For every WalkmanΓäó or safety razor out there, at least a hundred Crystal PepsiΓÇÖs have died a nasty death on the product line. For gaming systems, the odds are greater still. To lure hardcore players away from their existing platform requires a combination of graphics, playablilty and, most importantly, a great product. Well, sound the trumpets. SEGA have done it again. While NintendoΓÇÖs Virtual Boy induces little more than a blurry red headache, BugΓÇöSEGAΓÇÖs latest Mario/Sonic-type signature characterΓÇöis an instantly addictive title.
Bug is on the money right from the outset. As he wanders through a typically nonsensical storyline (save your friends from King Spider, avoid plummeting to your death and rememberΓÇöitΓÇÖs only a movie!), SEGAΓÇÖs nonchalant Bug character dispenses Bart Simpson-esque doses of wit and attitude while traversing a deadly obsticle course on a quest to gather Bug Juice and stay alive. Although obviously derivative, the walk-jump-and-stomp gameplay is amazingly well rendered in three dimensions, adding a whole new level of movement and graphic detail. A fine effort and an obvious cash cow in the making, Bug seems destined to saunter into the homes of gamers everywhere.
