Introduction

Back in 1996, when the internet was still figuring out that dial-up connections were a thing and the only way to avoid human interaction was to play video games, Heaven's Gate made its debut. Developed by the fine folks at Racdym and published by Atlus, this fighting game was as ambitious as making a soufflé from scratch. Spoiler alert: it's a little hard to whip up. Let's take a trip through this pixelated paradise and see if it's worth your time, or if it should've stayed celestial after all.

Gameplay

Heaven's Gate puts the player in the ring with a cast of colorful characters who seem to have jumped out of a bad manga comic. The gameplay is a classic 3D fighter setup with punches, kicks, and a laundry list of special moves. You know the type-one button's for jabbing someone in the face, another is for jumping away like a startled cat, and there's definitely a button that makes you do something flashy for no reason. The control scheme is as user-friendly as grandpa trying to work the TV remote, but after some practice and a few controller throws, you'll start to feel like you're not just mashing buttons with the rhythm of a spastic chicken. The single-player mode will have you fighting your way through a series of increasingly bizarre opponents. Each character feels like they have a backstory involving an awkward high school experience, because who doesn't love some good ol' character development in a fighting game? Multiplayer, however, is where the real chaos happens. Gather your friends, let your inner Bruce Lee loose, and watch as the 'friendship' crumbles faster than week-old bread as you unleash special moves with names you can't pronounce on each other.

Graphics

Graphically, Heaven's Gate is about as attractive as that one ex who keeps messaging you late at night. It's a 3D fighter from the '90s, which means it's got all the charm of blocky characters and environments that look like they were rendered on a potato. The animations have a little fluidity, but trying to watch the characters move can feel like watching a toddler ice skate for the first time. That's right, it's that level of graceful. The stages are varied enough to keep you from getting bored, featuring absurd backdrops that scream, 'I am definitely a product of the '90s!' If you're looking for cutting-edge graphics, might I suggest you enjoy a nice walk in the park instead? Seriously, it'll be good for you.

Conclusion

Heaven's Gate is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with all the quirks and oddities of a fighting game from the '90s. It may not hold a candle to the giants of the genre, but it surely has its own charms-not unlike a delightful piece of unidentifiable candy you find in the back of your couch. If you have a soft spot for retro games, and don't mind the lack of polish, then grab a friend and give it a whirl. Just be prepared to have your friendship tested. As for a score, this heavenly experience earns a 6 out of 10. It's not going to change your life, but it might offer a few giggles and a trip back to an era when life was a little less complicated, and your biggest worry was finding a working video game rental shop.

See Prices for Heaven's Gate on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Heaven's Gate on PlayStation on Amazon