One

Review

by Shawn Sackenheim

For all intents and purposes, One is the 32-bit version of the classic action/shooter, Contra. While it's not made by Konami, Visual Concepts definitely had the classic blaster in mind when they crafted the intense, and gorgeous, action in One.

Graphically, One is top of the line. While most of the levels are basically on rails, the 3D models go deep into the background with tons of buildings and other structures. Overall, the game is dark in mood and atmosphere but the textures are vibrant and varied. Every screen truly is a work of polygonal art. Explosions, lasers, death animations, and environmental effects are also amazingly creative and vibrant.

Of course, you'll hardly have time to admire the graphics as you will constantly be bombarded by enemy fire. Soldiers pour onto the screen, brandishing laser sights as they dial their scopes in on your head. Helicopters and attack craft fire missiles and red hot lasers, destroying buildings and more as you narrowly dodge the mayhem. And that's only by the end of the first level!

Control-wise, One has a few issues. For the most part, the control is just right but as more emphasis is placed on platforming and timing, you'll find yourself falling to your death many times over. Fortunately, this doesn't occur until the last few levels but it'll definitely take some serious time to get used to; and a lot of frustration. As for the buttons, you've got fire, jump, special, and a few view changes.

Playing One really pains me. It's such a gorgeous game and is fun through 75% of the game but getting stuck near the end, and at a notable place in the second level, constantly falling to my death seriously hurts this game's rating. Every action fan should at least rent One as no one should miss it's brilliant graphics and level design, but only the die hard action fans will want to run right out and buy One.