Fan Game Preview: Chaos Control

The game brings me back to my Mega Drive days that we’ve all had, simply because of the presentation and quality that has been given here. Even the start menu provides a great atmosphere for what you’re about to experience. Chaos Control for once provides us with some originality in pretty much everything the game offers, as the game forms its plot around several missions and characters related to the world of Sonic.

The game also loosely follows a crossover between the scenery and characters of Sonic and the gameplay of stealth games such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. To play the game is good and most of the controls are easy to use (with the exception of the stealth button), the intercom type approach has paid off with the ability to unveil the plot in certain areas of the game a great bonus as the game focuses on plot more than usual.

The gun you are provided with roars when you let rip with it - it’s just a shame you have little to no ammo, but you can pick up additional ammo and health along the way. Although the game can become a little repetitive and easy (the "jump this, shoot that and run away" type approach makes the game a little less great to play), the game nevertheless offers a good ride.

The graphics are without doubt the best I have seen in a fan game yet! They have so much detail in them - we have even been treated to more character animations then we’d usually expect, with most of the D-pad covered. Most of the game consists of original backdrops and foregrounds which all have a good quality to them. The only thing I don’t like about the graphics would be the inability to have a full screen, as having good quality full screen is high on my list.

The game shows off its sound beautifully, with many tracks adding to the atmosphere. Not only that, but we’re not left with the same dreary repeated tune or any Sonic music we may have all heard before. I like what I hear and if much more of this is kept up for the final version - with many more original tracks - it shall be one of the best games as far as sound goes.

The game does have a lot behind itself - although this may be a one player game, like most fan games it still has a huge adventure element to it and finding your way through a level though many activities such as sniping for guards is a good interactive element. It takes a while to get around, but if the game is going to involve shooting one bad guy and walking from one place to another, it won’t last long and will become repetitive.

There will need to be something a little more to keep the game going, but it does outdo most other fan games as far as longevity goes.

Playtest Results

We Like:

• The originality
• The detail in the plot
• Brilliant graphics and music

Worth Considering:

• Can get a little simplistic at times
• Controls need more explanation