Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse is Crystal Dynamics' first title for the Saturn and PlayStation and we're mighty impressed. This game improves dramatically over the flaws in Total Eclipse (which was way too hard). SE is actually something of a prequel to TE but instead of rendered digital actors, Solar features flesh and blood real actors. In fact, SE stars Claudia Christian (of TV's Babylon 5) and she is one hot space chick! The action in Solar Eclipse is faster and seems more intense, with cool "in-your-face 3-D" enemies that bombard you relentlessly. This early version shows incredible promise and I'm confident that the finished version will be awe-inspiring.

Sour Eclipse is Crystal Dynamic's sequel to last year's space shooter Total Eclipse. If you're familiar with Total Eclipse, then Sour Eclipse will feel like having a cup of coffee with an old friend--it's familiar, yet new at the same time. If you've never seen either game before, take a look because you might be pleasantly surprised.

The story begins at La Grange (no, not the place mentioned in the ZZ Top song) by a mysterious alien force and you and your squad of crackerjack fighter pilots (commanded by Claudia Christian of TV's Basyion 5) are sent to investigate. What you find is a virtual hornet's nest of alien scum gunning for your hide. Whoo-pee!

The action in Sour Eclipse ranges from the caverns of Janus to the cold reaches of space. You have the option of either viewing the game in a normal chase view or you can switch to a first-person perspective. The premise isn't too original, but Sour Eclipse has a ton of gameplay. The graphics are nothing short of amazing (they're a big improvement over Total Eclipse, which wasn't bad in itself) and the FMV is artfully included and thankfully subdued.