Home | News | Reviews | Previews | Hardware
Cardinal Syn
Score: 88%
ESRB: Teen
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment America
Developer: Kronos
Media: CD/1
Players: 1 - 2
Genre: Fighting

Graphics & Sound:
The graphics in this fighter are pretty good. The FMV sequence at the beginning of the game was excellent, as well as the 'background' FMV shown after choosing a character. The backgrounds are nicely designed and are unique in that each one has its own dangers and traps that can injure the fighters. Each area reflects a different character's personality (your opponent in the one player mode).
As for the sound, each area has complimenting background music which enhances the overall experience. For a laugh, play as Mongoro and execute your ''Kindred Aroma'' move, you are treated to his evil laughter, and... a big 'ole fart.

Gameplay:
Great - Each of the eight (original) characters has its own special moves, and they're listed in the instruction booklet. Again, Mongoro's fart move is cool because it gets 'em from across the room. I found the manueverability of the character from side to side slightly awkward, but I adjusted quickly. In the tournament round, you choose your character and randomly play through the eight characters. There's also a practice mode, survival, vs. player and team player modes. Try every character to see an FMV which tells their background story. The game is fun.

Difficulty:
This game can be as hard as you want it to be... or easy enough for the player to get the hang of it before the truly serious beatings commence. Play with the options to find what suits you. Also, I'm sure it offers many more challenges than meet the eye. Wait and watch the demos. Spooky looking things await.

Game Mechanics:
The areas are truly 3D, and encompassing. Some of them feel like you're in a cavern in TR. The graphics engine handles this nicely, with pretty good handling of the camera angles, as well. Each level has its own menacing traps (which can be turned off in the options menu... if you are a wimp.) If carefully studied, it is possible to use the level traps against your opponent, by knocking him into the trap or into the path of a moving threat, such as flames or a mine cart. These dangers add an extra dimesion to the fight. Be sure to try all of the combo moves with the different characters... some are pretty funny. From Heklar the Jester's "wham - bam - thank - you - ma'am" to Plague's "Intestinal release" (not what you think. It's green acidic vomit) each one is unique.

-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ashley Perkins

This site best viewed in Internet Explorer 6 or higher or Firefox.