Game Review: Hyper Zone (SNES)

Hyper Zone, a game developed exclusively for the SNES by HAL Laboratory, Inc. is one of the earliest on-rails shooters in existence. The game, similar to a cross between games of today like F-Zero-X and Unreal Tournament, combines elements from each style. Each level consists of a 3D-esque (the SNES didn't have "true" 3D ability, but it was emulated through something known as "mode 7", replicated in various tank games throughout the lifespan of the SNES) exploration of a pre-determined path; that is to say, you didn't move yourself (except to strafe) per-se, but you fired at will.

Firstly, the graphics are what caught my eye so many years ago. They most resembled the original F-Zero-X, the track being displayed at the top of the screen. The modern GBA F-Zero games are very similar to this except that you cannot navigate yourself; you simply fire. Enemies approach from the distance and are scaled into focus; their sprites simply increase in size, so as to create the illusion that they are getting closer. It's actually quite a cool effect, considering the technological abilities of such a primitive device. I really enjoy the classic feel of this game's graphics. They are solid, and vivid nonetheless.

As you progress through Hyper Zone, your space ship increases in size and power. The enemies also increase in number and in power, as you would expect from this kind of game. The game is sort-of a combination of the aforementioned two games with Space Invaders, except along a z-axis instead of the two-dimensional X or Y axes.

The music in the game consists of some cool (albeit cheesy) techno-type stuff that I haven't heard elsewhere. It compliments the graphics a lot, and makes the game that much more enjoyable.

Hyper Zone actually has little story. Unlike the vast majority of other games of this type, you simply follow the track and defeat enemies, with no apparent background whatsoever. Despite this, I have a lot of fun with this arcade-style video game.

Honestly, the game is not challenging whatsoever. I can honestly complete the vast majority of levels without firing a single shot (well, almost...). Despite the fact that it's very easy, the game is extraordinarily fun, and in moderation, is a great time waster. All-in-all, I'd give Hyper Zone a 2.8/5.