New Life for an Old Game Genre
These days, it seems that much of a game's appeal hinges on its groundbreaking gimmicks. As a result, game developers are exhibiting a strange sort of tunnel vision: each new release battles to include the newest and coolest technology, often at the expense of real entertainment. Although Bungie--and game developer Crack dot Com--may not be riding technology's cutting edge with Abuse, they show that there is plenty of excitement left in an old genre.
Abuse's story line is simple: you're trapped in a maximum-security prison where all the inmates have been subjected to an experimental drug named Abuse. You must face down the mutants to save the outside world from infection. Luckily, the game is much more exciting than its premise.
Plot aside, Abuse's game play is fun and addictive. You use a variety of weapons to blast your way through the infected hordes to save humanity. My personal favorites are the death sabre and napalm, both of which fill the air with mutant howls.
Abuse's action isn't strictly limited to carnage and killing--many levels require ingenuity to get through difficult spots where firepower alone is not enough. An assortment of switches, teleporters, and hidden rooms keep you on the lookout, even as the mutants swarm in.
Crack dot Com's attention to detail adds to Abuse's fun. Sounds are a disconcerting collection of howls, screams, clanks, and blasts; graphics create an oppressive feeling, layering dingy corridors and polluted skyscapes, giving Abuse an eerie sense of claustrophobia and chaos.
Abuse adds some features missing from the old style of two-dimensional side-scroller games. The most stunning departure from the formula is the ability to aim Abuse's weapon using the mouse. This innovation allows you to run, jump, and hose the room with multidirectional missile blasts, all at the same time.
Also notable is Abuse's network play, which allows up to eight players to toast one another. Unfortunately, all players' Macs must be physically connected--modem and Internet links aren't offered. If you're looking for an additional challenge, Abuse includes a level editor that lets you create your own tortures, although using the quirky editor may prove torturous in its own right until you get the hang of it.
The Last Word
Although Abuse is a simple 2-D side-scroller--much like the games many of us grew up on--Crack dot Com has successfully incorporated many innovative elements into a classic genre. Abuse may seem antiquated to the younger gamer or the jaded old-timer, but it's got the talent to carry off a revival without seeming passe.--DANIEL MADAR
RATING: Three Stars/6.9
PROS: Ability to aim weapon independently; tough spots require some thought; improves on a venerable game genre.
CONS: Unwieldy level editor; limited networking options.
COMPANY: Bungie Software (312/563-6200, http://www.bungie.com).
COMPANY'S ESTIMATED PRICE: $39.99.
June 1997
page: 94
Copyright © 1997 Macworld Communications, Inc.
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