OK. Wow. I'm going to start with the conclusion. Given my past experiences with Nuon games that go from bleh (Ballistic, Space Invaders) to good but not compelling (Tempest 3000, Merlin Racing), I honestly wasn't expecting much. All I can say is, if this game was available at release, Nuon may have had a future.
First off there's the FMV intro and sequences. Big deal, it's on a DVD, right? But these are long and beautifully produced. Back in the day the FMV sequences were rendered with the game graphic engine, and usually quite stinky. This reminds me of the first really well produced sequences that blew me away many years later (for me it was Spy Hunter on the PS2). Very nice.
Then there are the options. Surprise, you can play as two other kinds of mechs, not just the Iron Soldier. The game supports the Logitech analog stick, which is really a recommended option if you want to play this game. If you went to all the trouble to get a copy of IS3, it shouldn't be any problem hunting down one of these controllers.
The 3D in game graphics are surprisingly good. Yes, Merlin Racing had smooth 3D but honestly the effects weren't any better than the cart racing games on, say, the Game Gear. No big. Iron Soldier 3 shows a surprising amount of detail, nice shadows and smooth animation. And the rain effect is very cool.
The in-game animation sequences are excellent. The first time you shoot down a helicopter over a fuel tank and watch it spin out of control, crash and explode, taking the tank farm with it, you know you're in for an experience.
it does take some getting used to the control scheme. It would be nice if you could use the analog stick and D-pad to look and move at the same time. I guess Eclipse chose not to implement this feature because most users would have the default controller with only a D-pad. The controls are overly sensitive, actually, which is probably a good thing in the long run but takes some getting used to.
Honestly this game changed my opinion of the Nuon. Given its very small library of titles that are generally mediocre at best, you would be hard pressed to find an excuse to add it to your collection. I was interested mostly for its roots in Atari (I'm a fanboy, what can I say). But this game really stands apart. If you can score a Samsung N501 its probably deserves a place in your collection if only for this game.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.