MDK2
REVIEW

The main difference with MDK2 from it's prequel is that instead of just controlling one character (Kurt), you now have 3. Each is used separately, taking it in turns to play through their own set of levels. You start with Kurt, then onto Max (a six legged robo-dog!) and finally Doctor Hawkins before moving back to Kurt once more. Kurt plays much like he did in the first game, with large open areas to pick off many targets at once, then more precise moments which require the use of your powerful Sniper Helmet. This feature works superbly, and as there is never any pop-up or fogging in the entire game, making zooming in on enemies an ease. You can even zoom onto an enemy's eye to take him out, it's that powerful! Max the dog offers a more all out shooting fest. As he has six legs, he runs on 2 legs while the other four are used for holding a variety of guns which can be found littering the levels. He also has the use of a jetpack which allows him to take out airborne enemies too. The last character, Doctor Hawkins, is a more slower paced character than the other two. His levels require that you find items and combine them to create devices to proceed. Also, his levels contain more platform hopping skills than shooting.

The graphics, although a little PC looking, are brilliant. Large alien landscapes are brought to life with superb quality textures and lighting effects. They are very diverse too. One moment you could be shooting enemies in an office, and then you'd jump outside to fight on the hull of a large spaceship. It never becomes predictable!

Sound effects and music fit the game perfectly. There are plenty of explosion and gun effects, along with appropriate spots of music. The speech, although mostly between levels in rendered cut-scenes, is spot on too. It is all very tongue-in-cheek, with the Doctor's eccentric English voice being great!

Some say the control is a pain, while others say it's perfect. Thankfully, I'm with the latter group. The whole game is played from a third person viewpoint, much like the Tomb Raider games. It basically controls like the Turok games on the Nintendo 64, and to be perfectly honest, I couldn't see another method working in such a frantic game as this. The analogue stick is used for turning and looking around, while the four X, Y, A, B buttons are used for movement. The triggers are then used for shooting and jumping, while the digital pad is used for inventory functions. There are no options to change this configuration, so if you find it a problem, you're stuck I'm afraid!

The game isn't without it's faults. It is very hard. Hang on, it's VERY, VERY hard! Remember some old classics like Contra or Ghouls and Ghosts? This is harder! That's not to say it's impossible though, as taking your time and planning your route through areas can mean the difference between survival or death. Also, restart and save points seem to be placed at irregular intervals. This first comes to light on level 4 where Kurt must shoot at some moving platforms to make them stop so he can use as steps to higher ground. You must do this 4 times with the same set of 3 platforms, stopping and starting them where you think they should be. This would be okay, but for the fact that they are not solid platforms, but small fans which you must float above. Miss one of these, and you'll fall to the bottom, where you have to start all over again. Add to this, the fact that you are being shot at most of the time by enemies you can't destroy until you're almost free, then annoyance soon sets in. Incredibly, after this bit is finished, you have to go through another 4 very hard shooting sections before you can find a restart point! So, if you get shot further on, then you have to do the floating platform section all over again! I nearly switched off my Dreamcast and refused to play the game again, but eventually (after about 40 minutes), I did it! I am glad I did, because restart points become regular again, and the game continues to impress. It is the lack of restart points which could put off a lot of gamers, because the difficulty means you're going to play some sections quite a few times. Another niggle is that the Doctor Hawkins levels require you to do some pixel perfect jumps, yet the character is so frail and useless, that it makes it very hard to progress. If you take his levels at a much slower pace than the other character's, then you will succeed.

Overall, a great game. Be warned though, it is VERY hard, and will have you almost smashing your controller in frustration! Stick at it, and you'll find one of the most playable, controllable, funny and diverse games about.

Screenshots (click to enlarge)

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