Pandemonium was released all the way back in 1996 - making the game almost 10 years old as I write this. However the gameplay feels older - and the game itself isn't all that enticing. It's somewhat funny and ridiculous storyline is mainly the reason to hold up a game that will draw you in with it's interesting graphics - then push you away with it's decidedly old school gameplay. In an age where 2D games were becoming 3D - there was a mixture of the both made - where games would stay on 2D plains while a 3D background would roam behind them. Pandemonium was just such one of these games - but unfortuantely comes across as something that was published quickly and thrust out so as to not miss the holiday season - it feels that rushed. Not to say that the game is all bad - but there were other releases that called for the public's attention at the time - and were better. Nikki and Fargus are your choice of 2 characters to play as - and while each plays the game slightly differently - are given no extra levels of their own - and exhibit no personality. All you can tell is that Nikki can jump higher (which you'll be doing a lot of), and Fargus has a tumble move to knock over enemies. The game feels like its tried to be to many things at once - like a mix of Sonic and Mario - except jazzed up and trying to appeal to a different audience. Morphing abilities are somewhat cool - gaining you additional powers, as well as power-ups found scattered around the levels. It's all been seen and done before, but at least it is there and competent. Sound is good - typical carnival fare really, to give the game a comical feel. Sound effects are minimal - and feel again like something that was given not enough attention to. The game feels like it wants to be a showcase for the Playstation - however fails to do so by not stripping off the things that are holding it back. It is decidedly japanese - from the level design to the story to even the boxart, so while it may not have a huge appeal, it is competent at what it does. Despite all this though - this is a game that has been recycled a few too many times. While fun and slightly engaging, it wont hold your attention. It's worth getting if you are a fan of the genre - but even then, approach with caution. The game is a little to easy and should be finished within the course of a weekend. You will enjoy this - but there are far better alternatives available - at the time, and now. In a word - disappointing.
this game is underrated. I was just playing it the other day, year 2006 and i enjoyed it. Its a side scroller, but 3d so its pretty crazy. THe gameplay is fun, and the only problem I ever had was double jumping, but I su... Read Full Review
i think that bubsy is pandemoium's arch-rival & no way this games can be compared to sonic the hedgehog... pandemonium is a 2d platformer with 3d graphics for the ps1.is was released in 1996,3 years after bubsy.you get ... Read Full Review
