| Introduction
Gremlins first appeared in movie theatres over 10
years ago and although widely regarded as a cult classic,
it's still odd that LSP should choose to release a game
based on this rather out-dated creature. In addition
to this, LSP also plan to release a GBA version of the
Gremlins, which as nearly everyone knows, are cute,
cuddly creatures that should neither come into contact
with water nor fed after midnight.
GamePlay
Gremlins Unleashed is a platformer in its truest
form but with one difference - you can choose to play
either as good or bad. If you decide to take the role
of Gizmo, the good Mogwai, you will have to eliminate
all of the Gremlins along the way and capture the rarest
ones to save them for your collection. But if you decide
to play Stripe, the bad Gremlin, then you will have
to get around every trap set in your way by Gizmo and
his cuddly little friends. You will also have to find
the five bottles of water that will let you generate
more Gremlins. Several gadgets will be on hand to help
your character including a camera, a bow-and-arrow with
suction cups and a tennis ball machine.
As if this wasn't enough, the developers have decided
to throw in some mini games too. Initially, you'll play
these as part of the main game but once you have the
final password, they become available from the menu
and also for link-up play with another GBC. Although
very simple in design, they're great fun with the first
being a trilogy of slide puzzles against a timer. Next
up is a tug of war battle and a side-on racing game.
The last two are controlled by repeatedly bashing the
'A' and 'B' buttons very quickly in order to build up
power and can really do your fingers some damage after
a few defeats.
Finally, there's also a card collecting game. These
are awarded when you successfully complete a level or
another one of the many tasks. This is a nice touch
and anyone who remembers the movies will recognize some
of the stranger Gremlins with their equally bizarre
personalities when you eventually complete your collection.
As with the mini-games, simply jotting down your password
will allow you to view your full range of captives via
the menu.
Control
The control system is not only intuitive regardless
of who you decide to play as, but it's also got some
of the best sprite detection I've ever encountered on
a GBC title. As a result, the game is far less frustrating
and those hard to reach areas suddenly become less of
a chore.
Graphics
Although many of us expect a higher level of graphics
now that the GBA is around, you can't help but be impressed
by the visuals here. The developers appear to have used
the GBC and its limited palette to great effect and
everything looks wonderful. The animation is also fantastic
and whether you choose Gizmo or Stripe you're treated
to a very fluid and dexterous character. Overall, another
GBC gem that gives current titles a run for their money
and shows us all just what the older Nintendo handheld
was capable of.
Sound & Music
Athough not as annoying as in some games, the GBC and its weak sound chip really
can't compete with even the worst GBA tune. There are some spot sound effects
and there's a good chance that if this was all we still had I wouldn't be as
critical but it's not. There are, however, options to turn off the sound or the
music so it's not a complete loss. See what you think anyway... Final Comments
At such a late stage in the GBC's life here we have
a true platformer classic. Great graphics and animation,
hours of gameplay and extra mini-games add to the fact
that this really is two games in one and the option
of choosing either Spike or Gizmo is not just a novelty.
There really is no question - if you see this on your
local shop shelf, snap it up now.
|
Hardware
Reviews 
Game
Title
