Genre 2D Platformer
1 Player
Qsound/surround sound
Kids to Adults
No Save option
40 + levels


‘Lomax is in way over his head. Evil Ed has nabbed his pals tricked
them into doing diabolical deeds. Only Lomax has the power to break the
sinister HEX!’ Does this grab your attention yet? I continued reading
the preview on the reverse side of the jewel case. ‘Leap into action
with Lomax as he battles Ed’s evildoers and travels through bizarre
lands in this fast and frantic thriller!’ 


* Over 40 levels of zoomin’ action
* 4 Exotic landscapes with fantastic animated effects
* Dash in and out of platforms up to 10 layers deep
* Conquer tons of enemies, bats, zombies, blowfish & more!


Hmmm, this all sounded pretty good to me, although I don’t generally
pay much attention to the merits it really tries to sale. But being a
platformer addict myself, I couldn’t resist the temptation and
eventually picked up the game. Was it worth the purchase? Read on:


This game came out late in 96. The game was never hyped or given the
media attention as other popular Psygnosis titles received, mainly
Wipeout Xl, and DD2. In other words, Lomax came into the PSX game 
library with a quiet reception that barely anyone paid attention as
other more popular titles stole the lime light. This, I personally
thought was a mistake, and Psygnosis should have done everything to
hype this 
game!


The 2D platforming genre for the PSX has received little justice over
the years, mainly due to Sony’s philosophy in the 3D spectacle for
next-generation gaming. Thus, the library of 2D platformers is indeed 
very small. Capcom has recently stated that their recent release of
MegaMan 8 in the States has been well received and sold well, and
although this software points a departure from originality, the game is
being picked up from the store shelves. This could well mean a couple
factors. Either gamers crave nostalgia, or simply want to play 2D
genres. If the latter is the fact, you better scoop through the PSX
library and try finding Lomax.


The MENU SCREEN:


Enter three Main selections: Enter password, Options, or start the game
from its inception.


OPTIONS Include:


Controller Set Up: There are 3 pre-set Controller set-ups you can use. 

Music Volume: Self explanatory.

SFX Volume: Self-explanatory.

Ambient Volume: Allows you to alter the volume of the game’s atmosphere
Fx.

Screen Center: Center the screen correctly on your Tv set.


MAP SCREEN: The Map screen shows Lomax’s progress on his mission to
reach Evil Ed and defeat him. You will be returned to this screen each
time you have completed a level.

Continue: etc.

Password: Let’s you return to your previous completed level.


GRAPHICS


Well, as graphics is concerned, all I need to mention is ‘Psygnosis’.
The preview had stated ‘4 Exotic landscapes with fantastic animated
effects’. And by its numerable mention, it lives by its words. 
Graphically, the game is a masterpiece. The look is very sharp,
excellent animation, and colours abound to rival anything Disney did
for the Genesis. The game is so great looking, I often found my eye
swaying from the main action, pursuing the fine details and lavishing
parallel backgrounds found all throughout the game. There’s a level of
quality here that is not often replicated and hard to top off. This
level of perfection is almost uncanny and apparently a mark of
complexity never found in the 16-bit machines. This game is not just a
simple 2D platformer, a found a lot of ingenuity abundant in this game,
not just graphically, but with also a strong gameplay engine. What I
enjoyed was the wing effect of blowing leaves passing with the current,
and when Lomax pals’ transform from their evil ways, the sprinkle of
graphics spray bits of flashes and colours with picturesque clarity,
and afterwards you see his saved pals running and jumping of the ledges
with umbrellas. Very cute! The backdrops are so meticulous in detail
they’re breath taking. I never seen such beautiful backgrounds in a 2D
platformer before, and I seen plenty in my days. This absolutely is
perfection, and I must say Lomax is the best looking 2D platformer I
ever laid eyes on. Period! Psygnosis have always created great graphics
for their software, but they truly have top themselves with this little
project. All the characters in the game have received equal treatment
on their make-up traits, and carefully each piece in the game is a
contention to great artists who can actually interpret great looking
landscapes with distinguishing fine detail. But what’s more impressive
is the level of colours used to paint such a fine portrait. It seems
every colour imaginable was used in the game, with a concluding effect
of great brightness, fades, and mystic veiling pigments. Well done!


GAMEPLAY!


Well, when I picked up Lomax, I wasn’t expecting much. After all, since
the game lacks popularity, it floats in the gloomy shadow grandeur of
the PSX’s library. So when I bought this software, I was expecting
selling it once finished. Uhhh, NOT! Most PSX games have been noted for
their great graphics and eye candy, however, some lack depth and
gameplay. But with Lomax, the graphics miraculous brilliance actually
is just another factor in the game’s exciting final package. First and
first most, the game engine is similar to that of *Rayman*, another
great PSX platformer with ingenuity and great level designs. The
luxuriant mold in the similar play mechanics is only found in the
Special abilities Lomax earns during gameplay. While in Rayman the
abilities where specifically earned during specific points in the game,
Lomax abilities are earned on the *go*. Here’s a run down of what Lomax
can earn:

Digging Icon: Gives Lomax the ability to dig horizontally through
certain obstacles.

Building Icon: This ability will help Lomax build a bridge by placing
small platforms that float in the air. Use it to reach upper
platformers and across long distances between platfomers. Each last
approximately 10 sec.

Bomb Helmet Icon: If you have a helmet, you can use this ability to
throw hand grenades. These can inflict self damage if too close to the
grenade explosion.

Flaming Helmet Icon: If you have a helmet, this ability will throw your
helmet much further and take out enemies in packs. 

Hover Helmet Icon: If you have a helmet, this will give you a temporary
flight in air. use it to jump over long areas covered with spikes.

Grab Helmet Icon: If you have the helmet, this special ability will
allow you to grab onto hovering platformers and pull yourself in. Also
very handy for getting across gaps which are too wide to jump.


Aside from these special abilities, Lomax can Run, Spin attack, run on
barrels, use spring loaded platforms, and climb ropes. There’s alot
thrown into the game to keep you on your toes. I found out the game has
a good mixture of thrilling action, mix with some suspense as you jump
into the unknown and solve the levels with your special abilities.
Lomax is not terribly original, but then again what platformer is! Your
Lomax character works about through the impression perils of landscapes
the same way *Rayman* did with a good amount of skill, attack, and
jumping precision. Like Rayman, Lomax succeeds with a dangerous
paternal environment that is not easy to master and walk through with
little danger to circumstantial deadly environments. In other words,
this platformer is challenging and the levels have enough thrills and
suspense action that the game demands replay value. If you blindly just
run around carelessly, and ignore the law of precision of jumping and
attack, there’s a good chance you’ll lose a life, and if care is
ignored, you won’t get too far into the game. This game requires good
coordination, not as much skill in timing your jumps as in Rayman, but
does require a level of patience as you move about, and carefully
choosing your spots to attack as you progress further into the level.
The level designed is quite intricate, and smart programming went into
the often tricky designs of the worlds of Lomax. Rayman dealt much more
with the stature of precision jumping and mastering the designs over
spikes, moving platforms and deadly objects. But Lomax has a more
balance combination of slight of hand design infrastructure, and enemy
interaction. Some of the enemies can be tricky to destroy! Which adds
to the depth of Lomax. For example: some zombies require double spin
attacks, while others can be destroyed with one single attack. They
often will suddenly appear from below the ground and try to surprise
you -- they can also surprise you from behind when you’re busy digging.
A bat can sometimes linger above you, and suddenly descend to attack,
and if miss, will suddenly change to a witch and fire in your general 
direction. Pirates can lunge swords at you if you get too close, which
they often do as they always spot you. While running on barrels to get
across the water, baby whales will attack you from below, or plunge up 
into the air and descend below you. Wild-west shooters will transform
after being attack and lunge a self-propelled exploding bomb that
gradually seeks your standing area. Etc. What this means is, the
playful charm of enemy attacks involves good use of your spin attacks
and mastering your special abilities. These rascals don’t line up like
ducks in the hail days of 16-bit platformers. Some are tricky to rid of
and can be alot of fun just dealing with this element. This is one of
the main reasons why I like Lomax so much and sets it apart from
mediocre status. The action between enemies and environment was well
executed, with a difficulty staircase increase as you progress further
into the game. But I’m saving the best part of Lomax for Last! The
action don’t just takes place in the traditional foreground, but with
the intention of preserving some innovation into platfomers, the
actions can scroll into the background! Yes, that’s right, you can
actually transcend into the background, which consequently becomes the
foreground, while a new backdrop replaces the old. Sometimes you will
actually see your character play in the backdrop! This effect is done
well as you see the backdrop lighting up over the shaded colours
influencing the background scenery. Very interesting, and to take this
required path. One must do a couple things, One: find boards or 
bridges to cross into the backdrop, second, use spring boards that will
lunch Lomax into the background, or vise-versa. This, as stated in the
preview can go as far as ten layers deep. Cool! It actually works well 
and adds a new twist to 2D, freshening up gameplay. This new revenue of
foreground and background interactions makes Lomax an original and
twisty game to play. More and more I actually longed to play more
levels in this style, and certainly, Lomax doesn’t disappoint you
there.


More gameplay: Along the way, Lomax will encounter check points. ‘Rope
Barriers’. If you die, you’ll automatically return to the last checked
‘Rope Barrier’. NIT-PICKING: Some levels don’t have rope barriers at
all. Also, the Wise Old Lorock’s Hat, which is hanging in the air, if
touched, will appear a magic wizard who will occasionally give you
advise upon what to expect in the level, and what you can do with your
special abilities. NIT-PICKING: I wished the wizard had appeared a few
more time in the latter part of the game. When you rescue 50 lemmings,
the word ‘Bonus’ will appear in the Bonus/helmet window, you’ll be
allowed to enter a bonus level once the current section is complete.
However, this is one of the main weaknesses I found in Lomax. There’s
only one bonus level, and sadly, is not goal oriented like those found
in Rayman. The only redeeming purpose found in Lomax bonus level is
simply collecting coins. Collect 100 coins and earn a much needed extra
life. This is compounded by the fact the bonus level is uninspired.
Just punch the hanging bags and loosen the coins, collect, and punch
another bag again, and collect more coins. Boring!


BOSSES: One tackling boss you’ll encounter over and over again is a
floating giant balloon who attacks you from the background lunching
missiles in your general direction. As you move eastward, you’ll jump 
avoiding zombies, or spinning to attack them. If any of the flying
projectiles hit large stones on your path, you’ll divert the projectile
back from whence it came, puncturing a hole into the balloon, and
thereby damaging it. The effects in this level alone are excellent.
Afterwards the balloon will move into the foreground and disappear,
taking its place is a giant platform that will occasionally try to
squash you and you seek ditches, and will than bring moving iron spiked
balls hanging by chains, which you must constantly dodge. Every time
you meet this boss level, the variation will change, and the Giant Air 
Balloon will required more hits. Not particular hard, with practice, it
won’t be too frustrating to beat. The difficulty is just right.  


CONTROL:


Lomax has three forms of attacking. The first is his basic, spin
attack. This is a bit tricky at first, ‘cause to activate the spin
attack you must use the same button you use to jump/spin: the X button.
So you can first jump, and again press the ‘X’ button to use your
spinning attack. Or tapping the ‘X’ button rather quickly will activate
the spin attack. Second, you can lunge your helmet for a safer attack.
(The helmet always comes back to you.) But you have to collect your
helmet by destroying pots scattered in strategic places. If you receive
a hit, you will lose the helmet, and if you’re hit the second time
without carrying a helmet, you lose a life. Third, you can use one of
the stronger ability helmets as the last additional attack against 
superior, and stronger enemies. This will be needed in the latter
levels. In order to access your special abilities, by pressing the
select button a screen will open up, showing you a circle of icons,
with each icon showing the number of abilities per item. Choose an
ability and return to the action and use it by pressing the ‘square’
button. The L1&L2 shoulder buttons are use to look up or down, while
pressing the R1 with left/right direction will cause Lomax to run. The
‘Triangle’ button is use to activate any extra helmets you have
collected, in case you lose the first, and a helmet window on top of
the screen notifies if you have any. Over all, controlling Lomax is
very simple with initiative, and responsive controls. Other objects you
manipulate in the game are responsive and have a good feel, for
example, the floating water barrels and air bubble rides. Climbing
jumps and jumping is a snap, although I wished the running could have
been a little more responsive. Lomax can also jump out of the water
once. He’ll struggle for a slight moment in the water as he imitates
his struggling when drowning, jumping again will save him, but if you
land on water again, you lose a life.


MUSIC/FX


Will, again, the music has received special attention. Qsound Virtual
audio was incorporated to enhance soundfield beyond the bounds of
regular stereo, adding more realism. Since Qsound is a stereo process, 
you will need a stereo playback system. I don’t have a stereo system
set up, but I used my headphones and was able to pick up the
difference. The atmosphere sounds of bird chirping, cow mooo’s etc,
will shift from one field to the next. The music is very descent, and
is well appropriate for a Platformer. Some tunes are light-hearted,
while some have an element of suspense, like in the pirate levels. The
Fx is nothing short but excellent. I love the atmosphere noises
accompanying the music, and that deep booming noise when the lemmings
are freed is tantalizing. Lomax utters a few lines: ‘Oh no!’, ‘Lets
go’, ‘WOhww’ when he attempts long jumps, and shrieks when drowning.


BOTTOM LINE: This game rules. It’s one of Psygnosis best games ever
created for the PSX, and certainly Lomax ranks amongst *the* best three
PSX platformers. Rayman, Crash, and Lomax. Frankly, this is one of the
main games that make the PSX special, and is a strong asset to have in
your library collection. With 40 plus levels of challenging 2D
platforming, this game should keep you busy for 2-3 weeks. This one is
for keeps! Over and out!

96%


Graphics      10
Control        9
Funfactor     10
replay Value   9
Music/Fx     8/10


BEST FEATURES: Graphics, Fx-Qsound, 40+ levels, challenging, great
gameplay depth and replay value, 2D platforming with a new twist!


WORST FEATURES: No save option, bonus level is not goal oriented,
repeated boss.

Reviewed by Leogamer....