Posted March 01, 2010
It's hard to define what this game is really all about. Sure it can be summarized as "cars with guns", but really, when you get into it, it's more than that.
I've heard a lot about Interstate 76 back in 1998 - I really wanted to buy it back then, because it promised so many cool features, like an open world to drive around on, and it's cars with guns! I didn't get the chance to, so I'm thankful to GOG for releasing it here.
So what's this game all about then? Why am I so excited about it? Well for starters, if Freespace can be described as a soap opera in space, then Interstate 76 might as well be a funk music concert on a highway. While the storyline isn't spectacular, the meat of the game is nothing short of an adrenaline boost. Mission objectives in the singleplayer range from basic "kill everyone you see" objectives to deathracing to just running the heck for your life. The vehicle physics aren't great, even though it's a 1998 game, but they work well enough to work up a heck load of excitement while in a dogfight. Tactics and skills are needed - this isn't an average "shoot and pray" shooter. You will need to maneuvre, circle around your opponent, score a headshot etc. There are many tricks that can be thrown into the fray that will give you an advantage over your adversary - just need to know when and how to use them. The implication here is that the game is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Kills don't come easily, but when they do, they always bring a smile.
The graphics and sounds are weak though. The sounds are of rather poor quality, even though some may feel that the bassy explosions and gunshots will suffice. Still, I feel a better job could have been done on them, considering the late 90s had a whole host of games that had great sound effects. The voiceovers range from really good to laughably bad though. On the other hand, the music is great. It's groovy and funky, and is an indication that the game does not take itself too seriously, despite the engaging combat system. The sounds are quite a mixed bag.
As for graphics, the game runs on the Mechwarrior 2 engine. The terrain tends to be a bit glitchy at times, and everything just looks very blockish. Graphics are definitely not a strong point for this game, but nevertheless IMO they can be ignored once gotten used to. In fact, part of the charm is in seeing Groove, Skeeter and Taurus in all their polygonized glory. That's no excuse for poor and glitchy terrain graphics though, but still, the polygonized style of the characters really grows on you.
In the end, though, I76 definitely deserves a 5-star rating. There are many games featuring cars with guns, and drive-by shootings. Yet, I don't think I've been able to find one with the awesome feel of I76 yet. The handling of the cars, the tension of being chased, the ridiculously hilarious physics...they all make I76 what it really is. And that's why it's hard not to love it.
I've heard a lot about Interstate 76 back in 1998 - I really wanted to buy it back then, because it promised so many cool features, like an open world to drive around on, and it's cars with guns! I didn't get the chance to, so I'm thankful to GOG for releasing it here.
So what's this game all about then? Why am I so excited about it? Well for starters, if Freespace can be described as a soap opera in space, then Interstate 76 might as well be a funk music concert on a highway. While the storyline isn't spectacular, the meat of the game is nothing short of an adrenaline boost. Mission objectives in the singleplayer range from basic "kill everyone you see" objectives to deathracing to just running the heck for your life. The vehicle physics aren't great, even though it's a 1998 game, but they work well enough to work up a heck load of excitement while in a dogfight. Tactics and skills are needed - this isn't an average "shoot and pray" shooter. You will need to maneuvre, circle around your opponent, score a headshot etc. There are many tricks that can be thrown into the fray that will give you an advantage over your adversary - just need to know when and how to use them. The implication here is that the game is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Kills don't come easily, but when they do, they always bring a smile.
The graphics and sounds are weak though. The sounds are of rather poor quality, even though some may feel that the bassy explosions and gunshots will suffice. Still, I feel a better job could have been done on them, considering the late 90s had a whole host of games that had great sound effects. The voiceovers range from really good to laughably bad though. On the other hand, the music is great. It's groovy and funky, and is an indication that the game does not take itself too seriously, despite the engaging combat system. The sounds are quite a mixed bag.
As for graphics, the game runs on the Mechwarrior 2 engine. The terrain tends to be a bit glitchy at times, and everything just looks very blockish. Graphics are definitely not a strong point for this game, but nevertheless IMO they can be ignored once gotten used to. In fact, part of the charm is in seeing Groove, Skeeter and Taurus in all their polygonized glory. That's no excuse for poor and glitchy terrain graphics though, but still, the polygonized style of the characters really grows on you.
In the end, though, I76 definitely deserves a 5-star rating. There are many games featuring cars with guns, and drive-by shootings. Yet, I don't think I've been able to find one with the awesome feel of I76 yet. The handling of the cars, the tension of being chased, the ridiculously hilarious physics...they all make I76 what it really is. And that's why it's hard not to love it.