Scary aliens threatening peaceful earth - the theme of hundreds of movies, and dozens of videogames. Total Eclipse for 3DO rolls all the above into one of the best alien-shoot-'em-ups ever.
Total Eclipse takes full advantage of 3DO's graphic and animation capabilities, as well as its seven-button controller. The rendering is extremely detailed and very convincing. Only the game's tunnel sequences tax the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer - here, the animation slows noticeably at times.
The real fun of Total Eclipse, however, is the ability of the FireWing you control to roll out of its normally horizontal alignment. You can fly sideways, upside-down - even do barrel rolls. The graphics rotate with fluidity for an absolutely outstanding effect. Disorienting at first, this new dimension in alien-shoot-'em-up maneuverability provides the key to staying alive in Total Eclipse's various missions.
Total Eclipse: US$59.99. Crystal Dynamics Inc.: +1 (415) 473 3400.
STREET CRED
Sega's Tokyo JoypolisCD Rights
Total Eclipse
