Off-World Interceptor
Off-World Interceptor | |
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multiplayer |
Off-World Interceptor is a third-person vehicular car combat game, released for the 3DO. An alternate version of the game was later released for the Sega Saturn and PlayStation consoles, named Off-World Interceptor Extreme. The two versions of the game have identical core gameplay elements, though the Extreme version is tweaked to feel more like the arcade mode in the original Off-World Interceptor.
The game was developed under the title "Orion Off-Road".[3]
Gameplay
Off-World Interceptor is a rail-based
There are a total of six cars in Off-World Interceptor, each with its own unique attributes and abilities. Each one has five attributes, all of which can be upgraded. The most common enemies in the game are the "Cash Cops", mercenary-like enemies similar to the player character, and stronger variations of each general enemy are encountered within each passing level. To eliminate enemies, each car is equipped with its own unique weapon, which can be powered up for a different effect, as well as a limited number of guided missiles, plasma mines, and airstrikes (which do severe damage to every enemy on screen). The player also carries a limited number of nitros, which when used give the car a burst of high speed for several seconds; this allows the player to both race past difficult parts and complete the level faster. Each level includes objects native to the environment, such as trees and boulders. While posing as a driving hazard to the player, they do not do any actual damage.[citation needed]
The game is divided into six levels, each with multiple stages. The objective in each stage is to get from the beginning of the level to the finish line. Each stage is populated by various objects and enemies that are relative to the environment. The player is given the opportunity to pick up items within the level, such as
In arcade mode, the player is given the ability to play on any level he or she desires, except for the final level. All vehicles in arcade mode are equal in price and attributes, giving the player the ability to purchase the car he desires rather than needs (unlike in story mode). Battle mode is a two player
Reception
Publication | Score |
---|---|
AllGame | (3DO)[9] |
Edge | 7/10 (3DO)[4] |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 7.4/10 (3DO)[5] |
Next Generation | (3DO, SAT)[6][7] |
Sega Saturn Magazine | 65% (SAT)[8] |
3DO Magazine | (3DO)[10] |
Power Unlimited | 91% (PS)[11] |
Off-World Interceptor received mostly mixed reviews. Reviewing the 3DO version, Sarah Nade of GamePro criticized the music and "slightly hokey" sound effects, but praised the graphics and cutscenes, and concluded "Once any early frustration wears off, OWI's great graphics and game play will drive you wild."[12] Electronic Gaming Monthly's Mike Weigand commented, "The unusual perspective takes some time getting used to, but the graphics and sound effects really show off the 3DO capabilities."[5] A reviewer for Next Generation said of the gameplay that "It's a little more fast and furious than usual, and addictive in a mindless way, but nothing you haven't seen before." However, he felt that the Mystery Science Theater 3000-style commentators were effectively funny and added freshness and originality to the game.[6]
Reviewing the Saturn version, Rob Bright of Sega Saturn Magazine commented that the game's premise is interesting but the actual gameplay is poor, especially the "unrealistic" movements of the player's vehicle.[8] A reviewer for Next Generation argued that the inclusion of futuristic action makes the already exciting genre of off-road racing more interesting, and that the bizarre physics of the game come to feel perfectly natural. He nonetheless concluded that "OWI is a solid action game, if not much beyond that."[7] GamePro's The Axe Grinder criticized the split-screen of Battle mode as too confining and the graphics as suffering from slowdown and overcrowded battlefields, but praised the combination of racing and shooting, the accurate controls, and the commentators in the cutscenes. He concluded, "While far from perfect, Off-World Interceptor Extreme provides good thrills and a nice combination of racing and shooting."[13]
Scary Larry of GamePro gave the PlayStation version a positive review. While he criticized the world designs as lacking imagination, he was pleased with the fast pace and absence of slowdown, and felt the high-speed shooting action would appeal to most gamers.[14] Power Unlimited reviewed the PlayStation and gave a score of 91%, they praised the gameplay writing: "Super intense, a pleasure to play."[15]
References
- ^ "Off-World Interceptor". GameSpot. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ Release Information for Off-World Interceptor Extreme
- ^ "Orion Off-Road". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 57. Sendai Publishing. April 1994. p. 114.
- ^ "Off-World Interceptor". Edge. No. 16. January 1995. pp. 84โ85. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ a b "Review Crew: Off-World Interceptor". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 67. Sendai Publishing. February 1995. p. 36.
- ^ Imagine Media. March 1995. p. 88.
- ^ Imagine Media. December 1995. p. 178.
- ^ Emap International Limited. pp. 90โ91.
- ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. "Off-World Interceptor (3DO) Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ "Off-World Interceptor Review". 3DO Magazine (1). Paragon Publishing: 42. December 1994. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Power Unlimited Game Database". powerweb.nl (in Dutch). 1993. Archived from the original on September 20, 2003. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "ProReview: Off-World Interceptor". GamePro. No. 77. IDG. February 1995. p. 96.
- ^ "ProReview: Off-World Interceptor Extreme". GamePro. No. 88. IDG. January 1996. p. 88.
- ^ "ProReview: Off-World Interceptor Extreme". GamePro. No. 88. IDG. January 1996. p. 80.
- ^ "Power Unlimited Game Database". powerweb.nl (in Dutch). 1993. Archived from the original on September 20, 2003. Retrieved February 2, 2024.