Dino Crisis 2 for PlayStation 1

Capcom ushered in a new era in survival/horror with the release of the first Dino Crisis. The Mesozoic Era. The game was one of the most challenging of it's genre,featuring quick,tough enemies,limited ammo,and a boss that could chew the Nemesis up and spit him out. Literally. Now it's time to feed the Rex,again.

Dino Crisis 2 takes on a new look right from the opening movie,which is very well done. While Regina's first adventure took place mostly indoors and at night(ever notice it's almost night in these games?),Dino Crisis 2 lets players explore lush,overgrown jungles and experience the dangers of the prehistoric seas,all the while taking on some of the fiercest predators ever to walk the earth in three separate locations.

Veterans of the first game will notice differences right away. The first being that you don't play as Regina the whole time. Players will alternately control Dylan and Regina. Basically you fulfill one objective as one character,then switch to the other. Each character has some weapons that are unique to them,as well as different paths they must follow. Unlike Code:Veronica,gates opened by one character will not be opened for the next. Some only Regina can open,some only Dylan.

Another major change is the ammo and item system. Remember all the times Regina had to flee for the safety of an electronic gate? Well it's payback time. Ammo and weapons are now purchased at save/shop points found throughout the game. This system is pretty much the same as the one found in Parasite Eve 2.

The system works like this: Players receive Extinction points for every dino they kill. Points received can be doubled by scoring combos(killing dinos in quick succession),and can also be increased by getting through an area unharmed. After turning a few lizards into boots,head for the nearest shop/save panel(they look like computer terminals in the wall)and,well,shop. All health items can be found here,as well as new weapons(when they become available),tools(ditto),and new magazines to increase your weapon's load capacity.

Another change affects your inventory. Gone are the plug opened storage boxes. Once you have an item,it's there until you use it. While this doesn't affect your ability to carry ammo,all ammo is now carried loaded in the weapons(which do not count against your inventory),it can make managing your healing supplies tricky. Since there's no mixing of items this time around I suggest loading up on Medipack L's early. After you get the inner armor(which prevents bleeding damage).Medi M's will do you nicely.

You are also able to use both a primary and secondary weapon this time. Secondary weapons can only be equipped if you're using a one-handed main weapon(like a pistol). While considerably weaker,the second weapon is useful in keeping packs of dinos at bay with it's swiping movement. More important,it's the only way to open some doors.

The story would make a decent movie. Seems that after the events of the first game the government foolishly continued the Third Energy experiments begun by Dr. Kirk. As can be expected,another accident takes place. This time not only the research center,but an entire town and a military base vanish as well. Enter the rescue team(you). Sent back(?)in time to get the survivors out and bring back data,they immediately run into prehistoric problems. There's also the problem of getting back to the present. Also,it seems that this time is inhabited by other humans,who aren't too friendly to our heroes. The plot has some very interesting surprises,and that's all I'll say here.

Game play itself is fast and furious for the most part. Dinos usually attack in groups,making that unlimited ammo supply very necessary. Each has it's own attack pattern,Raptors for instance,will charge right at you,Pteranadons will circle and swoop down. While you can move and fire,it's sometimes best to find a good spot and fire away.

There's the usual puzzles to solve to advance,and like the first game they are based more in the scientific realm. True you still have to find the fight key or card,but it all makes sense.

The game shines graphically. The environments are colorful and very well done. The jungle comes alive with running water and small animals scurrying about. There are even times when larger dinos move through the backgrounds,they don't come into play but still add a nice touch. The characters themselves are sharper than the first game,and move much more smoothly and life like. Cut scenes are nicely done,and the in game movies are first rate. But the real stars are the Dinosaurs.

Each dino is superbly modeled. They move with fluid,life like motions. Each dino has a unique sound,as well as appearance. Movements are unique to species Trust me,they've done a bang up job on these animals. Joining the Raptors are those annoying poison spitters from the first Jurassic Park,aquatic terrors include the Pleisiosaur,and the Allosaur joins everyboby's favorite Cretaceous chomper,T.Rex,for land based mayhem. There are more,but I'll let you find out about them,don't want to spoil the fun.

Sounds are good. The same actor returns as Regina. The voice acting,while not exceptional,is still good enough. Each weapon has a unique report,and the back ground noises are just about right. The dino sounds are well done. Each has a distinctive growl and footstep. From the hiss and thump of an charging Raptor,to the ear-splitting roar and thunderous footstep of the Rex. The music sets the mood nicely,although I did find one track to be some what annoying. But that's just my opinion.

There are even what I like to call mini-games included. They remind one of arcade shooters like T-2. Compy chase(my name)isn't really a mini-game,but it's entertaining as well. Of course,as is Capcom's style lately,there is another game,Dinosaur Coliseum,to unlock after completion.

Control,for the most part is tight. Any fan of the RE series or the first game can jump right in and play. Quick turn and auto lock make combat fairly effortless. Item screens are easy to access and use. There is a side step/back step control available. It has to be turned on at the options screen. While interesting,I found it to be a tad touchy and seldom used it. But altogether the control set-up works well.

The game does have it's glitches. For instance you can walk right through a fallen dinosaur. Or in the case of larger animals,like an Allosaur,if they fall in front of an object,you can see parts of them through said object. Neither affects game play,so they shouldn't detract from the enjoyment of the game.

Even though the game does feel more like a shooter than a survival/horror title at times It still has a lot going for it. The improved graphics,good plot,and little extras make it worth a look. True,the original was more in the RE mold,but this one can hold it's own in it's own right. Give it a try.