Assault Heroes Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3 (X360,PC - 2006, 2007)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Wanako Studios	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Konami	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jan. 28, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Since the game's release, however, other downloadable titles (such as Shadow Complex) have pushed the graphics envelope, and Assault Heroes is no longer at the front of the pack. For this reason, we wish the developers had used their three years of downtime to punch up the visuals a bit, making the game feel at home in 2010 on the PSN (and give Xbox owners a reason to buy the new version), but it's not the end of the world.

Assault Heroes screenshot

The sounds, meanwhile, are exactly what they should be: ominous-sounding rock music coupled with the usual assortment of explosions and gunshots. Along with the two-stick setup and current-generation graphics, the soundtrack helps the old-school gameplay seem fresh and exciting.

The only downside to the game is that the final scene is a bit too difficult, especially on medium difficulty and above. It's a timed escape that requires you to run down a hallway that's densely packed with enemies without slowing down. It's a shame that, after getting so far, so many casual gamers will probably just give up. To look at the bright side, re-trying this scene endlessly adds to the total playtime, which is only a few hours without it.

Assault Heroes is a simple game to learn, but there are many levels to work through, tough bosses to kill, and plenty of ways to challenge oneself. Every fan of action games should download it in some form. While the new PSN version add nothing to the game and costs more, it brings a great game to lots of new fans, and it deserves credit for that. Let's hope that 2008's Assault Heroes 2, another great XBLA title, will get the same treatment.

By Robert VerBruggen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Other games have pushed the graphics envelope since this title debuted, but it holds up relatively well.

4.8

Control
The game utilizes the standard two-stick setup for arcade shooters, and it plays smoothly.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The sounds are exactly what they should be: ominous rock music and huge explosions.

4.2

Play Value
Whether you're paying $5 or $9.99, this is a worthwhile buy, providing hours of fun and lots of play options.

4.3

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Multiplayer co-op mode: Two players may play co-operatively online or offline (same screen) with enhanced weapons and special attacks to encourage team-based campaigns.

Dynamic gameplay: Operate an armed 4x4, speed boat, or simply fight on foot for a quick change of pace.

Arsenal of weapons: Equip characters with miniguns, flak cannons, flamethrowers, grenades, and nukes to destroy everything in your path.

Realistic special effects: Destructible terrain and advanced physics engine provide a truly engaging arcade experience.

Highly detailed graphics: Vehicles leave tracks in the sand, send parts flying when they explode, and leave smoke trails when taking damage.

Action-packed experience: Challenging and graphically compelling levels (including bonus sublevels) for fast-paced and addictive play.