PC CD-ROM minimum system requirements: Pentium 75mhz; 8MB RAMP; 32MB hard disk space, Windows 95; Quad-speed CD drive, SVGA. £34.99
FEATURING the voice of the X-Files Gillian Anderson and a script direct from Hollywood, Hellbender is the latest release from Microsoft, in gameplay terms, to say it is the sequel to Microsoft Fury3 wouldn't be far from the truth.
Although Fury was fairly taxing on your system, it's nothing like what Hellbender demands. Not only will you need a high end Pentium with oodles of RAM to exude maximum performance, a 3D accelerator video card is also recommended. Although Hellbender will run reasonably well on lower spec machines, you'll never be able to appreciate its gorgeous, smooth flowing graphics.
Hellbender is the name of your prototype attack aircraft" in which you must destroy the soulless Bion invaders. Each mission involves various objectives and power-ups and extra weapons are strewn throughout. Your on-board computer EVE, aka Gillian Anderson, keeps you informed of your status and a simple but effective cockpit layout enables you to see weapon, shield, damage, cloaking, speed and energy levels at a glance.
But Hellbender is all about action, and with enemies swarming at you from all angles, you will need lightning reflexes and a keen eye to survive. Unless you have a good joystick that includes a hat switch, it's like boxing with one arm tied behind your back. Thankfully you have full freedom of movement, and ample camera views ensure you are never unsighted.
Hellbender certainly can't claim to be ground-breaking, in terms of gameplay. It's a simple, shoot-to-kill game. What it can claim is successfully combining the gameplay with today's technology, pushing it to the limit, and thus providing a more intense and gratifying experience.
Graphics: 93%, Sound: 90%, Gameplay: 89%