Flashback discussion

Post by **Devin** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:20 pm

Chads review of Flashback on defunct games got me thinking about the differences between versions of this same game even more. So after hammering out the Game Guide I realised it seems impossible to use some of the items in the game due to the restraints imposed through the limited controls! Specifically the Mechanised Mice. From what I remember the Amiga version allowed you to duck and press an action button to release the mechanical rodent which activated switches on its journey. On the CD-i version this same command initiates the inventory screen! I'll investigate some more but I think a few minor gameplay elements have been cut to cater for these shortcomings.

At the moment I'm playing with the kick ass Gamester joypad making control alot easier. Although I think it's time to revisit the classical pad to remind myself how awful the 'standard controllers' actually were!

Also corrected the access code for level 6 on the difficult level, seems the bode at Philips Media dropped the 'F' off the start of 'URNIS'

Post by **Bas** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:47 pm

I don't think they are *that* awfull, but it wasn't fluid either. I remember that metro which was insanely slow. the framerate was terrible. It's been a long time since I played the CD-i Flashback!

Also, when those rocks fall from the sky, it's not playable anymore.... that's about the last level I guess.

Post by **Devin** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:21 pm

That's another odd point. With two 'jet pack cops' floating around the performance hit is obvious but when I had three aliens flipping around the screen the game was as fast and fluid as any other part of the game. Just seems very unusual to me where the performance hits rear there head!

Post by **Bas** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:45 pm

Those unresponsive controls are a main problems with a lot of cd-i titles. But I remember those button combinations like jumping and hanging on the cliff right from it, and when he only saw that like a normal jump and I was like goddamnit I pushed that button i did i did!!! Frustrating.

Post by **Devin** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:14 pm

I'd really love to speak to the people that developed this CD-i version from Tiertex. With all due credit thay crammed all the animations into this version and it feels like they had to sacrifice a few things to pull it off. Unfortunately those things including the sound of the force field and the whack'wo of Conrad swinging at the enemy is what made the game for me on the Amiga version. It makes it very difficult to isolate the CD-i version on its own merits!