Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Criticom on PlayStation

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Nov 1995
Cover image of Criticom on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 4
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 29 Nov 1995
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Kronos Digital Entertainment
Publisher: Vic Tokai

Introduction

Welcome to Criticom, the 90s fighting game that pre-dates that whole 'first-person shooter craze' you think you know. It's like the awkward cousin of Tekken, having gotten lost somewhere in a sci-fi time warp and armed only with a lot of wannabe character designs and a confusing plot revolving around a mysterious crystal artifact. Sit back as we dive deep into this experience that could have been epic, but alas, didn't quite make the cut.

Gameplay

Criticom dives headfirst into the fighting ring with its unique mechanics. Players brawl it out on a round, elevated platform, which might make you feel like a goldfish in the fishbowl of combat. Matches consist of knocking your opponent out in a single bout with no rounds to keep track of. You've got a power meter that sounds cool until you realize it's just busy mocking you as you try to land a punch while your character performs less like a gladiator and more like a toddler trying to walk for the first time. Progression can feel significant as you unlock new moves and bloated appearances, but don't get your expectations too high because some of those new moves might be so slow that they would make a tortoise blush with embarrassment.

Graphics

Visually, Criticom was praised for its ambitious graphics-back in 1995. The polygonal characters are certainly ahead of their time, and those backgrounds are as striking as your buddy's mom trying to pose for a selfie. However, a second glance reveals character animations that look more like those awkward home videos everyone tries to forget. The lighting effects pass for impressive, while the frame rate fluctuates like a teenager's mood during exam season. It's like watching someone dance at a party: there's potential, but it's mostly cringeworthy.

Conclusion

Criticom is a neat little slice of nostalgic gaming that didn't quite stick its landing. With its colorful cast and visually ambitious graphics, it feels like it was on the precipice of something great but decided to roll off instead. Sure, it may serve well for a good laugh or a quick trip down memory lane, but for those seeking a solid fighting experience, you'd likely want to look elsewhere. So, if you're willing to brave this quirky, albeit flawed, exploration of intergalactic mayhem, grab that dusty copy for a trip through the cosmic cringe of late 90s gaming-just don't forget to bring a friend for that extra layer of amusement!

See Prices for Criticom on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Criticom on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...
image for news article 'Switch 2 Shatters Records While Sony Asks ‘Remember Us?’'
Gemma Looksby - 13 Jun 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records while Sony desperately waves a flag saying, 'Hey, remember us?' Let's dive into the batt...
image for news article 'Unleash Your Inner Jedi: The Challenge of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event'
Hemal Harris - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the challenges of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event! Discover the skills you need to overcome the chaos and eme...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June 2025: The Games Are Coming, But So Are the Gigabytes'
Chucky - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the quirky lineup of PlayStation Plus games for June 2025, featuring everything from chaotic shooters to creepy animatro...
image for news article 'GTA 6: A Magnificent Meltdown of Mayhem, Mischief, and Mild Mannered Mechanics!'
Gemma Looksby - 12 Jun 2025
GTA 6 is set to blow our minds with new gameplay features, including home design, 700 shops to loot, and an expansive map-prepare ...
image for news article 'Unleashing the Future: The Next PlayStation Handheld Will Demand Your Skills!'
Hemal Harris - 12 Jun 2025
Sony is rumored to release a new handheld console that combines impressive features with gameplay challenges aimed at hardcore gam...
image for news article 'The ROG Ally: Unpacking Characters and Story Arcs in Gaming Hardware'
Tanya Krane - 12 Jun 2025
Dive into the character analysis of the ROG Ally handheld console, exploring its compelling features, rivalries, and future potent...