The main problem I have with Descent is that it makes me want to vomit. I mean, it's a landmark, world-class game, and the sci-fi shooter genre is near and dear to my heart. But put me in those underground corridors in a craft that doesn't autolevel for more than a few minutes and the queasiness begins to mount. "Which way is up?" "Increase the frame rate!" "Where's that goddamn door?" Rrrretch. Regrettably, I never made it to Descent II.
Thankfully, Forsaken doesn't have the same effect on me. I lust for the thrill of lighting up darkened tunnels with psychedelic blasts from my badass weapons. I long to be stalked by unbalanced misfits from across the country in an Internet multiplayer deathmatch. Forsaken has freed me from the shackles of Descent envy!
There is no noble cause to uphold in Forsaken. The Theocracy of the Multiverse has slapped a condemned sign on Earth's door after a surprise fusion reaction put out her lights. Now Earth is open for looting, and a pageant of galactic freaks is on the way to smash and grab what's left. Players choose from among 15 characters, including such charmers as Ex-Cop and Mephistofun. Fifteen single-player and 10 multiplayer levels, including the Ancient Temple, the Biosphere, and the Military Research Base, provide the setting for the best frag-o-rama so far this year. Forsaken is the perfect change of pace when the Quake II experience wears thin.
The PC version is a technical marvel. Maxed-out 3-D acceleration support, stunning real-time lighting, finely detailed polygonal objects, and 60-frame-per-second action equals one mind-blowing experience. The Nintendo 64 version has similarly luscious graphics and speed and a four-player mode that's one of the best in console land. PlayStation owners lose out slightly with a slower frame rate, reduced graphics quality, and a measly two-player split-screen mode. Once you're hopelessly addicted to Forsaken, access the ultimate support group at www.descent.org/forsakened/.
STREET CRED
Browser Beware Electronica through the Ages
"Why Has My PC Forsaken Me?"
