HyperBlade
HyperBlade PC CD violent futuristic sports armed combat skating competition game
Game
Windows
Activision
1996
CD
$4.48
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If the recreational, violent world of Activision's HyperBlade were a reality, it would be every hockey fan's dream - and every hockey player's nightmare. In the fantasy future where the newfangled game of HyperBlade takes place, the rules governing popular sporting events - at least the humane rules - have become pretty scarce. As the member of a "blading" team (maybe the term "team" should be replaced with "mercenary squad"), you must compete in several international arenas to become head of the class - or lose your head trying. Combining elegant, silken 3-D graphics with ultrarealistic character movement and exhilarating yet harsh gameplay, HyperBlade is sure to win over those sports gamers who want to see a little bit more blood hit the ice.
Well, you're not exactly on ice in HyperBlade, you're just trying to put your opponents on ice, so to speak. Your team consists of three players, each armed with a "jak" (a throwing-slashing device) and clad in about as much protective shielding as they can afford to wear. Two of these teammates are controlled as your offense, and one is a goalie. You can customize your team by selecting players of varying skill at the start-up screen; some players excel in speed, others in strength, etc. A typical match begins when an electronic puck or "rok" is ejected into the air. The competitors then skate around the huge hyperbolic arena, vie for possession of the rok, pass it around, and toss it into the goal. The rules are just that simple, because after that, anything goes.
Between the two goals at either end of the arena, there are several jumps and obstacles to maneuver. You can send your player catapulting into the air with strategically located ramps or activate turnstiles which make a salad of the next poor fellow who runs into them. Trip mines and missile projectiles can also be picked up and deployed, toppling any opponent who is trailing you.
Toppling isn't the only evasive tactic at your disposal, as good sportsmanship quickly gives way to merciless brutality. There are several attack moves that you can test out on your competition. Body-checking an opponent will send him sprawling helplessly onto the court, losing the rok if it's in his possession. To really make the opponent cry out in agony, you can try slashing. And if you slash him enough times, you'll actually be able to decapitate him, carry his disembodied cranium over to the goal, and toss it in as if you were in some sort of Aztec basketball tournament. Pretty sick ideas here. But watch out for the other team's goalie, because he or she may swoop down and unjustifiably kick the crap out of you simply for treading on the wrong turf.
The developers of this game seem to have gone all out to create a believable atmosphere. A lot of time went into rendering the skaters' actions and, judging from their incredible fluidity of movement, the effort was well worth it. At times, your skater will have to perform dramatic rail slides and aerials off the sides of the arena, or go for a power shot during the climactic last seconds of a round. The celebratory explosions, sirens, and uproarious crowd cheers, accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack, add to the dramatic tension of each match.
As a competitor in the Hyperdrome, you're bestowed with all the glory of an internationally competing sports hero. But by the same token, you're constantly reminded of the fact that you're only a sacrificial dupe, risking your neck for the enjoyment of a sick, fury-driven crowd. This is the sinister, immersive environment that HyperBlade creates for the player. Little nuances, like the despondency with which the players keel over and die, and the participants' preliminary stretches that seem to say "another backbreaking day at the 'drome" effectively suck you into the dark theme. Whether you're play this over a network or just try and beat the computer, HyperBlade should provide a half-pipe of joy for sports and action game fans alike.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
Well, you're not exactly on ice in HyperBlade, you're just trying to put your opponents on ice, so to speak. Your team consists of three players, each armed with a "jak" (a throwing-slashing device) and clad in about as much protective shielding as they can afford to wear. Two of these teammates are controlled as your offense, and one is a goalie. You can customize your team by selecting players of varying skill at the start-up screen; some players excel in speed, others in strength, etc. A typical match begins when an electronic puck or "rok" is ejected into the air. The competitors then skate around the huge hyperbolic arena, vie for possession of the rok, pass it around, and toss it into the goal. The rules are just that simple, because after that, anything goes.
Between the two goals at either end of the arena, there are several jumps and obstacles to maneuver. You can send your player catapulting into the air with strategically located ramps or activate turnstiles which make a salad of the next poor fellow who runs into them. Trip mines and missile projectiles can also be picked up and deployed, toppling any opponent who is trailing you.
Toppling isn't the only evasive tactic at your disposal, as good sportsmanship quickly gives way to merciless brutality. There are several attack moves that you can test out on your competition. Body-checking an opponent will send him sprawling helplessly onto the court, losing the rok if it's in his possession. To really make the opponent cry out in agony, you can try slashing. And if you slash him enough times, you'll actually be able to decapitate him, carry his disembodied cranium over to the goal, and toss it in as if you were in some sort of Aztec basketball tournament. Pretty sick ideas here. But watch out for the other team's goalie, because he or she may swoop down and unjustifiably kick the crap out of you simply for treading on the wrong turf.
The developers of this game seem to have gone all out to create a believable atmosphere. A lot of time went into rendering the skaters' actions and, judging from their incredible fluidity of movement, the effort was well worth it. At times, your skater will have to perform dramatic rail slides and aerials off the sides of the arena, or go for a power shot during the climactic last seconds of a round. The celebratory explosions, sirens, and uproarious crowd cheers, accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack, add to the dramatic tension of each match.
As a competitor in the Hyperdrome, you're bestowed with all the glory of an internationally competing sports hero. But by the same token, you're constantly reminded of the fact that you're only a sacrificial dupe, risking your neck for the enjoyment of a sick, fury-driven crowd. This is the sinister, immersive environment that HyperBlade creates for the player. Little nuances, like the despondency with which the players keel over and die, and the participants' preliminary stretches that seem to say "another backbreaking day at the 'drome" effectively suck you into the dark theme. Whether you're play this over a network or just try and beat the computer, HyperBlade should provide a half-pipe of joy for sports and action game fans alike.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.