With the barrage of games that have been recently released, quite a few
games might get lost in the jungle of releases  - with no much-deserved
praise as games like WipeoutXl, F1, and Star Gladiators. Mindscape's
latest release, Steel Harbinger is one such game. If you have the extra
dough to spare, buy or at least rent this title - it's absolutely an
incredble sci-fi action/quest. Bascically you control this
half-android/half human female who's capable of firing off some pretty
extensive weapons. She's been programmed for all out destruction to save
the world from this "Independance Day" fiasco after she gets infected by
an alien pod, and her scientest/dad restores her life (sort of a
Frankenstien-type of affair). You tackle various cities in the US, and
eventually have to make your way to the moon, using special hi-tech
transporters that are activated by keycards that need to be found. As
your character wanders around (isometric view which can be zoomed 3
levels), you blast anything and everything that moves - -  with the
exception of uninfected humans who have to be saved. It's total mayhem,
as enemies come from every direction, even infected animals. 

There are lots of places to explore  - as buildings/structures
incorperate that neat transparency effect when entered (like in Die Hard
Trilogy). Telephone booths are used for up-to-date transmissions from
your father, who gives instruction on what to do, or where to go next.
There are even rooms that house these video commercials that were thrown
in for light humor (some of them are actually funny). The lighting
effects from weapons to weather changes are amazing. These programmers
know the PlayStation. The control is a breeze, and the whole game moves
around as smooth as glass. I've completed the starting city, and just
entered Las Vegas where newer weapons are being discovered, as well as
some unreal creatures. By all means, don't let the goofy opening video
turn you away, this game is without a doubt one of the better
PlayStation games this year. This is distributed by Mindscape, who's
also getting ready to release (any moment) Dare Devil Derby 3-D which is
a killer micro-racing game. Starwinder is their other product released a
few days ago - which is also worth looking at (race in space/shooter).
If you liked Loaded, but wish there was more of a game attached to  - -
this is it (acutally, Loaded isn't even in the same league as this
game).

- Joe

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