SCANNER
PLAYSTATION
Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
(Eidos) £39.99 t 9: t *
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I am the resurrection: Soul Reaver
It took its time coming. Scanner has been waiting for a reviewable copy of Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver since March and no amount of sweet talking could persuade Eidos to relinquish even a line of code. Now, six months later, the game has landed on our doormat, provoking a sprint to the nearest PlayStation. Was it worth the wait? Did the game itself scatter the cloud of indifference created by weeks of press releases and screenshots? When push came to shove, was it any good?
Well, kinda. First, the story. Raziel, one of the vampire warriors of Lord Kain, lets slip that he has a pair of mutant wings jutting from his shoulder blades. Kain, disgusted and envious of his subordinate's protuberances, casts Raziel into The Lake Of The Dead to burn for eternity. Millennia later, our fallen hero finds himself resurrected, free to seek revenge on both master and minions. Paradise Lost anyone?
Soul Reaver is an action adventure along the lines of Tomb Raider or Shadowman. Raziel is guided through level after level, challenge after challenge, gaining strength and skill along the way. Running, jumping, gliding and some great hand-to-hand combat are all utilised, as well as some dastardly little puzzles. The action takes place over two planes, the material world and the crazy, creepy land of the dead, and it is this transition which really makes Soul Reaver a cracking title.
Besides the impressive morphing animation that accompanies a plane shift, Raziel has different abilities in each world which must be utilised if progress is to be made. The landscape also changes, allowing access to a hitherto inaccessible area. The concentration required to keep two versions of the same level in one's head certainly keeps you on your toes.
Not everything is perfect. The control system could have been trimmed and tightened somewhat, and the huge delay in its release has really
tarnished its ‘wow' factor. However, if you are looking for a platform game that looks great, taxes the brain cells and feels that little bit different, then Soul Reaver might just fit the bill. (lain Davidson)
I Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver is out now.
GAMES REVIEWS continued
animation retains that stilted, jerky motion that used to be so enduring, only now it appears lazy and unfinished. The list of niggles this dichotomy of freedom and restriction creates could cram a filing cabinet. Suffice to say that Prince Of Persia 30, while still retaining some great moments worthy of the Arabian Nights, is no Turkish delight. (ID)
Sinistar Unleashed (THQ) £29.99 at t at
In 1983, Williams released an arcade game that quickly became one of the all-time classics in the shoot-em-up genre. Sinistar was fast, furious and horrifically addictive and still is revered today for the brutality of its challenging gameplay.
Now, sixteen years later, a sequel has arrived on the PC. Does it live up to its ancient pedigree? Unfortunately, no.
5 Not that it’s a bad game, it just lacks that immediate kick in the guts you received from its predecessor. The
108 THE “ST 7—21 Oct 1999
object of this 3D blaster is to collect crystals, power your weapons and defeat the eponymous Sinistar. There IS
* a lot of hubris about livmg spacecraft
and other dimensions but this is, in essence, a very simple shoot-em-up. The controls are quick to pick up, though longer to master, and the ships and asteroids are all cleanly presented. Everything rattles along at a fair pace and while you are playing, it’s enjoyable enough. It's just that, when you stop, there is very little desire to go back. Sinistar Unleashed is for the most persistent of shoot-em~up fans. And for those who remember the original,
try visiting wwwarcadeorg for a trip , down memory lane. (ID)
REVIEWERTHIS ISSUE: lain Davidson
STAR—RATINGS
*tit‘k Unmissable * it t * Very ood ; t t * Wort a shot t * Below average it You've been warned
Totally wired
The weird world of the Web.
The Terraserver http://terraserver.microsoft.com/
Not a new site by any means, but if you haven't seen it before it’ll blow your head off. Actual photos of our very streets and houses taken by Russian satellites just a few years ago, Worth a mention here as there are plans to remap these terrains of Britain in colour, which should happen very soon. Keep an eye out on them — they are on you.
Complete Movie Scripts http://www.movie-page.com/movie_scripts.htm
Can’t be bothered gomg down the Video shop tonight? Don't worry, just stay in and live the film in your own imagination. This Site contains the full screenplays of many films y0u might just want to hire out of an evening.
Video Game Archives
http://www.videotopia.com/ controlhtm
With the imminent release of Sega’s Dreamcast, it’s interesting to look back on the history of arcade games. From true standalone games in arcade halls, to home consoles (remember Pong?). Who would have thought back then that grown adults would still be playing With these ’toys’ twenty years on?
The Loo Awards
http://www.loo.co.uk
Ever been in a public convenience and thought: 'Y’know, this IS the best damned tOilet I've ever been in. I must write and congratulate the authority involved?’ I haven’t, but evrdently many have, hence this webSite. Scotland fares pretty well, which is a relief; I'd hate to live in a country With dodgy t0ilets And not a srngle joke cracked about George Michael.
The Ultimate Museum Guide http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/archive/other/museums/world.html
What better way to spend a lazy Sunday than tramp around some culture? Whether you're here or abroad, this is a qurte impresswe list of world museums. No matter where you happen to find yourself, you’ll never be bored again, wrth this virtual museum museum.
Beastwatch
http://www.beastwatchcom
There’s nothing like a light-hearted little site to cheer you up. But on the other hand it’s quite entertaining to read about how we’re all gomg to die. A beginners’ guide to Revelation, if you like. Full of cheery lines like 'We are liVing in the Last Days’. Nice.
The Original Flat Eric Homepage http://www.market-media.com/flat—eric-home/index.htm
Cultural icon or glorified duster? Love him or hate him, you’ve got to love him. Keep up to date with the little fella and download shots of him exuding cool. The jury is still out — let him brainwash you into buying a pair of jeans, or buy one and use him to buff up the shine on your shoes. (Steve Blair)