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Review of Live Wire! on PlayStation

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Apr 1999
Cover image of Live Wire! on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 10 Apr 1999
Genre: Maze
Developer: The Code Monkeys
Publisher: Sales Curve Interactive

Introduction

Welcome to the electrifying world of "Live Wire!"-a game that takes competition to a new level! Our friends at The Code Monkeys have perfectly blended the thrill of tile-capturing chaos with the intricacies of maze navigation. Released exclusively in Europe, this puzzler became an interesting footnote in the annals of gaming history. Settle in as we explore the lightning-fast fun that is claiming tiles in a twisty turny world.

Gameplay

At its core, "Live Wire!" is an Amidar-style game, which means it's all about claiming tiles as fast as you can before your friends do-a concept that likely originated from a heated group discussion about who can eat the most pizza. Players take on the role of colorful characters darting around a grid, drawing lines around squares to capture tiles. Sound easy? Well, it might be if it weren't for all those sneaky opponents trying to snatch tiles away using power-ups. Yes, it's like Monopoly but with more strategy and a lot fewer family arguments. The gameplay kicks off with four players (or if you're feeling a bit lonelier, you can play solo) racing against the clock to claim as many tiles as possible. The match concludes either when time runs out or you've fully claimed the territory. Points are accrued based on the tiles you've colored and any sneaky ones you've managed to steal, ensuring you feel as smug as a cat that just knocked over a plant. Delivering a rare mix of competition and cooperative chaos, "Live Wire!" can allow for hours of electrifying fun, assuming you don't let your friends win. Seriously, who does that?

Graphics

The graphics in "Live Wire!" mimic the candy colors of a 90s sweets shop on LSD. Each tile you claim lights up with a vibrant palette that could wake up anyone from a long-time snooze. While they might not be revolutionary by today's standards (you won't mistake this for the latest AAA title), they evoke a nostalgic charm that reflects the playful spirit of its era. Characters move fluidly, which is something-a bit of credit for those code monkeys, as it's crucial for all that tile grabbing and backstabbing (literally and metaphorically). It's as if the game is having a playful argument with itself, leaving you chuckling and scratching your head in equal parts.

Conclusion

"Live Wire!" is the type of game that anyone could jump into, have a blast with friends, and emerge slightly chaotic but entertained. It garners mixed reviews-some love the premise while others find it lacking the addictive quality that keeps players coming back for more. But let's be honest, it's a game filled with sharp wit, zany action, and just enough competition to temporarily ruin friendships. If you ever find yourself in a parallel universe where you need to spice up your game night, don't overlook "Live Wire!". Just make sure to wear some protective gear; it gets bumpy. A solid 6 out of 10-grab a controller, gather your friends, and let the tile-claiming madness begin!

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