A Timeless classic, that makes a comeback. Nothing has changed since the Master System days. But is this a good thing?
So what does this game offer to contemporary gamers? I would have to say not much. If you are used to the latest First Person Shooters out there this probably isn't going to do much for you, especially the single player. The single player is pretty limited, with only a handful of levels to beat on 2 difficulty settings. You take command of the land and try to fend of invaders. This gets pretty repetitive, and after a few games of it you wont have much trouble beating the AI, but the PS3 adds a challenge to the single player game. The online scoreboard, just like in the arcades you can attempt to become the top of the board, it is not easy. But if that doesn't add much thrill to the game there is one last hope. Multiplayer, where this game really shines. While the AI becomes easy to beat with experience, Human opponents have different strategies which lifts the furiousness of this arcade classic. While a 2player match can be an unbalanced affair between two different skill leveled humans, it can be a nail biting finish between 2 evenly matched opponents. 3 player battles are the pinnacle of Rampart. There are chances for diplomacy, deceit and total annihilation. While 2 player can be unbalanced, a 3 player match can lead to the weakest player winning, all depends on how the game unfolds. 3 player mode leaves alot of decisions to be made, who will you attack? Attack the strongest player and allow the weakest to rise up? Gang up on one player and let the other player get stronger? This can be an ultimate battle of the minds.
PS3 adds a great feature to multiplayer, online play. This makes finding others to play much easier. When you don't have anyone to play, just play online and you'll have a load of fun. While it isn't as good as having 2 mates next to you laughing and having fun, it sure beats single player.
The only down side to this great game, is the controls. At first you will fumble around trying to get used to awkward use of the controller. While only a small grief, it can really cost this game, especially to new players. It can be a frustration that will lead to them not discovering the full potential of this great game. If you find yourself not pleased with the controls at first, persist and you'll see that the frustration is worth the Effort.
While it would of been great to see new options, unlockable content, 4 player mode, and the ability to invade your neighbours like the AI does in single player. It is still the great game it was over 13 years ago.