Shipwreckers - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Shipwreckers

continued
Argh, Matey
Another piece of hardware you'll need is a 3D card--yes, it's a requirement. So if you don't own one, either get with it or forget about it. Because the game is drawn in a cartoonish style, don't expect stunning realism. What you should expect are great graphic effects, lots of enemies, high resolutions (up to 1,152 by 864), three changeable views, and wonderful performance. The sound is also exceptional. The Caribbean-esque music suits the cartoonish graphics perfectly. With cutesy music and graphics, Psygnosis has created such a festive environment Shipwreckers that it's hard not to have fun playing. I only wish the skull and crossbones logo, which is a dead ringer for Tom Petty, would sing "You Wreck Me" at some point.
As fun as Shipwreckers is as a one-player game, it's even more fun if you invite some friends over. Up to five people can fight it out on one PC, which is another good use for a SideWinder, but it also belies the game's console origins. Since all five players must play on the same computer, all five ships must be visible on the screen at all times. To accommodate this, the camera dynamically zooms in and out to keep all ships visible. The system works well in a two-player game, but it definitely has its limitations with five players because the ships are too small when zoomed out. This game could be even better on the PC if each player could use a different computer over a network or the Internet. Then each player could choose their own perspective. Other nice bonuses for the PC version would have been mouse support for menus and losing the password system, which is pointless (and confusing) since games can also be saved.
Although it might not break any new ground in console circles, players with a high-powered PC looking for console-style action can't do any better than Shipwreckers. The combination of graphics and gameplay is perfect and just plain fun. Psygnosis has come a long way since 1985, and for those interested, yes, I still have Brataccas. Yes, I still have an Atari. Yes, I was upset to learn that the Amiga had even better graphics. And yes, I have since bought an Amiga and another C-64 (my only regret from that hot summer day in 1985).
Tips
-Secret caves are often hidden behind rocks. Look for cave-shaped outlines in a wall and blast them to find the secrets.
-Use waterfalls to put out fires on your ship.
-The map is useful for showing unreachable areas. Once you see them, look for the secret passage that gets you there.
-Bump into every waterfall you see. Many of them take you to a secret room.
-Try to shoot enemy ships as they first come toward you. That way they can't turn their broadsides toward you and return fire. The behind-the-boat view is good for spotting and killing ships coming toward you.

If you like this type of game, you might want to check out Lose Your Marbles.

Hugh Falk believes that all video games are really tests in which the best players will one day be swept up by aliens to fight for the freedom of the universe. He has dedicated his life to critiquing and hopefully improving games for the sake of Earth and the universe. Agree or disagree with the review? Let us know.

Facts

Shipwreckers
Psygnosis
Price: $40.00
Pentium-133, 16MB RAM, 40MB disk space, 3D graphics accelerator card, 2X CD-ROM drive, Windows 95; Sound Blaster or compatible sound card

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Shipwreckers

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