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Well, let's see, in about the span of ten
minutes I've had beer bottles hurled at me, dodged flying bricks
and gotten my skull split by an ax! But I'm okay. . .I think.
Yes folks, it's not a pretty site. Violence, bloodshed and heavy
metal music - parents beware! Of course I'm setting the scene
for the long awaited, eagerly anticipated, new "Iron Maiden"
CD-ROM set modeled after their beloved mascot, Eddie, starring
in "Ed Hunter!" Just in time for the improbable reunion
that saw Bruce and Adrian return to the fold, do you think the
timing could've been better?
For anyone who hasn't seen this one yet,
look out, cause it'll blow your mind! That's provided you've
got anything left to blow after the first few minutes of terror
that swarms you upon the dark city streets. Don't worry, I'm
not going to spoil any element of surprise with too many specific
details that you want to discover for yourself. The fact is,
I never made it that far! But what I did see, and hear, is as
astonishing as you'd expect. If you think it's easy firing at
approaching bottles end over end that reach eye level faster
than you can blink, guess again.
In the role of "Ed Hunter," you're
on a dangerous search through dimly lit alley ways, dark street
corners and God knows where else for our elusive main character,
and "Be Quick Or Be Dead" proves a prophetic underlying
theme as you encounter mobs of determined mercenaries lurking
in the shadows waiting to get their crack at you. "A Man
On The Edge," you'll test your shooting dexterity - and
quite probably take your lumps in the process as you advance
further toward your goal amidst an aural backdrop of your favorite
Maiden classics hallowing through each subsequent stage. Suffice
to say, firsthand experience notwithstanding, it gets better
and better as time goes on, with each subsequent Maiden release
playing a prominent role.
The 3-disc collection features two containing
their top 20 tracks of all time as chosen by the fans who voted
on their website. Though all are as you'd expect, there's a few
worth noting, not so much for their selection as their ranking.
"Futureal" is number 5! "Stranger In A Strange
Land," which fits more within the context of the game rather
than the top 20 clocks in at number 19, while, surprisingly,
"Hallowed Be Thy Name" lags behind at only 14!
Regardless, fans, video game addicts and
gluttons for punishment of all ages (or in this case, 13 &
over) will be drawn in by the stunning visual effects and superior
animation that graces your screen. The precautions listed in
the instruction booklet places this latest 21st century venture
into proper perspective. Sit as far away as possible - you might
gain a minor advantage when attempting to dodge the oncoming
firepower. Avoid playing if you're tired - you'll die for sure!
Make sure the room is well lit - it doesn't help a lick when
the scourge jumps out at you. "Fear Of The Dark" indeed;
Rest for at least 15 minutes - you'll need to tap into all your
energies and resourcefulness or find yourself groping for a new
place to hang your hat!
So, the wait's finally over and now with
the countdown to the new Millennium fast approaching, who better
to lead the charge. . . |
