Introduction

Ah, Codename: Tenka. Released in the heady days of 1997, when the internet was a wild west and the graphics were, let’s just say, ‘cute’ compared to today. This game throws you into a dystopian future filled with armed flying robots and something called a 'self-generating polymorphic armory'. No, it’s not a fancy new baseball bat; it’s a pretty cool weapon system that’ll make you feel like a futuristic superhero. Spoiler: you’re definitely not getting any royalties from Trojan Incorporated for saving the day. Strap in, because it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Gameplay

The gameplay is where it gets interesting. Gone are the days of walking over to a weapon power-up and hoarding like you’re trying to start a war-themed garage sale. In Tenka, you’ll be able to pick up modifications for your single weapon — the SG-26. It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of weapon upgrades, but instead of ‘dessert’, you’re getting riot shields and flamethrowers. Your enemies include everything from flying robots to strange, mutated beings that look like they’ve went through a blender on high speed. Each encounter feels like a twisted game of whack-a-mole, complete with all the noises and frustration. Sure, the controls can feel wonky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be dodging bullets like it’s a dance contest.

Graphics

The graphics are, shall we say, a signature of their time? They lean heavily on the use of polygons and lighting effects that were certainly jaw-dropping back in '97. However, current-day eyes might see it and think, 'Was it always this dark?' Lighting effects can be seen, making the atmosphere feel authentically grim and dystopian, yet the graphics sometimes struggle with clarity, leading to some gameplay sections looking like a murky mess. This might just be a result of the good ol’ PlayStation hardware not keeping up with the game’s ambition. If you squint, you might even find some beauty in those polygonal shapes — but let’s be honest, if you expect Hogwarts-level graphics, you’re in for a surprise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Codename: Tenka is a solid entry on the PS1 that brings a dose of nostalgia with some unique gameplay mechanics. It may not set the world on fire with originality, but who cares when you can upgrade your weapon on the go? If you’re into first-person shooters and can overlook the dated graphics, it’s time to dust off those old controllers and save the future from genetic abominations. Just remember, the colorful polygons of enemies can still kill you in ways no amount of dodging can save you from. In the words of every action hero, 'Let’s get to work!'

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