Overall 7 Graphics 6.5 Sound 8.5 Addictive 5 Story 6 Depth 5 Difficulty 7.5
5.5
Cosmic Carnage Redrunelord
Cosmic Carnage is arguably the core definition of a "cult classic" among gamers. A cult classic is technically considered a medium that has a small but devoted fan base...so what exactly stops a cult classic from becoming a mainstream staple? Sometimes it is because of bad timing or bad marketing which results in a burying of said item. Other times it is regarded as the quality being too low for a mainstream appeal. Thus, in the eyes of some, a cult classic is considered a low end medium that is over-hyped by the few people who likes it; a guilty pleasure almost. Does Cosmic Carnage fit this definition, or doe sit fit the definition of bad sales due to its console placement (32X add-on) but is genuinely enjoyable?
Cosmic Carnage is a 2D fighting game for the Sega 32X add-on. The limited story-line provided implies that prisoners high-jacks the ship, but the ship's controls are damaged forcing the prisoners to send distress signals to crash and hijack a military craft. This results in a crash that kills all but 8 personal leaving only one escape pod. The result is a fight to the death...admittedly a somewhat interesting story and relatively plausible considering video game universes. The impression of this story line is that it would fit right into a Star Trek or Star Wars universe well, and perhaps that is where the developers got the idea, and it is definitely different than the tournament standard set by most of its contemporaries.
Visually, this is a hard game to compare to others, as the 32X had a small library and it isn't fair to compare this game to games before or after it. Normally at least. Visuals from various 16 bit games actually surpass this game in many regards. The animation is clunky, at the best, more often than not. Admittedly some is smooth but what is smooth is also awkward in that it is out of place. There is definite motion zones visible where the fighters will gravitate towards but it could be worse. The key is getting the depth perception done well in these type of games, as it needs to be accurately gauged how close the characters are and how close their attacks are to hitting. This will directly affect on how the game is played, and how much fun is derived from that. The depth perception isn't particularly good in Cosmic Carnage. Indeed, particularly with the jump estimates, this game does not do an adequate job portraying what it needs to make the game fully functional. With all that said...the game do have a charm to it visually speaking. The environments are suitable for what the game is trying to accomplish, and the actual tone is portrayed extremely well. The visuals, despite a degree of clunkiness, would be perfectly fine if they were actually sufficiently functional...but at times, they just aren't.
The audio level isn't horrible by any means; it certainly far surpasses the quality of the sound on the 32X' version of Doom. It still retains a lot of the low end bass noises that could be easily misinterpreted, but not nearly to the same degree as in Doom. The music's tone all has a space vibe but also got a good action vibe to it which blends rather well. The effects are rather forgettable but they work for what they are trying to do.
With fighting games, the experience with the game play will vary from character to character, and in part based on the personality of the gamer. While in all actuality said statement could be applicable to most gamers, it is particularly true with fighting games. In a well made fighting game, there would be various characters for various fighting styles. As well, there should theoretically be no absolutely useless characters in a well made fighting game. Even in higher end fighting games, there is always one or two (maybe more, depending on the game in question) characters that are not worth the time unless performing a 100% completion or a self imposed challenge. This game, to the untrained eye, would have absolutely no diversity. To the trained eye...there is limited diversity. An interesting aspect is that the player can utilize a limited form of customization. How many fighting games this appeared in before Cosmic Carnage isn't 100% clear, but it wasn't very dominant by any standards. The actual modifications that could be made mainly impacted whether or not the player would be theoretically heavier or lighter, but it isn't the most noticeable. It do act as a good way to change the appearances of the characters however.
The big deal is control, and more often than not there is virtually none. The jump in particular, partially due to poor depth perception within the game, is remarkably difficult to control, especially to newcomers. The special moves, even when performed perfectly, is a flip of a weighted coin whether or not they actually work. This has largely to do with awkward timing of the D Pad with the combination, which is normally attributed due to bad game design. The moves themselves are unremarkable even when they do work, and the damage can arguably be acquired in equal amounts by simply ducking and spamming one or two attacks. This game can almost be considered a rough, jerky car someone would pick up when on a budget, thinking that they would get a very smooth ride out of it due to advertisements or hearsay. AKA, the poor mans version of Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat.
To conclude, Cosmic Carnage is one of those games that isn`t particularly good by any standards, but under some definitions could be that type of "so bad its good" game.. Actually, in some regards it isn't that bad at all, and no matter what one can say about this title...it is still better than Xenophage. There is a lot of cheese value, albeit the game is not as technically solid as most of its contemporaries. If one owns a 32X add-on and is looking for a fighting game, this is an option although it may be a better idea to stick to some of the fighting games on the Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo. Someone who doesn't look at the "cheese" value in games would likely dismiss this game quickly. It's recommended as a good, cheesy, fun time though which sometimes is good enough.
Graphics 6 Sound 8 Addictive 3 Story 6 Depth 4 Difficulty 8
Review Rating: 5/5
Submitted: 01-14-12
Review Replies: 0
7
Cosmic Carnage (Sega 32X) review G@mehe@d
Cosmic Carnage is a game for the Sega 32X, that tried too hard to show what the system can do best. The game tries to combine fast Street Fighter gameplay, with the blood and celebration of violence Mortal Kombat had. Sadly Cosmic Carnage fails to deliver what it tries to deliver. So I should be hating this game now right? No, in fact I like this game, I really do. Its a guilty pleasure I guess, but Cosmic Carnage manages to make up for a few of its flaws, read on to see weather or not this game is good.
Gameplay C-: Many people would slap this game with an F, or some low rating at first glance. Why? Because the controls are not nearly as fast, and precise as say, Street Fighter 2. Its like this because you're in space, and the game is trying to recreate zero gravity, but this kind control is not suitable for a fighting game; however, if you give Cosmic Carnage a chance, you'll get used to the slow control. Then you can really enjoy yourself. Its very satisfying to hit your opponent, because of the blood, and crisp sound effects. Each match is usually longer then 50 seconds. Which depending on who you are, is good, or bad. I say its actually good, because it feels more like your actually in fight. I like how with some of the fighters, you can add armor, this can change the fighters abilities, and moves. So for gameplay, I think Cosmic Carnage is mediocre, yet satisfying. You might call me crazy, or a Sega fanboy, but Cosmic Carnage will grow on you if you give it a chance.
Visuals D: You can tell Sega was trying to show off the 32X's strengths in this game, and the results are terrible. While the fighters, look sharp, and detailed when far away. They get horribly pixelated, when the camera zooms in. It looks so bad that I have to CLOSE my eyes every time it happens. Its that bad! Another bad part about the graphics, is that the scenery is generic, adding insult to injury, the fighters are too colorful. I feel like I'm playing Tempo or something. On the good side, the scaling does add to the dramatic fighting.
Sound A: The sound is one of the strong points of this game. The soundtrack might sound like typical Genesis music. But you can tell that the 32X did do some stuff to the music. Not only does it sound good, but real drums are used, and they do have a good effect on the sound. The sound effects, are pre-recorded. For being on the 32X, they sound great. Digitalize grunts happen occasionally, but they really don't have an effect.
Replay Value C-: After beating the game, you really have no reason to come back and play this game again. Cosmic Carnage is a game you would play if there is nothing else to do. This game is fun to play with friends, if they are not expecting the quality of Street Fighter 2.
Depth B: You have 8 colorful fighters to choose from. Half of them, have the option of adding extra armor. Each fighter has their own set of moves. There are also a lot of space themed battle areas, but they don't look that much different apart.
Difficulty Medium Hard: This game has quite a bit of challenge, but the challenge lies in mastering the slow controls. Fighters get harder as you progress, but you have unlimited continues.
FINAL OPINION: Cosmic Carnage is a game that is good for a few laughs, but really overall isn't worth owning. There are better fighters out there for the Sega 32X. People who are loyal to the 32X (I am) will get enjoyment out of this game, but only then will you really enjoy this game. Its mediocre at best, and I suggest you only try it if you want to see if you like it.
OVERALL RATING C-Youtube Channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/Gameheadsretrogames?feature=guide
Graphics 7 Sound 9 Addictive 7 Depth 6 Difficulty 7
Review Rating: 4.2/5
Submitted: 06-03-13
Updated: 06-03-13
Review Replies: 3
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