C&VG


Sky Shark
By Dreamworks
Sega Genesis

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #110

Sky Shark

Hordes of tanks, planes, and ships are invading your country, totally overwhelming the defensive forces - so it's up to you and your plane, the Sky Shark, to repulse the waves of enemies. Luckily, there are numerous power-ups, speed-ups and other goodies to be collected that enable the Shark to compete with the baddies on their own terms.

Set over dozens of sub-levels, Sky Shark starts from a friendly base and fights through waves of attackers before reaching the next airbase - and safety. Power flashes and collected along the way, and these are converted into points at the end of each subsection; power-ups, on the other hand, increase the destructive powers of your weapon for every three that are collected. Don't stop to think - the enemy comes on thick and fast, so continuous blasting is the order of the day.

The backgrounds change on a regular basis, starting off with a forest, and then on to deserts, cities, oceans, and other exotic locations! Unfortunately, the baddies are determined to leave you no time to admite the landscape! With the choice of three different weapons, Flying Shark must wipe out the foe - or not live to regret it.

Megadrive

Fire Shark

I'm a great fan of Truxton, and this game is very similar - and just as hugely enjoyable. Wiping out hundreds of enemy vessels is my idea of perfect entertainment, and this delivers with a vengeance.

The only problem is that Easy level is far *too* easy; I virtucally completed the game without losing a single life! However, Medium level is quite tough and will provide even the best wibbler with an adequate challenge.

The graphics are of an extremely high standard and, for once, don't stop you from seeing the enemy's bullets coming! There are too many continues available, but that's a common problem in Megadrive arcade games, and even Truxton had infinite continues.

I recommend this game very strongly to all shoot-'em-up fans - you'll have a blast!

Matt Regan