From: petitc@vccnw01.its.rpi.edu (Christopher Jon Petit)
Subject: SNES:  Super Smash TV (Review)
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 14:51:30 GMT

             *** Super Smash TV ***

Maker:  Acclaim
System:  SNES
Type:  Shooter
Players:  1 or 2

Game Basics:

 It is the year 1999, and you are on the most violent game show in TV history--
Smash TV.  With a friend (if you wish), you venture into the arena, collecting
glamorous prizes (and possibly glamorous showgirls---but that's in the
PleasureDome), while trying to survive by blasting all of the hundreds of guys
that storm towards you.  These guys can be human, but are also just as likely
to be mindless machines (robots, Orbs), or even animals (Buffalo).  And, if
you should happen to clear an arena of attackers, you may reach a point
where you must defeat a Mega Monster---the Mutoid Man, ScarFace, the DieCobras,
or even the Game Show Host himself!

 Each type of critter has its own attack pattern and speed.  Orbs move slowly,
but emit deadly laser beams which can fry you, while metal robots lunge for
you mindlessly, and people come in with clubs trying to kill you.  You can
have around 2 dozen enemies on the screen at once, yet the action isn't as
unfair as it may seem.  The enemies enter from one of four stage entrances,
and none is particularly bright.

 Also to help you succeed are powerful power-up weapons (the Spread Shot,
Grenades, an extra gun to shoot alongside you, a Rocket Launcher, and a
Distance Launcher).  Not to mention the useful Socks (to make you run faster),
and Keys (get enough and you reach the PleasureDome), and ever-wanted Force
Fields, Flying Stars, and Nuke (clear the screen of guys REAL fast).

 But, mindless slaughter isn't the only thing that draws you into the arena.
We musn't forget the PRIZES---2600' screen TV's, 1999 Roadsters, Vacation
Trips, Toasters, Good Meat, Super VCR's, and, of course, BIG MONEY.

Important Point:

 You do not automatically progress to the next screen when all enemies are
present---a new cluster may appear within seconds.  Be on guard.

Review Comments:  (all ratings are 1.0 to 10.0, with 10.0 being high)

Graphics:  9.5

 A truly impressive conversion of the arcade game.  Everything is brought
home, with only one flicker (which may be intentional---the Force Field).  Only
minor details are missing---the announcer's eyebrows and eye movements, the
fact that you must pick up money in groups of 3 rather than individually, and
some guys are a bit smaller in the home version (notably the Buffalo Herds).

Music:  8.0

 Quite good.  Kind of catchy, and appropiate for the game (although I don't
think the arcade version had any background themes in the stages).

Sound Effects:  9.5

 Again, superb but not flawless.  The game show is still as obnoxious as ever,
spouting the wisdom "Big Money, Big Prizes...I Love It!" "I'll buy THAT for a
dollar."  But, again, a handful of sounds are missing---most notably the`
pitiful wail that occurs when you really pound on a big boss.

Play Mechanics:  10.0

 Incredible translation of the Arcade controls (which use 2 joysticks)---the
joypad moves you, while the four visible buttons form the second 'joypad'
for firing control.  Keeps all the feel of the arcade, and is very easy to
use and intuitive after a minimum of practice.

Skill Range:  8.0

 Good range for a shooter, but not really astounding.  Some earlier boards
are good for beginners, and Turbo mode is available (check SNES Cheat Sheet)
to make gameplay more intense for masters.  But, real novices may find the game
a bit too hard.

Skill Progression:  8.0

 Most of the game progresses easily and smoothly from easy to difficult, but
I feel the bosses really break the smooth progression---they require much
more attention and often wolf down about 6 lives.

Replay Value:  10.0

 A well-done shooter, and remains intense without becoming overwhelming, it
offers challenge even after it's beaten, and is a romp for 2 players.

Gameplay:  10.0

 Again, it keeps everything the arcade has intact, and is truly a shooter every
SNES user should have in his library.

Overall:  9.13

 Quite a shooter.




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