Heavy Weapon Review [PS3]

21 Oct 2009 at 12:48:59 by James Chalmers
Systems used to review this title: (PS3)

Right, before I start this review let me just take a couple of minutes to relax because every time I close my eyes, all I see are Russian aircraft.

PopCap Games has brought the PC and XBLA favourite Heavy Weapon to the PS3 and if you've ever played either version then you will know it takes a lot of willpower and, more importantly, bucket loads of patience. But while this can sometimes make for a tedious gaming experience, Heavy Weapon is one of more enjoyable games I've played in a long time.

The core of the game is made up of two segments: the single player story mode and online multiplayer mode. While a game like Heavy Weapon doesn't really need much of a story, the opening sequence is quite fun with the cinematic giving us an insight into what is happening, setting up the game well. So when you have a Russian invasion, the only obvious answer for the government is to bust out the only weapon they have left in reserve... the Atomic Tank! And from there it's straight into the action as you take on the role of a tank commander with one simple mission: repel the Russian invaders and reclaim the land.

This mission, however, is divided into nine parts. While it doesn't exactly sound like a lot of stages to battle through, believe me when I say each one is a lot harder than its predecessor. A variety of enemy types will present themselves on-screen, often in large numbers, meaning you have to make sure you're firing on all cylinders throughout each stage. The levels increase in length too meaning you'll spend much more time on the battlefield fighting to survive. While earlier levels are a bit of a doddle, the later stages do become quite challenging, not to mention that you're put to the test against a number of menacing bosses.

Even though some of the bosses are staples of the genre (like helicopters or blimps) you're also introduced to the weird and wonderful imagination of PopCap Games with the likes of mechanical monkeys and a burrowing worm enemy, leaving you to wonder what those crazy Russians will think of next?

Each boss comes with an array of weaponry ranging from giant wrecking balls to insta-death rays projected from their eyes (told you these Russians were crazy). Some bosses can be tough to beat, but if you store your nukes until the end it becomes a breeze, dropping all three nukes and finishing them off with your tank's guns. But don't worry if you've run out of nukes to play with as you can also upgrade your Atomic Tank's weapons.

Customisation, something which seems to be a staple of all games
nowadays, hasn't gone unnoticed in Heavy Weapon. After every level, you are given an experience point to spend on new weaponry for your tank. You aren't given any help on what to upgarde so it's up to you  to pick which weapons you think will be most effective. They range from defensive orbs to anti-air flak cannons, lightning bolts and lasers. Each weapon can be upgraded three times becoming more powerful with each new level. While some are more effective against certain vehicles, you'll also have some in-level power-ups to play with.

All ...

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