Criticom

Criticom
Developer(s)	Kronos Digital Entertainment
Publisher(s)	Vic Tokai
Platform(s)	PlayStation, Saturn
Release date(s)	PS NA November 29, 1995 EU March 1996 JP October 4, 1996 Saturn NA 1997 JP February 28, 1997
Genre(s)	Fighting
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer
Rating(s)	ESRB: T (Teen)

Criticom is a 3D versus fighting game developed by Kronos Digital Entertainment and released in November 1995 in the USA, March 1996 in Europe and October 1996 in Japan by Vic Tokai for the PlayStation. The Sega Saturn version was released in early 1997.

Game

Criticom is a one-on-one fighting game where eight diverse fighters from across the galaxy vie for a crystal artifact. The game features a science fiction backstory that involves mystery and intrigue surrounding the crystal and each of the fighters is given a unique storyline to explain why he or she is so interested in the artifact.

The fighting action takes place on a round, elevated platform. Each fighter begins the fight with a full power meter and one power meter refill in reserve that is activated when the primary meter is depleted. Thus, there are no rounds. The fight runs until one fighter is knocked out (no more power in their meter), one is knocked out of the arena (or steps/jumps out), or the time runs out.

Characters

• Dayton-A mercenary and treasure hunter from earth who attempts to find the shard and return it to the

emperor for money,he is a neutral so he is not good or evil.

• Delara-a pirate who has guarded the shard from being stolen along side sonork,she is on the good side.

• Demonica-an evil being from the astroid belt who wants the shard for herself,she is on the evil side.

• Exene
• Gorm
• S.I.D.
• Sonork
• Yenji

Reception

The first news and screenshots of the game sparked an enthusiastic reaction from VideoGames, which called it "one of the coolest fighting game experiences in a long time".^[1] GamePro named the Saturn version the worst fighting game of the year, saying it's "even worse" than the PlayStation version of the previous season.^[2]

Legacy

The game spawned two semi-sequels, Dark Rift and Cardinal Syn.

References

1. ^ Video Games Issue 81 (October 1995), page 56
2. ^ GamePro July 1996

External links

• Criticom at MobyGames