How many years has it been since the 3DO reared it’s ugly head around the console industry. Too many to count that is for sure, the system was great it was the lack of good software that killed it. Now after all the years have passed 3DO has started making games. First bringing us the Army Men series, and then continued to bring it to us until we were so sick of it another game and we probably would have to kill someone. Flash forward to the year 2002, 3DO is coming off of a release of Dragon Half and now decide to bring us Godai The Elemental Force. Priced at a reasonable 29.99 it can’t be all too bad correct?
Well for starters when I powered the game on I was impressed with the visual, that is until they started moving. The frame rate began to suffer and the onscreen effects took a backseat to the slow motion action that was occurring. The levels are very nicely designed and very well detailed, the main problem is the camera work is just plain awful. Trying to keep track of your character becomes more of a chore than anything else.
The game play system is actually quite nice. Adding a few extra things not seen in many action/adventure titles. This adds some flavor to the game play such as the “swift” button. That is what I deemed it because when you press it you can jump in slow motion ala Max Payne while the enemy still moves in real time. Also your character floats when he jumps, thus allowing much more air time for combos. You can land yourself whenever by pressing the jump button again.
From the get go you will find yourself actually intrigued by the game itself, liking some aspects of it and absolutely hating others. All in all not a bad title for the “army men dudes” albeit a sloppy action game compared to others out there. The music is stale and rehashed asian fare and really does nothing for the game. The voices and sound effects are also sub par, nothing special all around in this title it seems.
Overall I recommend renting this title, although for 29.99 it isn’t a bad purchase. It just falls short in too many areas to deem it a purchase. So if you are a fan of eastern style action with a slowdown twist then run out and grab this game now! Otherwise leave it up to us professionals to play these kinda games, as most casual gamers would just cry when they see this mess. Over and out ZT!
