Die Hard for PCE

Image: MobyGames

Die Hard

Yippie ki yay

Genre: action - gun

Publisher: Pack-In-Video

Year: 1990

System: PCE

Gameplay Score: 4

Gameplay Notes:

Overhead run n gun. Plays like a mix between Metal Gear and Rambo 3. Pretty fun actually, although the only mechanics are the various guns to pick up. Enemies shoot from off screen so the best strategy is to move forward slowly, back off when you see enemy projectiles, then return and counterattack. It's also worth mentioning that the controls feel laggy, especially when moving. It takes a second to come to a stop after stopping movement. It's weird. Still, this feels decent as a top down shooter.

Level Design Score: 4

Level Design Notes:

A few levels were annoying, like level 3 where branching paths have a right and a wrong way. Many doors take you back to the start of the stage! Still, I really enjoyed the variety in stages. Some require light platforming.

Theme Score: 5

Theme Notes:

They added a ton of content that wasn't in the movie, but they did a decent job of weaving story into gameplay. Each stage starts with an avatar of John McLane giving a fun quote and explaining his objective. Best action movie ever, by the way.

Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

Pretty simple, but attractive. Large sprites with minimal animation.

Audio Score: 3

Audio Notes:

Weak music that's too exciting for the setting, but it's not terrible. Only a few sound effects for your weapon. Enemies make no sound and neither do you when you take damage.

Overall Score: 77

Review ID: 8029