Volley Fire |
Game Boy |
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Review by Christopher Coleman |
Toei |
Shooter |
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Graphics: 5 |
Sound: 5 |
Gameplay: 6 |
Overall: 6 |
Volley Fire is a simple concept with a modernized execution. Ever play Outlaw on the Atari 2600? Two enemies on opposite sides of the screen trying to shoot each other, sometimes with obstacles in the middle to add interest to proceedings. Volley Fire is essentially a supercharged sci-fi version of Outlaw, with multiple stages, power ups and boss fights.
After a number of various one on one levels with differing conditions, there'll be a boss stage (for example, the first 'boss' screen is three ships moving left and right that you have to wear down while dodging their own shots and shooting around obstacles in the way) and then selecting a new planet (I.e. set of levels). While it might initially seem a bit simplistic, the game does add an increasing amount of wrinkles to the concept to keep things exciting - one stage has the obstacles in the center of the screen movable by shots, so that it's possible to trap or be trapped in part of the screen. Also, occasional power-ups such as shield increases, stopping time and increased fire rates can be helpful in a pinch. The graphics aren't particularly stellar, but the overall presentation is nice, and it's easy to keep track of what's going on around you in the game. Sound? Yeah, it has some. Notice how underwhelmed I am?
Overall, you could easily find worse games than this in the Game Boy library. You'll undoubtedly find Volley Fire to be a fun game, at least in small doses. Don't expect much from it long term and you'll be fine. |