Review by: Strider

Enemy Zero is the long awaited interactive motive for our favourite Sega Saturn. I had a number of preview disks on the Game and was really looking forward to its release. Now I have completed the Game. Was it worth the wait?

Graphics 7/10

We were promised Softdec (software MPEG decoding) for the movies. We got True Motion. I am very disappointed. The movies are presentable although when there is a lot of red on screen the pixels start showing up. I wish they had used the VCD Card, for the benefit of those who have it (as in Wangan Dead Heat Real Arrange and Gun Griffin), and work on FULL SCREEN (maybe next time, WARP?). Much better movies than in D, but the in game corridors could be smoother and sharper.

Sound 7/10

Not much of it really, but what is there is not bad, only just. Not as atmospheric as D. The original music at the end (with vocals) is pretty cool.

Controls 8/10

No problems here. The controls are pretty responsive and thoughtful.

Playability 7/10

The Game had a lot of potential but Kenji Eno did not make the most of it. It was supposed to be the envy of Playstation owners, but now it seems they haven't missed much. While the Game itself advances quite well, with logical puzzles and all that, the frustration level is quite high. The stupid guns take a lot of getting used to, and sometimes you die not because you could not figure out where the monster is but the gun lets you down. Having said that, it is extremely satisfying when you do get the baddies. There is too much unnecessary walking about and it only serves to drag the Game on without giving the player any real sense of advancement.

Presentation 7/10

First and foremost, the Opening movie is way too short - only five minutes long!? Too many good ideas go to waste in this Game. The Net Computer could have been made an essential part of the Game. As it is it only serves as a time wasting gimmick. It is too slow and annoying to operate. The ACTING could have been much better. Having played the Game it leaves one wondering what is on the minds of the crew when we see or talk to them. For example, why weren't Kimberly waiting anxiously for Laura but watering her pot plants when Laura arrived in her room? There are too many "mysteries" which leave a feeling of the Game being a rush job. Take the ending sequence, who designed the tunnel for the escape vessel to be so winding? One would have thought that an escape should be swift and straight forward, without the bends. And how did Kimberly get to the escape chamber unharmed, UNARMED? (She supposedly lost her Weapon on the way to Summer Tower) and where did she get her SECOND Gun? The list goes on. By the way, the Voice Recorder with its battery limitation is NOT a good idea.

Overall 7/10

Overall the Game is not bad. It is not that good either. Maybe I was expecting too much, but the Game simply could not live up to the hype it received (in Japan). I was looking forward to an experience more than what is there. Nevertheless, there is a fair bit of game there to keep you for at least a few hours, and I don't regret buying it. I heard that someone completed the Game on his first go in Normal mode in under 3 hours. I don't believe that. It took me two and a half in Easy mode with all the Maps on paper and routes in my head (having completed the Game in Normal mode). There is also a Hard mode, so don't think it is over when you finish Normal.

PS anybody who needs help may drop me a line at strider@rivernet.com.au