Twenty
four years ago, circa 1977, publisher Leonard Mogel brought a
derivative of French fantasy magazine Metal Hurlant stateside
and dubbed it Heavy Metal. The publication would eventually
introduce an American audience to international artists including
Jean Giraud, alias Moebius, and chiseled, ultra-violent characters
such as Ranxerox. Similarly, Serpieri's Druuna and Corben's Den
provided popular escapist episodes; Druuna appealing to the male
masses for obvious reasons. Perfect specimens all, Heavy Metal's
fantasy heroes gave readers an outlet to otherworldy realms and
netherworlds only possible on paper.
Capcom's take on the Heavy Metal franchise remains true
to the inspirational material by way of original
"HM-archetype" characters blessed with six-pack abs,
killing machine sensitivity, and exotic weaponry capable of leveling
armies. Typical are the four women warriors in the game (Slash,
Kassey, Di, and Mayfly) who all have perfect breasts ranging from
B-cup all the way to what appears to be double D on the scantily
clad Di. As battle ensues, homing missiles and bazookas are
particularly useful when chasing a rabbit tempered run 'n gun
opponent. Close-range weapons consist of swords for brutal thisclose
fighting but much of the game relies on projectile attacks where
opponents scurry through expansive playfields. References and
allusions to Capcom's previous "death match" title, Spawn,
may be made but Geomatrix dominates that earlier title with a better
camera on the action and furious game-play. Liken it more to a
fusion of Powerstone and Toshinden, but with more roaming. It's also
pretty to look at, just like the magazine. Up to four players may
participate at once in split-screen mode. |
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