Electronic Gaming Monthly's Top 38 Full-Motion Video Games

The Guy Game (PlayStation 2 & Xbox)

#38

“What price, titties? It doesn't take a transvestite-hooker-starved Eddie Murphy to tell you that some sex is entirely too costly. In The Guy Game, players must wade through 40 or so minutes of badly shot, badly edited, and badly commented on spring break footage before one of the “hotties” shows her gazooms without any censoring. It's pretty much the death of your video game – a game featuring naked human females – when the highlight is a series of unimpressive knockoffs of Marble Madness and Skee Ball. Seek real breasts the old-fashioned way. By begging.” (0.8 out of 10)

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (Sega CD)

#37

“Every Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers lover out there will want this one, but why? The full-motion video is actually full-screen, but the resolution is horrible and the picture is over-contrasted. The worst part is the interaction. The action icons appear so quickly that it's nearly impossible to perform any action. The game screens are from the TV series, but it would be better if they made an original show for the game.” (4 out of 10)

Corpse Killer: Graveyard Edition (Saturn)

#36

“This full-motion video is nothing more than a bad home version of Operation Wolf with more cinemas. The game is poor all the way through with little to offer over the earlier Sega CD version, besides slightly clearer audio. The acting is that of a low-budget movie giving you the same message after a battle no matter if you kill one enemy or all of them. I think it's time game designers put down the video camera and put new programming techniques to use.” (4.4 out of 10)

Power Factory Featuring C+C Music Factory (Sega CD)

#35

“I really despise these so-called ‘games.' You watch a bunch of footage while the song plays. Then you hear the song AGAIN and see the video. Since there's little to this title besides music, I have to review the band. I hate C+C. Please, enough with the torture. I still have ‘I missed the bus' ringing in my ears.” (4.75 out of 10)

Who Shot Johnny Rock? (CD-i)

#34

“Unless you have the American Laser Games Game Gun, you probably won't get very far in this move-the-cursor-and-shoot game – the control pad is just too slow. For the 3DO system, Johnny Rock suffers from inexplicably substandard graphics (the images are so blurry you can't tell what's going on at times) and frustrating gameplay. There is plenty of action and the whodunnit aspect of the game is welcome, but the technical aspects hamper the overall product.” (4.8 out of 10)

Supreme Warrior (3DO)

#33

“I'm getting tired of full-motion video-based titles. They all lack the interaction that makes good games. Supreme Warrior is no exception. The video in Supreme Warrior looks good (a rarity), but the actual game isn't much fun. The enemy attacks are hard to block. At times, it seems like you aren't getting anywhere. If you want a fighting game that tries to be different, this is it, but it's only average.” (5 out of 10)

Corpse Killer (Sega 32X)

#32

“Full-motion video games are flooding the market, but none of them are very exciting to me. Corpse Killer has some interesting ideas, but they aren't executed well at all. Okay, sure, this is the first 32X CD game out there, but it's still not better than the Sega CD edition, other than some minor video clean-up. If FMV games are your thing, then have fun. As for me, I'll look elsewhere.” (5.25 out of 10)

Supreme Warrior (Sega 32X)

#31

“Supreme Warrior has all the flavor and looks of those hilarious, low-grade martial arts flicks. The digitization of the full-motion video isn't all that bad, and you'll actually want to see the story progress. However ... the game itself is severely lacking. The motion you do possess seem to have no affect, and it's very hard to tell the distance and when you should strike. If the game had some play to it, one could enjoy this game. However, it doesn't. Rent it and see if you like it.” (5.4 out of 10)

Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire (PlayStation)

#30

“OK, being a big Star Wars fan, I must admit that the Star Wars theme is what saved this game from an even lower score. But at its heart, the game is complete nonsense. You run or fly through full-motion video sequences, or prerendered backgrounds, shooting at objects that are not part of the scenery. Yawn. The other areas involve you maneuvering your craft around various obstacles. Snore. To make matters worse, the control of these crafts is worthless.” (5.5 out of 10)

It Came from the Desert (TurboGrafx-CD)

#29

“While the cinema display segments are graphically cool, they are a little too choppy and do not seem to have anything to do with the action sequences. They are purely for show, and can become boring at times. Slow access times hurt the game horribly. The action is average, but lacks the excitement of a good title.” (5.5 out of 10)

Mad Dog McCree (3DO)

#28

“I didn't really care for Mad Dog McCree. The video was choppy, but even worse was the gameplay. I don't care how bad the graphics are if it plays well, but this didn't handle well at all. The machine was very cheap and the cursor moved too jerky. This isn't what I expected from the 3DO. It can do so much more. I have a feeling this game was rushed.” (5.5 out of 10)

Slam City with Scottie Pippen (Sega 32X)

#27

“I've played a couple of different versions of this game, and it's just too darn hard to score. The concept of the full-motion video with one of the NBA's finest players is a good one. But the game could have been put together so that it is easier to play. I can understand the need for a game not to be easy. I'm going to reject this one at the buzzer. Too hard!” (5.5 out of 10)

Star Wars: Rebel Assault (Sega CD)

#26

“Even though Rebel Assault is loaded with full-motion flight and battle renderings, I just didn't find this game all that exciting. For one thing, the lack of colors really hinders gameplay and at times, you couldn't tell where your ship was going, resulting in a crash. Flight controls also need to be improved because the ship moves awkwardly and sometimes feels unresponsive. It just doesn't do Star Wars justice.” (5.75 out of 10)

Tomcat Alley (Sega CD)

#25

“Aaargh, another full-motion video game! If you've played Night Trap or Double Switch, then you've played Tomcat Alley. Seriously though, this game is pretty cool. This first thing you'll notice is that the video is full-screen, a Sega CD first. However, this makes the video very blocky and often hard to see. There are tons of video clips so it's rare that you'll see the same one over and over. Overall, this game is more of the same.” (5.75 out of 10)

Double Switch (Sega CD)

#24

“More like Night Trap, only you get to work for Corey Haim (ugh, yuck!). Check a series of rooms and catch all the bad guys with the main objective being to free Eddie. This game is a little more involved than Night Trap.” (6 out of 10)

Night Trap (Sega CD)

#23

“Night Trap is the type of title that makes me ask WHY? several times throughout the game. The digitized pictures are decent, but the plot needs some work. After playing for about five minutes, you quickly lose interest in this one! Still, this is the cutting edge of technology, so accept some glitches here and there.” (6 out of 10)

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II (TurboGrafx-CD)

#22

“I really hate these types of games – they bore me to tears, and once you finish them, there is hardly any reason to play it again! Sherlock Holmes Vol. II is like that! Don't expect anything high-powered here, it isn't a fast-action game. If you like these mysteries and are a fan of the big S, this game is sure to please. Others beware.” (6 out of 10)

Surgical Strike (Sega CD)

#21

“Surprise, surprise! A CD game with full-motion video! Well, we all know where this review is gonna go now. I'm sorry, but I just don't like FMV. In the case of Surgical Strike, the graphics are very pixilated and become very bad at times, hindering the view of the playing area, resulting in missed shots. Although the digitized move is almost nonstop, it just becomes repetitive. The bad acting doesn't help either. Pick this up if you just want to collect all the FMV games.” (6 out of 10)

Dragon's Lair (Sega CD)

#20

“Frustration abounds in this CD version of the arcade classic. You have to have pinpoint accuracy to be able to survive this one, and believe me, it will definitely make you very angry! Still, graphically, the game is very well done.” (6.2 out of 10)

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold (3DO)

#19

“Ah, yes, more Mad Dog. This sequel is more of the same – point and shoot! Mad Dog is back, and nastier than ever, but after going through the game a few times, you'll probably lose interest. Good game play though.” (6.2 out of 10)

Prize Fighter (Sega CD)

#18

“For a first-person perspective fighting game, Prize Fighter fares very well with the black and white footage being incredibly effective (as it was in the movie Raging Bull, also about boxing). The Sega CD is getting better.” (6.2 out of 10)

Revenge of the Ninja (Sega CD)

#17

“Essentially a Dragon's Lair-type action game, this is more a treat to watch than to play. The game could provide a few more continues, and your skills will rely more on memorization than anything else. Nice animation though.” (6.4 out of 10)

Loadstar: The Legend of Tully Bodine (Sega CD)

#16

“It's down the tubes again in this first-person perspective shooter that will bring back memoires of Sewer Shark. The graphics are very well done, and seeing Ned Beatty in the full-motion sequences was a surprise. A decent shooter.” (6.6 out of 10)

The Daedalus Encounter (3DO)

#15

“Daedalus Encounter is the hottest full-motion video game available today. The outstanding graphics and sound incorporated into the four CDs make up the bulk of the movie-like cinemas. The game relies on riddle solving to direct you through the one-path story in a pass-or-fail manner. The controls are imaginative and easy to use, making the game enjoyable enough, though you end up watching it play more than you interact with it. A great game if you like FMV titles.” (6.75 out of 10)

Dragon's Lair (3DO)

#14

“Timing is everything in this translation of the arcade classic. The graphics are excellent with hardly noticeable access time. However, you must have precise timing skills to pass the stages. Fans of the game will like this one.” (7 out of 10)

Sewer Shark (Sega CD)

#13

“Whoopie! Another full-motion video CD with no plot of real gameplay. The color pallet needs major work, and what happened to the action? Guiding a crosshair in a repetitive maze in order to blast rodents and bats is not my idea of hot shooter action! My best reaction can be summed up as ‘wait ‘til next year.'” (7 out of 10)

Slam City with Scottie Pippen (Sega CD)

#12

“This is a hard game! True-motion video mixed with basketball is a great combination. The game is addictive and it's really fun to play. Basketball fans will want to check this one out, but the level of difficulty may prevent some players from really enjoying themselves.” (7 out of 10)

Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp (CD-i)

#11

“Philips has yet to release a bad full-motion video game. Dragon's Lair II takes on a side of Dirk that we've never seen. There are more scenes to interact with, more action and more fun than in the previous version. Of course, one you master the game, it can get redundant quickly, but you are treated to one heck of a cool game. Oh, and if you don't have the touch pad, get out of your cave and pick one up!” (7.25 out of 10)

Cobra Command (Sega CD)

#10

“Why are all the new Sega CD games focusing on cinema effects? This game is a decent arcade translation and offers most of the thrills of its high-tech cousin. The game really gives you no control over your copter, and you end up moving a cursor and shooting while watching a cool extra-long cinema display.” (7.25 out of 10)

Night Trap (3DO)

#9

“You've got to admit, 3DO's graphics are far superior to the 16-bit machines. Even through Night Trap is an old title, the 3DO machine really enhances the graphics and sound. It seems like every CD system is coming out with a live-action game. I don't know about you, but I've noticed in all these live-action games, all of the actors seem like they were only paid one dollar for their acting. Good game, though.” (7.25 out of 10)

Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka (Saturn)

#8

“I've never been fond of full-motion video as an element for a game, but this title caught my interest. The inside the quarterback helmet cam is a nice touch as well as other unique perspectives. For once in your life, you can be the quarterback and see how it really works in the big game with a real football environment.” (7.25 out of 10)

Road Avenger (Sega CD)

#7

“This game is a barrel of fun – the first time through. In the same vein as Cobra Command, the Wolfmen serve up a driver that dishes out spectacular full-motion, full-screen graphics and a storyline that's non-stop intensity. The game is linear, however, and will be beat quickly by most everyone. Still a great showpiece.” (7.25 out of 10)

Dragon's Lair (CD-i)

#6

“This version of the laserdisc arcade classic is without a doubt the best version on any platform. Everything from the arcade has been directly ported over. All the scenes and music are here! Another thing that makes Dragon's Lair so good is the fine control of Dirk which allows players to choose his moves with ease. On the down side, the CD access time is a nuisance, breaking you away from the game too long.” (7.5 out of 10)

Ground Zero, Texas (Sega CD)

#5

“This has got to be the best Sega CD game I've ever played. It handles great, and there's a lot to keep you glued to your TV. Just where did they dig up those lousy actors, though? One thing I definitely didn't like was the part where you had to put the code in or you blow up. Remembering the shapes while blasting aliens is pretty tough. Overall, this is the best Sega CD game you can probably consider.” (7.5 out of 10)

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective (TurboGrafx-CD)

#4

“This is the wave of the future! The game itself is rough, but the technological leaps it makes are staggering. This is an interactive movie, featuring gameplay that possesses almost full motion video and is acted out nicely, providing the clues that make it a game.” (7.5 out of 10)

Time Gal (Sega CD)

#3

“Aaah! Time Gal IS a Sega CD title! Thanks, Renovation! I like the Mega CD version, and am happy to see the same crisp graphics, solid control and intriguing adventure is still intact from the translation. I expect to see several games of this format soon, and I hope they all take a lesson in good programming from this.” (7.5 out of 10)

Space Ace (CD-i)

#2

“This title brought the arcade game home for me. I loved the old laserdisc game, and this one is a perfect match. I don't know how they did it, but everything is pixel perfect. My only real qualm is with the ending, which I found a bit short. The control is perfect. After I beat it several times, I got a little tired of it. The excitement eventually wears off. Every CD-i owner should try this.” (7.75 out of 10)

Burn:Cycle (CD-i)

#1

“Just sitting down and playing Burn: Cycle for 10 minutes isn't the way to enjoy it. It must be played like an RPG, which it does a nice job of emulating. The characters, story and graphics are all top-notch. The stingy time limit can be bothersome but really adds to the suspense. This is one game you will definitely find yourself wrapped up in. If you don't have a CD-i by now, Burn: Cycle will definitely change your mind.” (8 out of 10)