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Review of Harmful Park on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Feb 1997
Cover image of Harmful Park on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 14 Feb 1997
Genre: Scrolling Shooter
Developer: Sky Think System
Publisher: Sky Think System

Introduction

Welcome to Harmful Park, the delightful shooter that manages to be equal parts adorable and chaotic. Picture yourself dodging inflatable dinosaurs while shooting jelly beans at a giant woman because why not? This game has you grabbing your controller and hoping your reflexes are faster than your ability to comprehend what's happening. Let’s dive into this wacky world and see just how challenging it can really be.

Gameplay

As a horizontal scrolling shooter, Harmful Park throws you into the thick of it, like a kid at a candy store who just can’t pick a favorite. You’ll be zipping through six crazy stages filled with outrageous enemies like bouncing gorillas and... well, that giant woman I mentioned. For some reason, she’s really upset and you’re the one who has to calm her down with a barrage of jelly beans. Because nothing solves problems like snacks, right? The real challenge comes from mastering your ship's quirky arsenal. You’ve got four types of shots at your disposal: the continuous 'Pie Spread' for those days when you just want to get through the stage; the track-and-trap ‘Jelly Boomerang’ that, while cool, feels like it needs to go to a gym because of its low attack power. Each weapon has its strengths and weaknesses, and figuring out which combo will help you face down a barrage of chaos is key. Throw in three extra minigames just for good measure, and you’ve got yourself a platform that’s all about variety without drowning you in the mundane. The gameplay emphasizes skillful dodging and precise shooting, demanding both split-second reflexes and strategic planning—classic elements of the genre, albeit presented in a ludicrously cute format. And if you die? You’ll find yourself asking why you even thought it would work to shoot ice cream at a bouncy dinosaur. Spoiler alert: it won’t, but it’ll definitely be a laugh.

Graphics

Visually, Harmful Park looks like a candy-coated dream, with bright colors and character designs that scream playful insanity. It’s like stepping into a cartoon world where everything is made of sweets and chaos reigns. You could say the graphics are so vibrant that they could substitute for a red bull. The animations are quite smooth, giving life to this delightful chaos, and even the pixelated aspects feel endearing rather than dated. Each enemy has its own eccentric vibe, from toothy grins to inflatable flailing—and let’s not forget the giant woman, whose role is still bafflingly unclear but hey, it’s undeniably entertaining. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, which only adds to your enjoyment as you blast through bizarre enemies in these whimsical settings.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on Harmful Park? It’s a delightful ride through a cheerful yet chaotic world, challenging enough to keep seasoned shooter fans on their toes while still being accessible to newcomers looking for a fun time. You might not be winning any tournaments here (unless there’s a jelly bean-throwing championship you’re training for), but you will definitely earn bragging rights for conquering this playful nightmare. With its unique humor and charming visuals, it’s often overlooked in the grand scheme of PlayStation classics. If you find yourself with time to spare, I’d say grab some snacks, grab your controller, and prepare for a wild experience that still tastefully showcases the challenge aspects gamers crave. Who knew blasting jelly beans could be so intricate? You’ll leave Harmful Park with one thing for sure: a big smile and maybe a craving for candy.

See Prices for Harmful Park on PlayStation on Ebay

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