 If we have any readers out there who are Apocalypse Now fans then you’ll know where we’re coming from. Apocalypse Now is a fantastic film from start to finish. The creation of a Redux version was welcome but unnecessary as the added scenes added nothing but excessive length. The only real logical reason for Apocalypse Now Redux’s release was to refill the coffers. We can successfully apply this same idea to Bad Mojo Redux. Bad Mojo was originally released back in 1996 and granted you control of a ‘man-turned-cockroach’ through streets, kitchens, bars and other similar dives. Proclaimed a cult classic (though it worries us what cult exactly) it was original and well received. If we fast-forward to 2007 (2004 for the US Version) then we’re greeted with a Redux version that adds ‘updated’ graphics and remastered game videos. Therefore we’re greeted with the Apocalypse Now syndrome; a game that should have stayed in the past when it was a classic (and arguably a classic because it was in the past).
Don’t misinterpret this review incorrectly; Bad Mojo is a good game. The thing is it’s a good game for 1996 and not 2007. We at Avid Gamer love independent gaming, casual gaming and the little guys, but even they’ve got more ‘wow’ factor than this, (just read out Cryptex of Time review). Credit is due where the game deserves it. Its concept; a mad scientist accidently turning himself into a cockroach reeks of originality but the question remains as to whether it actually makes a good game. It’s all well and good when you have a good story (albeit quirky) but actually not a gaming experience to utilize it. It’s extremely difficult to conduct this review because of the twenty-first century gaming experiences that we’re been treated to. In the last year gamers have been gorging on AAA titles weekly and it’s awfully hard to step back and look at smaller titles. It’s very easy to be overly harsh to Bad Mojo Redux but then you have to ask yourself does it deserve it? Just because it’s a classic and an old title doesn’t mean that it’s allowed to be poorly constructed. After all it’s been released in 2007 and not like we’ve picked it up a jumble sale twelve years later.  To quote the game’s box “The graphics are scarily lifelike,” which is disturbing as they’re barely game-like by today’s standards. Composed of single screens you navigate your cockroach around obstacles and traps in the attempt to advance the storyline (which is basically negligible, despite the four possible alternate endings) Graphical effects are limited to your moving antennae and some opposition creepy crawlies are ‘animated’. The best bit about the visuals is the little scenes you come across. You pass a mouse caught in a trap, run around drains and pipes and avoid spiders and similar adversaries. It’s not complex and it won’t tax your brain. It’s a simple adventure game with simple visuals and gameplay. The worst thing about it is boredom. Now, adventure gaming isn’t the highest priority on our lists but it’s defiantly a genre we’ll delve into if needed or recommended. Often you’ll think “why aren’t I playing Call of Duty 4 or Halo 3?” You’ll sit there and even look forward to finish playing. It’s the truth; it’s not a fun game. It will most likely entertain the select few but most have moved on from 1996 to greener pastures. There are so many better games, even low priced puzzle or adventure games of a more recent date, that you’ll question yourself as to why you’re ten pounds out of pocket. Kudos to the developers for creating this game back in 1996, but it’s where it should have stayed. Time and money is just too scarce to warrant a purchase, even cheap off EBay. The only plus is that it works and isn’t buggy or broken. On that note, it saves itself from a rock bottom score and instead is granted with an ‘avoidable 3/10’. Score: 3/10
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
Latest News 
