Did you know that within the Hell’s Gate Prison level of the PS1 game Future Cop LAPD, you can find these allied guards who resemble Space Maries from Warhammer?
This level itself doesn’t take place in space, but it’s canon in this game’s universe that mutants, cyborgs, otherworldly beings, and whatever else exist in this future. So clearly one of the devs who was into 40K, figured Space Maries would be appropriate for a jail that would likely contain all of those.
Just a fun little easter egg that I thought I’d share~
Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines is such a flawed hidden gem.
The video "Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines | The Epitome of the RPG" by Bella Velvet Velour (Vivi) is a detailed exploration of the 2004 action RPG Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games. Despite its troubled development and initial poor reception, Vivi highlights why the game is considered a masterpiece of the RPG genre.
Key Points:
Overview of the Game
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, players take on the role of a newly turned vampire navigating a world of political intrigue among vampire factions.
Based on White Wolf's World of Darkness tabletop RPG, it features deep character creation, including vampire clans that influence gameplay and narrative.
Gameplay and Features
The game combines action, stealth, and dialogue-driven role-playing.
Players can choose different approaches to quests (combat, persuasion, stealth) and experience unique gameplay based on their chosen vampire clan (e.g., Malkavians with madness or Nosferatu with stealth).
The narrative is rich with engaging dialogue, world-building, and moral choices that affect the story's progression and multiple endings.
Strengths
Exceptional writing: Sardonic, political, and concise.
Memorable characters voiced by renowned actors like John DiMaggio and Grey DeLisle.
Immersive atmosphere: A seductive yet dark portrayal of LA supported by strong sound design and a gothic-inspired soundtrack.
Flaws
Released in an unfinished state due to publisher interference (Activision) and development challenges with Valve's Source engine.
Bugs, graphical glitches, and uneven quality across game areas (e.g., Chinatown feels incomplete).
Stereotypical portrayals of some characters have not aged well.
Legacy and Fan Support
Initial sales were poor due to competition with Half-Life 2 and technical issues.
A dedicated fan community has kept the game alive through unofficial patches that fix bugs and restore cut content.
The game has since gained a cult following for its depth and innovation.
Conclusion:
While flawed at launch, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines remains a standout RPG for its storytelling, character depth, and immersive world. Vivi recommends playing it with fan patches to fully appreciate its brilliance.
Future Cop LAPD was soo good! also the first moba
The video "Was it Good? - Future Cop: LAPD" by Josh Strife Hayes provides an in-depth analysis of Future Cop: LAPD, a 1998 action-shooter game developed by EA Redwood Shores (later Visceral Games). The video explores the game's mechanics, design, legacy, and its potential influence on the MOBA genre.
Key Points:
Overview and Context
Future Cop: LAPD is set in a cyberpunk Los Angeles in 2098, where players pilot the X1 Alpha, a mech/hovercraft hybrid, to combat crime.
Released on PlayStation 1, PC, and Mac, it sold poorly (around 200,000 units) but gained a cult following due to its demo on PlayStation’s demo disc.
EA Redwood Shores, the game's developer, would later become famous for creating the Dead Space series.
Gameplay Mechanics
Players switch between mech mode (for precision and jumping) and hovercraft mode (for speed and maneuverability).
The game features two modes: a single-player campaign (Crime War) and a two-player mode (Precinct Assault), which some argue predated the MOBA genre by five years.
The campaign includes eight levels with varied objectives, such as rescuing hostages or defeating crime bosses, while offering a mix of platforming, combat, and exploration.
Strengths
Audio-Visual Design: The soundtrack by David O'Neill combines cyberpunk ambiance with dynamic action themes. Explosions, voice acting, and mech sounds enhance immersion.
Combat Variety: Players can equip different weapons (e.g., minigun, missiles) suited for specific scenarios. Power-ups add depth to gameplay.
Level Design: Levels are densely packed with destructible environments and intuitive layouts that guide players through objectives.
Weaknesses
Platforming Issues: Jumping mechanics are clunky, especially in later levels requiring precision.
Inconsistent Level Quality: Some levels, like the open-water "Beach" level, feel repetitive and lack the intensity of urban combat scenarios.
No Checkpoints: Death forces players to restart levels entirely, which can be frustrating.
Legacy and Influence
Despite its flaws, Future Cop is praised for its innovative gameplay and is speculated to have influenced modern MOBAs like Dota 2 and League of Legends. Its Precinct Assault mode introduced mechanics akin to lane-based strategy games.
Conclusion:
While Future Cop: LAPD didn’t achieve commercial success upon release, its engaging combat mechanics, creative design choices, and cult status make it a standout title from the late '90s. Josh Strife Hayes concludes that the game is worth revisiting for its unique charm and historical significance in gaming.
