Virtual Report #8: Sin and Punishment
By: Patrick X. Best and Eric Martin |
Monday October 15, 2007 |
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Best-Martin Return For An N64 Classic |
| Now that the new site is up, we figured it was time for yet another Best-Martin Virtual Report. For those of you who have stuck with us since the inception, thank you for not sending us dead kittens as a reminder that we have not contributed to your BMVR needs. For the month of October, we wanted to take a crack at Zombies Ate My Neighbors, but apparently it is not available on the Virtual Console quite yet. So, after Patrick and I realized that we’ve done a large amount of Sega and Turbo-Grafx titles, perhaps it was time for a little spice in the mix. Nintendo is now gone, with 1200 of our well-earned Wii points. But we are the proud owners of Sin and Punishment for the Nintendo 64, one of two current Virtual Console titles that was not previously released inside North American borders. Sin and Punishment Originally released for: N64 (November 2000) Controller Options: Classic Controller / Game Cube Controller 1200 Wii Points ($12.00 USD) OPENING THOUGHTS Patrick: So since we’ve never really heard of this game we really have nothing to say here. Eric: Not understanding that the two player function meant that one player controls the movement and the other controls aiming, we thought we might have another Silent Debuggers on our hands. *shiver* However we decided to give the devil his due, so to speak. GENERAL OVERVIEW The game is essentially a rail shooter. Forward progress through the levels is automatic; the player's job is to aim and fire at enemies, sidestep, roll, jump, or double-jump to avoid attacks and obstacles. The player can switch between manual (red targeting reticle) and lock-on (purple targeting reticle) firing modes at any time. Lock-on mode "sticks" the reticle to enemies, but is less damaging than manually-aimed fire. The player can also attack using a powerful energy sword by tapping the fire button when enemies, or certain types of projectiles, are within close range. Projectiles struck in this manner are bounced back and can potentially inflict great damage on opponents. While the player attacks, a timer at the top of the screen counts down. When the timer hits 0, the player gradually loses more and more life until he or she dies. An interesting fact about the game is that a second player can join and control the targeting sights while the first player shoots and moves. For a nearly full back story to the game, since the story is never explained, please visit everyones favorite site for all the useless knowledge here: Wikipedia Listing GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE Patrick: As previously stated, we began playing this game going “What the hell is going on!” They literally drop you into the game and you just start shooting. But once again we read the trusty Operations Manual and learned about the co-operative mode then all was good. I was shooting and Eric here was steering. Eric: I don’t know how anyone can be expected to tackle this game alone. I tried for two seconds before we realized what the second player’s job was in game. At first, I thought we would be looking at an over-glorified version of Space Harrier, but it seems that the first stage was sort of a built-in tutorial. After getting deeper into the game, the story doesn’t matter so much and what you’re presented with is paramount to some of the arcade shooters that came out during the late nineties. All I can say is, you’re going to want a trusty second player that understands your gaming style. Naturally, Patrick and I make a good match. A few good rounds into it and both of us had a solid grip on our control schemes. The rest, as the say, is cake. Whenever you take the time to ignore what you think is going on, and occasionally blink so that your eyes don’t dry out, you realize that this is a decently executed title. A large part of it not appearing in North America may have something to do with American kids “just not getting it.” I don’t get it. Patrick doesn’t get it. Stephen Hawking doesn’t get it. Hell, Jerry Garcia wouldn’t get it, and he lived in a hallucinogenic state for longer than I’ve been alive. CHANGES With it previously unreleased in the U.S., we are unaware of any changes. JUDGEMENT Patrick: BUY So I’ll put before the jury this statement: In times where you and a friend are looking for a somewhat aggravating, yet entertaining game, then you definitely want to check out this title. But make sure you have a friend who is not going to wreck you into things. Eric: BUY Definitely do not attempt without a trusty 2P handy. With that stated, do not purchase this title if it is not on your current top priority list. Yes, completely enjoyable, but so is Zombies Ate My Neighbors. I’m glad that Nintendo used the powers of the Virtual Console effectively, and here’s hoping that we will see more international titles that never made it here to begin with. |
