Crush tanks, smash up buildings and eat civilians! (Rampage)

Member Name: Burning_Darkness

Product:	Rampage
Date:	17/08/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Brilliant concept, satisfyingly destructive gameplay, appealing visuals

Disadvantages: Gets repetitive, ropey sound effects

Rampage is an incredibly simple yet rather original game in which you play as one of three huge monsters, King Kong, Godzilla or Wolfman, the gameplay requiring you to climb skyscrapers and kick and punch them until they come crashing to the ground, whilst at the same time fending off attacking helicopters, planes and tanks as well as troops who throw grenades and fire guns at you from the buildings' windows. These can be grabbed hold of and eaten or just punched to the ground, and buildings take on visible damage every time you hit them, the colourful 2d graphics and basic but endearing animation making for a visually appealing and satisfyingly destructive gaming experience.

The sound effects are a very basic mix of midi crashes and rumblings, but the game has enough cartoonish charm and on-screen action going on to keep you entertained, with civilian cars and trams and pedestrians featuring as well as the military, just waiting to be smashed or eaten. There are plenty of levels, all of which are supposed to represent numerous US cities, though there is not much variation between them and the gameplay does start to feel very samey after only a short period of play.

The game was initially released as an arcade machine, only being ported over after it became a big success, and though its gameplay is original and fun its really only good for the odd brief, occasional play. Still, Rampage remains a fantastic concept, and a surprisingly endearing game.

Summary: A fantastic concept but the gameplay does get rather repetitive