Scorched Planet

Scorched Planet PC CD vehicle morphs into flying craft or tank alien combat game 

Game 

Windows 95 

Virgin Interactive 

1996 

CD 

$3.48
Packaging
SCORCHED PLANET

Forgive me in advance if I gush a bit over Scorched Planet, but it's rare that a game actually delivers on all the promises. Criterion Studios claimed its first title would be an exciting action game set in beautifully rendered, panoramic 3-D environments with cool weapons and full 360-degree movement. And that's exactly what it created. For once, the box was right.

Set in the future, Scorched Planet is a heart-thumping 19 mission, first-person flying and driving game where action is king but strategy is still key. Using a vehicle that morphs between a flying craft and a tank-buggy, you must rescue colonists under attack by the Voraxians, an alien race destroying everything in their path. While you could tackle this problem like a maniac and simply start blasting - and this is extremely tempting - you won't get very far if you do. This game is a test to see if you can think as well as you shoot.

Each mission involves saving a certain number of humans. Unfortunately, while you're trying to gather your quota of colonists, the Voraxians are trying to turn them into zombies, kill them, or carry them off to their ship, all while launching attacks on your ship. The only way to complete each mission is to keep casualties to a minimum by launching the appropriate countermeasures - using weapons, inventory and power-ups. The colonists are also part of your arsenal as they can gather items and fend off the aliens. This added human element combines with the smooth controls and a plethora of powerful goodies to make Scorched Planet a surprisingly exciting experience.

In addition to the well-designed gameplay, Scorched Planet looks and sounds fantastic. Graphically it's a visual symphony of real-time 3-D graphics combined with highly detailed terrain and true 3-D monsters. If you're fortunate enough to own one of the 3-D cards supported by the game, you'll see the full value of your investment as you blaze through the first level. If you don't have a card, don't panic - the graphics are still spectacular. Add in thumping music, fantastic full directional 3-D sound, and "danger music" that warns you of an approaching invasion, and Scorched Planet begins to show just how aesthetically pleasing a game can be.

Criterion deserves lots of kudos for Scorched Planet. It delivered on its promises and gave players more to accomplish in an action game than simply racking up the body count. This game is a must for anyone looking for a diversion from those carnage-fest action games. Better yet, it supports up to 8 players in two different types of match play - both of which are a blast. Even without this feature, Scorched Planet emerges as a mighty fine action game that is well worth a look.

For Windows 95/98 (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.


  • SHIPPING:

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