Slamscape (Sony PlayStation & Windows)

 

Sony Playstation
PAL Box Art

Slamscape, the third-person tank shooter video game developed and published by Viacom New Media, was released in 1996 for Windows and PlayStation. The game features an original soundtrack by the alternative rock band, God Lives Underwater. The plot of the game is set in a virtual world where cyberspace is in danger and it's up to the player to save it. The gameplay of Slamscape is reminiscent of Spectre VR, where the player pilots a hovercraft-like vehicle called a Slamjet through futuristic virtual landscapes. The goal is to collect a series of glowing objects called "Orb-ids" while avoiding a series of enemies and bosses which require some puzzle-solving in order to defeat. Once the player collects all the Orb-ids in a level, they can move on to the next, cleaning up the virtual zone as they go.

The graphics of Slamscape are fully 3D with polygonal enemies and objects, and the game touts a dynamic soundtrack composed by alternative rock band God Lives Underwater. This unique combination of gameplay, graphics, and soundtrack had the potential to make Slamscape a hit among gamers. However, the reception of the game was mixed, with some praising its dynamic soundtrack, while others criticized its gameplay and graphics.

Look!! It's Really Bad!

Next Generation reviewed the PlayStation version of the game, rating it one star out of five, and statedthat "Definitely not for hardcore gamers, this title is for those who don't know any better." Gamezilla, on the other hand, gave the game an 83 out of 100, which was considered generous. Official UK PlayStation Magazine also gave the game a 6 out of 10, again pushing it in the generosity department. Mega Fun, Computer and Video Games (CVG), GameSpot, Video Games and All Game Guide also gave the game mixed reviews.

Windows Box Art

All Game Guide, gave the game a 1 Star out of 5, which, in our opinion, is considered to be the correct score overall. With such mixed reviews, it's clear that Slamscape didn't live up to its potential. The game had a unique concept and an interesting soundtrack, but its gameplay and graphics were lacking.

It's a shame that Slamscape didn't live up to its potential, but it serves as a reminder that even the most unique and promising concepts can fall short if not executed properly. It's a game that might have been a hit in another time, with better technology and more experience. Nonetheless, it's still a game that worth to give a try for the nostalgic players.

A Video of the Gameplay

Video credit to 10min Gameplay