Strategic Simulations Incorporated (SSI) was responsible for the release of several interesting games that were geared for mature audiences and featured an M ESRB rating because of the violence or graphic sexual content. Necrodome is fast-paced and futuristic driving game that falls into this category. The Raven Software Corporation developed Necrodome for play on the more modern personal computer running the Windows operating system and it was released for play on the home computer in the middle nineties. Necrodome features both a third and first person perspective view, depending on the action sequence and offers the gamer a very dark cyberpunk theme.
When Raven Software began its development of this game, it was intended to be a direct sequel to CyClones, however, part way through production, the storyline and action went off course. Instead of a sequel, Necrodome became a play of its own.
While Necrodome is a driving game, don’t expect to be racing around cute little tracks in sexy hovercrafts, waving at the opposition as you pass them by. Necrodome, like so many of the futuristic driving games on the market, focuses on vehicular combat, which is part of the reason for its rating. The game takes place inside an arena style field, similar to a gladiator’s dome, instead of on a big oval or road course. Similar to a
Roman gladiator event, there is action in the dome, but the gladiators are cars instead of starved slaves or criminals fighting baited bears. Mixed into the game of Necrodome is the classic driving quest of “Capture the Flag,” and the user will have to maneuver around the dome, killing the opposition and trying to recover the flag. He will drive a heavily armored vehicle that drives like a car but acts like a tank, and will feature many different ordinances in terms of weaponry.
Capturing the flag will be challenging. They are obviously never right out in the open where it would be easy to snag. The gamer will likely have to go through many armored enemies, and possibly unlock a specific area to find it. There are many areas within the dome that are too small for the car to enter, but are still accessible on foot. This is where the view changes perspectives. The user will have to abandon his tank and run for it, leaving himself very open to enemy fire. There are eight different sorts of enemy cars, as well as an occasional foot soldier. Once he finds the flag, he must return to his starting position safely, and then begin a new mission!
