Too Much Like Tempest To Be Called A "New" Game.
User Rating: 5.5 | Space Giraffe X360
Having read a news item where Jeff Minter was swearing off programming, I immediately bought his latest title. I've been a huge fan of Tempest 2000 and wanted to play his latest creation. Despite his statements to the contrary, Space Giraffe IS Tempest...only an evolved one. I must say, so far I still prefer Tempest 2000. Don't get me wrong, Giraffe is playable. It just seems a bit too jumbled. On an aside, I'm disappointed that Mr. Minter has rested on his laurels - despite his protestations to the contrary. When Tempest 2000 and Defender 2000 arrived, it heralded a better era in gaming. These titles blended music and art into wonderful combinations. Space Giraffe gives me the impression that the programmer has gotten lazy, yes, lazy. I expect an artist of Mr. Minter's caliber to take a completely fresh look, while benefiting from his previous success. Here, we merely have a rehash.
I challenge Mr. Minter to rise to the occasion with a new ground-breaking video game. If not, maybe he should forego programming (as he threatened)...leaving younger, fresher talent to take care of business.
