REVIEW: Cybernator 1993 SNES
	By: Konami Type: Action Players: 1 Difficulty: Normal

Iv'e heard a lot about Konami´s great action game; Cybernator in English and American magasines. Sadly this game was never released in Europe. The game was said to be utterly brilliant so when I finally got a chance of playing it I was expecting something really special and I´m glad to report that Cybernator lived up to my high hopes! Cybernator is playing in the same league as Konami´s other action games like Super Castlevania and Contra 3, but at the same time it´s very different because the emphasis of the game is laid more on strategic thinking and accurate shooting than on quick reflexes and fine tuned jumping skills. You are a pilot of a 100 ton battle mech equipped with a trusty shield and an upgradeable vulcan cannon, that later on can be upgraded to an flamethrower, a lasercannon or a missile launcher. The shield is an essential piece of equipment because it will protect you from almost any enemy attack, even from behind. This mean that you don't have to avoid enemy gunfire, you can just pick up the shield, and that´s lucky for you because your battlemech is all other than fast, slim and movable.

The first level is just a getting started level with many easy enemies and many powerups. Compared to this easy start level 2 is a complete nightmare. It starts out with a sizzling rocket belt section and follows up with a walk around on the asteroids. At the end of the level waits a almost ridiculously hard boss but with the missiles equipped and some practice he will eventually fall. After this nightmare start the game continues on in a more sensible skillsetting. Cybernator is one of the rare action titles that has got an fairly advanced history, even if it wouldn´t exactly win any Oscars, it´s a step in the right direction..... Your cybernator is also equipped with a rocketbelt that enables you to fly in the air/space for about 3 - 4 seconds, and a handy sliding ability for fast escapes/attacks.

The thing that makes Cybernator so special is the shield that makes this game less hectic than other action games. Instead you must study each enemy and learn their patterns so you know when to take down the shield and attack and when not to. This handy shield doesn´t make the game to easy if you think so, even if I would rather recommend games like Contra 3 if you want a real challenge. Both Contra 3 and Super Castlevania is better choices than Cybernator but when they are finished then maybe you should start thinking about getting yourself a copy of Cybernator. - Mattias Liedholm 88%

[Key to the reviewing system]