Game Review Data
 


Game Title

Gremlins Unleashed
Publisher
Wanadoo/LSP
Features
1 Player. Password Save.
Format
Platform/Puzzle
Reviewer
Andrew Blanchard


RATING

Excellent!


Ratings Scale:

Excellent!

Good!

Playable!

Ho-Hum!

Yuck!


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Introduction

Gremlins first appeared in movie theatres over 10 years ago and although widely regarded as a cult classic, it's still odd that LSP should choose to release a game based on this rather out-dated creature. In addition to this, LSP also plan to release a GBA version of the Gremlins, which as nearly everyone knows, are cute, cuddly creatures that should neither come into contact with water nor fed after midnight.

Screen Shots

GamePlay

Gremlins Unleashed is a platformer in its truest form but with one difference - you can choose to play either as good or bad. If you decide to take the role of Gizmo, the good Mogwai, you will have to eliminate all of the Gremlins along the way and capture the rarest ones to save them for your collection. But if you decide to play Stripe, the bad Gremlin, then you will have to get around every trap set in your way by Gizmo and his cuddly little friends. You will also have to find the five bottles of water that will let you generate more Gremlins. Several gadgets will be on hand to help your character including a camera, a bow-and-arrow with suction cups and a tennis ball machine.

As if this wasn't enough, the developers have decided to throw in some mini games too. Initially, you'll play these as part of the main game but once you have the final password, they become available from the menu and also for link-up play with another GBC. Although very simple in design, they're great fun with the first being a trilogy of slide puzzles against a timer. Next up is a tug of war battle and a side-on racing game. The last two are controlled by repeatedly bashing the 'A' and 'B' buttons very quickly in order to build up power and can really do your fingers some damage after a few defeats.

Finally, there's also a card collecting game. These are awarded when you successfully complete a level or another one of the many tasks. This is a nice touch and anyone who remembers the movies will recognize some of the stranger Gremlins with their equally bizarre personalities when you eventually complete your collection. As with the mini-games, simply jotting down your password will allow you to view your full range of captives via the menu.

Control

The control system is not only intuitive regardless of who you decide to play as, but it's also got some of the best sprite detection I've ever encountered on a GBC title. As a result, the game is far less frustrating and those hard to reach areas suddenly become less of a chore.

Graphics

Although many of us expect a higher level of graphics now that the GBA is around, you can't help but be impressed by the visuals here. The developers appear to have used the GBC and its limited palette to great effect and everything looks wonderful. The animation is also fantastic and whether you choose Gizmo or Stripe you're treated to a very fluid and dexterous character. Overall, another GBC gem that gives current titles a run for their money and shows us all just what the older Nintendo handheld was capable of.

Sound & Music

Athough not as annoying as in some games, the GBC and its weak sound chip really can't compete with even the worst GBA tune. There are some spot sound effects and there's a good chance that if this was all we still had I wouldn't be as critical but it's not. There are, however, options to turn off the sound or the music so it's not a complete loss. See what you think anyway...

Final Comments

At such a late stage in the GBC's life here we have a true platformer classic. Great graphics and animation, hours of gameplay and extra mini-games add to the fact that this really is two games in one and the option of choosing either Spike or Gizmo is not just a novelty. There really is no question - if you see this on your local shop shelf, snap it up now.

@ EAGB Advance 2002. All rights reserved.