E3: Hybrid Heaven impressions

[05.15.99] » Konami's Hybrid Heaven emerges as one of the most promising RPG titles at E3. Screens included.

   Hybrid Heaven is an ambititous action RPG title from Konami for the Nintendo 64. The game is set in an alternative near future; a nightmare of cloning, genetic engineering, and shady corporations. The hero, Johnny Slader, has the ability to take other people's identities -- and after an introduction with full voice, Slader finds himself actually assuming the identity of one of his enemies. From here, the game begins.

   The exploration aspect is similar to Metal Gear Solid; Slader moves through 3D interiors, disruptor pistol in hand, gathering keycards, blasting robotic drones, leaping, climbing, and finding his way. Once a fair-sized enemy is met, however, a whole new game begins. The RPG battles take place on the same arena as the action exploration elements -- no magical swirling to other battle dimensions. Your "action" bar fills up as your character moves, filling up more quickly if you can stay still. When your bar is full, both characters freeze, and a fighting menu pops up. Slader can use healing items, attack items, and unleash fierce, devastating hand-to-hand attacks. Each attack uses a different part of the body: left and right arms and legs; the head, and the torso. Using different attacks "level ups" the different parts of the body; guarding increases defense and stolidity. Interestingly, fighting techniques that use multiple parts of the body combine the various levels of the requisite body parts. The level of gameplay depth seems large.

   Hybrid Heaven appears to be an above-average blend of various genres; when the final ships in third quarter 1999, N64 owners will hopefully have a decent RPG title to call their own.