Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
How did I not know this?Genre: shooter - isometric
Publisher: Elec Arts
Year: 1992
System: SNES
Gameplay Score: 4
Gameplay Notes:
My eyes have been opened. For almost 30 years I've thought Desert Strike was a great concept with shotty controls that make it unbeatable. But after spending time with it I discovered that it has a control scheme called "From Above" which not only eliminates the momentum-nased physics of your movement but also the orientation-based turning controls. With From Above the direction you press on the D-Pad is the direction your helicopter moves and it starts and stops on a dime. Not only that but holding L or R let's you strafe. This is now a completely different game than the one I so desperately wanted to enjoy as a kid but could not! Flying around is slow and deliberate but blowing stuff up is so satisfying. The only downside of the game is the utter lack of a HUD. The map, objectives, and even ammo and fuel readings are hidden on the pause screen. Add in a long load time and it becomes a major nuisance. Better than average but could've been amazing.
Level Design Score: 3
Level Design Notes:
I love the objective and mission based levels. Powerups are scattered throughout the level and can be seen on the map. Despite the awesome level design there are two major problems - the lack of an onscreen map and fuel management. These take what would be 5 stars back to 3. If fuel didn't burn so quickly I'd be willing to explore the map more thoroughly but as it is you have to get your objectives as quickly as possible and mind the fuel gauge carefully.
Theme Score: 5
Theme Notes:
Desert Storm revisionist history. Murica at its finest
Art Style Score: 4
Art Style Notes:
Very nice sprites and animation. Some annoying slowdown every now and then.
Audio Score: 4
Audio Notes:
Low key music that plays between levels. No music in game. Instead you get fantastic sound effects which immerse you in the setting
Overall Score: 76
Review ID: 134
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