MDK

(Shiny Entertainment, 1997)

This was an ingenius blend of both humor, challenge, and suspense, and way different from the typical, cliche 3D action title. The premise is that Earth is being invaded by gigantic alien contraptions, each of which is as large as a whole city! You must parachute onto each of these city/tanks, defeat that alien tank's resident army, and save the Earth city below, before it's destroyed! The first stage, parachuting, allowed you to dodge the tanks' defenses, from the air, while trying to grab power ups needed for that mission (they are thrown out with you when leaving your mother ship). Upon landing, you go from room to room, often with spectacular, yet bizarre, alien landscapes to explore. Walkways are opaque, walls are often mirrored, and aliens are amusingly animated, all leading to some of the most colorful and effective 3D seen in 1997. Topping it all off was a fantastic choice of macho-style weaponry to complete your task, including a way-cool "sniper mode" to zoom in on enemies far, far away. There were even cute jovial (yet effective) items found to help you; an inflatable toy dummy of yourself is enough to fool some of the dumber alien guards! Such is only part of the fun had in this brilliantly made action title, no matter how short it was to play (more, more!). It even spawned a sequel in 2000...and it's about time it did!

Rating : Deep Impact.

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