't help most times...you'll take
a bullet in the head) or finding yourself a bigger and better gun...which can
be difficult at times. If you're anything like me, you'll be beyond bored
after the first few levels and have no urge to plug the game back into the
system to play again...unless, of course, you're just really bored or are
going to write a review for it...
Conclusion/Overall [4.5/10]:
Non-discriminating Robocop fans will probably like it....probably...maybe.
Otherwise, it's just too slow-moving and uninteresting to seek out. But,
then, what did you expect? DID you SEE the movie??? I hate to repeat
myself, but there's really just nothing memorable here. After playing the
earlier games in the series devoutly, I expected much more with the system
upgrade. What I got was blander than what I already had played in the past.
What a letdown. Get out your old NES and play the far more entertaining
original "Robocop" instead...you'll thank me.
