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Review of Expendable on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jan 1999
Cover image of Expendable on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1999
Genre: Action
Developer: Rave Entertainment
Publisher: Gremlin Interactive

Introduction

Buckle up, dear reader, because we're diving into the chaotic cosmos of Expendable, a game that takes the phrase 'self-sacrificing hero' to new, intergalactic levels. Launching onto the PlayStation in 1999, this game is like the love child of Rambo and an angry space squid. Let's get ready to blow some stuff up, shall we?

Gameplay

In Expendable, players step into the oversized boots of a super-soldier just begging for a heroic send-off into the far reaches of space (with a side of interstellar destruction, naturally). You start armed to the teeth with enough explosive munitions to turn a small planet into dust, but the bad news is you're going to need all of it because the universe has a distinct shortage of buddies in this game. The plot? Well, it's as flimsy as a soggy cereal box, surrounding your character's relentless quest to showcase just how expendable you really are. Prepare for relentless waves of enemies that seem to have been bred specifically to create carnage. Seriously though, if these goons made a family tree, the branches would consist solely of pain and suffering. The gameplay involves running, gunning, and dying (heavily). You'll zip around levels with a high level of flair, reminiscent of that sibling who always tries to show off their skills on a trampoline. With each explosion and cacophony of gunfire, you'll feel like the most expendable expendable of them all. A particularly fun feature? The special power-ups! They range from temporary invincibility to nuclear airstrikes, which, let's be real, is the equivalent of tossing grenades at a party - it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye (or a planet). Everything in Expendable revolves around adrenaline: shoot first, ask questions never, and if that doesn't work, throw in a tactical roll. Spoiler alert: rolling rarely saves you, but it definitely looks cool. So, if you're looking to obliterate various alien life forms and send them packing like undercooked meat at a barbecue, Expendable has you covered. Be sure to grab enough health packs because you'll definitely need them if you want to stand a chance against more than two enemies at a time. Oddly enough, you'll feel like the only expendable target left in an already expendable universe - if that doesn't sound profound, I'm not sure what does.

Graphics

Expendable's graphics, for a game released in the late '90s, are a mixed bag of retro charm and head-scratching moments. The environments boast a vivid palette that sometimes feels like a second-grader's art project gone wild in a sci-fi theme park. Look past the slightly blocky character models, and you may find yourself charmed by the pixelated explosions that remind you of Fourth of July celebrations in high school. The art style doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a refreshing twist amid the chaos. Alien landscapes range from backyards to, well, more backyards, just with a touch of that 'alien' flair. It's retro, it's wild, and it's a blast-pun absolutely intended. Exploring the environments is like opening a mystery box where you can never be quite sure if the item within will be pure gold or a soggy napkin. Either way, you're going to have fun, and you might just come back for more... or to remind yourself how patience is a virtue when you're dodging pixelated monsters.

Conclusion

Expendable may not be the type of game that spawns a trilogy or a hardcore fanbase proudly sporting t-shirts (unless it's to ironically poke fun), but for gamers looking for a chaotic thrill ride, it delivers laughs, explosions, and a smattering of 'where am I?' moments. Grab a friend and dive into a world where shooting first and asking questions later is the name of the game (and trust me, that's how you win). At the end of the day, Expendable is prime nostalgia for 90's gamers who honed their skills on ridiculously over-the-top action games. If you're in the mood for a brainless shoot-fest with a side of 'I can't believe I survived that,' look no further. Just remember: when it comes to your health bar, it's crucial to keep an eye on it-because in this cosmic playground, you're the most expendable of them all! So load up, get gaming, and prepare for some good old-fashioned, pixelated mayhem!

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