It was amazing, pure and simple.
Flash forward some 20-odd years and we have this new, HD remake of the game.
This is no fan made homage or a reboot given to a new development team, oh no.
So why, then, is it a failure in almost all areas?
First, the story.
The original story should have been left in place, it was fine.
Dodgy story reworking aside, the game does initially looks good.
These foes are relentless, fast and can kill you in a second (on Hard, anyway).
This also often happens when youre in a tricky predicament, such as high ledge.
What does this all mean?
Cheap deaths aplenty, thats what.
Whats more, foes (especially these bots) attack at regular and random intervals.
The careful, strategic combat and platforming is all but gone, replaced by rapid fire, clunky combat.
Remember when you had to use your brain and try distracting foes with stones in the original?
Well forget it here.
Its far easier to simply turn off your brain and exercise that trigger finger.
Here thats not the case.
Flashbackis buggy, very buggy.
Of course, the game does add some new tricks, which should raise the experience a little.
The much requested hover bike section, for example, is included.
Its a classic shoe horn, and the game simply didnt need it.
Avoiding a few road signs with an overly generous time limit is not a good game mechanic.
Another element that should appeal to fans is the inclusion of the original game.
Accessed from the main menu, you might play the Amiga version of the original in full.
This should be great, except that it has no music and is crammed into a tiny screen.
Rating:
2 out of 5
