WarpSpeed

[Melf]

Though Accolade’s attempt a a space sim falls short, there’s enough done right to still make it worth some time. Slow and repetitive gameplay are likely to turn off gamers expecting a Genesis equivalent of TIE Fighter. However, those willing to stick to it for a while might find a title that’s playable and enjoyable, despite some major shortcomings. Read our full review for more information.

[goldenband]

Very fair review! The game's shortcomings are very off-putting at first, and there's no doubt it's deeply flawed. And yet my playthroughs -- one on Novice, one on Expert -- were honestly enjoyable, in a narcotic sort of way. It feels like playing a mid- to late-1980s computer game, which is basically what it is. It's a good game to unwind with, and the hilariously incongruous music only heightens the effect.

It's interesting that the review compares it to Wing Commander et al. and suggests that people who remember those games fondly might find appeal in WarpSpeed. By contrast, I've wondered if the fact that I hadn't really played those games -- or anything much in the genre since Destination Earthstar -- makes me more tolerant of its faults.

[shinobimusashi]

Great review. I agree with the conclusion, and Goldenband. It is pretty cool to just zone out, and wander around through this game's open environment. This is another one of those games that I would like to try with a flightstick.

[Bones Justice]

Nice review! I've never heard of this game before. You do a great job of describing the game's interesting points as well as the reasons to avoid it. I really like Wing Commander on SegaCD so I will probably seek this game out at my own risk. Thanks for sharing!

[SEGA.GENESIS1989]

Great review. I agree with the conclusion, and Goldenband. It is pretty cool to just zone out, and wander around through this game's open environment. This is another one of those games that I would like to try with a flightstick.

Shinobimusashi, you make a good point! I don't think I've given this genre its' just desserts. I imagine that playing this game with a flightstick or joystick is quite a different experience then if you are using a game pad. Using a gamepad feels a little bit awkward which, in my opinion, detracts from the game. Back in grade school I had a nerdy friend who was really into computer gaming. One day, he inserted a diskette into his old IBM computer and showed me how to use the new QuickShot joystick he picked up the previous weekend. Even if it was on a 13 inch monochrome computer, piloting the ship across the crudely designed pseudo galaxy with the joystick was an eye opening experience!

[goldenband]

BTW, having a pen and paper handy is a must for this game, so that you can jot down where you've been and what you've done. Otherwise your head will start to swim, especially when you get into the missions where your long-range sensors are knocked out, or the one where you have to navigate a maze of black holes.

I like the fact that the review praises the game's controls. They really do work very well, even with the unorthodox use of the Start button!