Video Game Review: 'Voltron: Defender of the Universe'

Well, before Hollywood gets its claws on it and does the unthinkable, we might as well enjoy "Voltron: Defender of the Universe" for what it is now: gloriously cheesy '80s entertainment featuring awesome Lion robots and the enormous defender that is Voltron himself.

The animated cartoon is still popular with many folks, and the''ll probably be the ones who appreciate THQ/Behaviour Interactive's video-game take on Voltron more than anyone else. Still, it's a serviceable twin-stick shooter with plenty of oomph.

In the game, you'll choose from one of five heroic Lion pilots and their vehicle, shooting your way through stages overloaded with enemies who are being a nuisance to innocent inhabitants. Each Lion comes equipped with a different kind of weapon, such as a shotgun blast or continuously firing lasers, and playing around with each one gives you an idea which will suit you best.

After you complete several of these action stages, you'll be treated to a battle with the Robeast, forming Voltron using simple quick-time event sequences and then choosing attacks, RPG style, to do battle. You can also counter attacks by hitting quick buttons, before eventually moving in for the kill.

The Voltron sequences are probably the weakest in the game, mainly because we expected more intensity out of a one-on-one battle. But they're small in comparison to the shooting stages, so you'll get through them and get back to blasting the living crap out of everything else.

And the shooting really isn't half bad. Some critics have called out the Lions' loose control and some cheap hits, but, honestly, Behaviour balanced this fairly, we think. Shooting feels natural with the right analog stick, and the ability to charge at enemies on the ground or in the air (pounce) is a nice touch. And you can keep an eye out for hidden goodies as well, including innocent civilians in need of rescue and powerful pieces of Voltron force.

What's more, like any old-school Konami game, Voltron works with friends. The game supports up to five players in multiplayer, both online and off, and while it can get tremendously hectic with so much happening on-screen, it's insanely fun. You can compete to see who can get the best score possible, if you're up for it. ("I can kill more than you!").

As far as presentation goes, Behaviour sticks with the Voltron source material at hand. The animation is decidedly smooth, with good stuff happening in the stages and with the Lions themselves. Sometimes the camera sits at a perspective that makes it hard to see enemies, though pop-up icons indicate where you need to be firing. The cinemas are compiled from classic 80's clips via the show, adding to the overwhelming nostalgia. Kudos to the developer for also using original sound samples from the show for each pilot, as well as music that's inspired by the original theme song.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is simplistic, and some folks just won't understand the appeal of what they might feel is "another twin stick shooter". But, honestly, it's a romp, especially if you can call on friends to help you save the day. For $10, you get a great piece of 80's rememberance that pays tribute to one of the best shows when we were kids.

Now if only these guys would do "Thundercats."

 

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Video Games: 'Voltron: Defender of the Universe'

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