Review: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn

[racketboy]

Here is a kick-off for our first collaborative review project.

I'll start with a section of a review for Burning Rangers.
Please join in and share what you think of the game


Graphics/Presentation: 7/10
One of the most eye-popping games for the Saturn was Sonic Team's NiGHTS Into Dreams. It created a 3D feel without burdening the Saturn's limited 3D capabilities. After the success of NiGHTS, Sonic Team started on their next project that would actually recycle much of the graphics engine of their first Saturn hit.

Much like NiGHTS, Burning Rangers is filled with vidid color and interesting envrionments. Unfortunately, Burning Rangers requires a bit more 3D movement than NiGHTS and consequently brings some graphical problems along with it. While the 3D models aren't too bad, they could really benefit from some antialiasing (which is a lot to ask of a Saturn). Because of the polygon's rough edges, the visuals look excessively pixelated, with visible seams in the scenery and clipping problems galore.

In addition to jaggies, the game's frame rate also suffers at times and the camera can be a hinderance. You can control the camera with a button but it's not always helpful. Being in a small area with flames all around you with only one way off getting out, the camera causes problems and more than likely will your crystal count will be dropping fast.

With all that said, it should not be overlooked that Sonic Team did skillfully program excellent light sourcing, transparencies, and beautiful fire effects (composed of sprites), however, those don't negate the graphical flaws that influence the gamplay and the overall experience.

In terms of the overall presentation, Burning Rangers shows some top notch menus and navigation that you would expect from a first-party Sega title. The anime-styled cutscences are also a fan favorite and add some extra polish to the game. It's just a shame that some of the graphical flaws had to detract from it.

Overall, Burning Rangers is still a beautiful game overall, but I expected better from Sonic Team. I see Burning Rangers as an ideal title to remake on a modern system. It's unique qualities should not be overlooked and it could definately benefit from newer graphical techniques.

[racketboy]

bawitblog,
you mind including this in here?:
http://bawitblog.ba.funpic.org/?p=97

[bawitback]

bawitblog,
you mind including this in here?:
http://bawitblog.ba.funpic.org/?p=97

Nope.. Just a bit late on this topic.

[Curlypaul]

I'm just playing this now - been waiting to get a copy since the pre-release hype. Its actually pretty cool. Like you say, its a real shame that they couldn't solve the clipping and pop up problems as other than that the game looks really great, and the fire appears to be transparent which I didn't think the Saturn could actually do.

There are only 4 levels, which is a bit short but there seem to be a lot of people to rescue that are going to take some exploring to find. Also there are the auto generated levels to play afterwards.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with which is lucky as its the most expensive old game I've ever bought.