Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Hard Boiled on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jan 1997
Cover image of Hard Boiled on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1997
Genre: Action / Shoot 'em up
Developer: Cryo Interactive Entertainment
Publisher: Cryo Interactive / Sieg Co.

Introduction

Welcome to the world of 'Hard Boiled', where your friendly neighborhood tax collector is not really friendly at all. In fact, he might be a robot! Get ready for chaotic battles, mind-bending plot twists, and about a dozen moments that make you stop and say, 'Wait, what just happened?' This PlayStation gem, based on Frank Miller's comic series, is a shoot 'em up experience that will test your reflexes, patience, and occasional sanity. So, grab your controller, your wits, and maybe a stress ball, because things are about to get bumpy.

Gameplay

The gameplay is, let's say, as spicy as a Mexican salsa night at your cousin's wedding. You play as Carl Seltz, the cyborg tax collector turned insurance investigator, who is, surprise, surprise, a bit of a mess. Navigating through a dystopic city filled with enemies, your job is to shoot, dodge, and scream your way through hoards of foes that seem to multiply faster than your attempts to avoid them. And let me tell you, these bad guys don't know when to quit. One of the most challenging aspects of 'Hard Boiled' is learning the patterns of your enemies. Memorizing their movements is essential, and let's be honest, you're going to be crashing more often than a new fighter pilot. The control scheme is responsive but demanding, requiring lightning-fast reflexes. Whether you're channeling your inner Rambo or merely hoping your shooting skills are good enough for a participation trophy, the game will keep you on your toes. You also have to deal with various weapons that you can pick up throughout the game. Some feel like they pack a punch, like a drink special that starts hitting you hard three hours in. Others... well, let's just say they may have been designed by the robot uprising's equivalent of a kindergarten art project. Mastering each weapon is key, as certain situations demand the most ridiculous RPG-sized arsenal possible.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, this game looks like an artsy crime scene where the artist definitely liked to use shadows a bit too liberally. The character models are exaggerated and stylized, and the environments are filled with details that scream dystopian chaos. Think lots of gray, with a splash of random explosions. It's not the PlayStation's high point in terms of visuals, but the colors mesh with the theme, making it look like a comic book that exploded onto your TV screen. Just don't expect Final Fantasy-level graphics; this is more like your friend's old burning-out gaming rig trying its best to keep up with modern expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Hard Boiled' provides an exhilarating mix of challenge, hilarity, and head-scratching plot points. The gameplay is intense, the graphics are unique, and if you manage to power through the overwhelming chaos, there's an intriguing story hiding underneath that robotic exterior. Just remember to keep a pot of coffee nearby, because this game isn't going to play itself. If you like your run and gun with a side of confusion and a sprinkle of dysfunction, then buckle up and dive into the wonderfully chaotic world of 'Hard Boiled'. Trust me, it'll be a ride you won't forget-or perhaps one you will, thanks to the charming memory wipe that might just follow you home.

See Prices for Hard Boiled on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Hard Boiled on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
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...