| Xybots is a strange game...it's a puzzle, inside an enigma, tied
in a paradox, wrapped in a burrito. It has all the tools to become
a great game. Solid graphics, good sounds, even unique gameplay...yet
it falls short. It's boring, and uneventful. And I can't put my
finger on *why*. Maybe during the course of this review I'll
figure it out. So let's get started...Xybots is best described as
a "first-person shooter, as seen from
over-the-shoulder". You're a space commando, hunting down
evil robots in a vast, maze-like space station. You're only guide
is a map you can call up during gameplay. Other than that, it's up
to you to make it through each level in the given amount of time.
To make things worse, each level has multiple exits. Some will
lead you to safety, and some lead you into some hellish
situations. Don't forget why you're there in the first place,
those killer robots are on you tail the entire time. Between
levels you can turn in your points for various power-ups, like
extra speed, complete maps, and more powerful laser rifles. Sounds
good don't it? Sounds even better on a portable, yes? I completely
agree. But for some reason this puppy is dull, dull, DULL.
GRAPHICS: Xybots is full of eye candy. Your commando moves
smoothly and uses some *classic* expressions when he's shoot,
scared, etc. The enemy robots are just diverse enough to keep your
attention. And items are clearly marked throughout the game. The
space station itself is another story. The interior walls are
completely bare. Which makes your enviroment look kinda
unfinished. ***3/4
SOUNDS: Finally...background music in a Lynx game. That's a
rare thing kiddies. Of course the same tune is played in every
level, but it's something. The sound effects in Xybots are very
nice. The ZAPS of laser fire, and the BOOMS of exploding robots
are really sweet. ***1/4
CONTROL: Technically, you can call Xybots a 3-D game. The space
station is broken down into corridors, with each corridor
segmented into squares. And you've got free movement in those
squares. The main flaw in the controls is turning. In order to
make your commando face his left or right, you've got to hold to a
button *and* press left or right. This makes turning a slow,
clumsy process. And quite frustrating when you've got a massive
robot blitzing you. **3/4
OPTIONS: During the actual game, Xybots has no real options.
Your only weapon is a laser rifle. But...between levels you've got
many options. Depending on how many points you've earned, you can
purchase upgrades to your rifle extra speed, and extra health.
Unfortunately, extra health becomes your ONLY option in the later
levels. It's pointless to try without it. ***
REPLAY: This is an action game...so beating the game is your
only objective. There's no secrets to be found, and no subtle
nuances. Just blast away. That being said, I doubt you want to
play this game more than five minutes, let alone beat it. *
You know, it *just* hit me...I know why Xybots is a dud. While
it's true, everything Xybots does, it does well. But everything it
does, has been done before. There's nothing new. There's no flash,
no pizzaz. Xybots is a game that was done by the books. But the
programmers were content to stop there. There's no
larger-than-life weaponry. No monsterous bosses. Just the same
stuff we've seen before, only over and over. The entire time your
saying to yourself "Alright, it's going to get
better..." but it never does. That's what Xybots is
lacking...a punchline.
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