
GPĪhh.I've always dreamed of a Judge Dredd video game.

This one is a safe bet in the fun department, even if it doesn't quite amaze you. The mission objectives, combined with tough enemy characters and some maze-like exploration, are the elements that make this game appealing on more than a superficial action level. Instead you may have to destroy all the enemy ammunition storage sites or lock down a system of prison doors in the midst of a riot. For example, the mission of each level is not simply to make it from point A to point B without being killed. Relying on some video game standards such as 'shoot everything that moves', the action is not exactly earth-shattering, but there are still some facets of game play that make this game a little out of the ordinary. However, Judge Dredd is a solid action game with good graphics, fast action, and some interesting twists. This is not to say that Judge Dredd is a remarkable game because there is not quite enough originality involved to make it that good. Fortunately, Judge Dredd is not such a case. There is always a danger, when it comes to making a game based on a pre-established character, that the finished product will be more dependent on name recognition than actual game quality. If the Game Gear is your only system, Dredd isn't bad-but judge for yourself. If you're a Dredd fan and have a 16-bit system, spend your money there. While performing any of these moves, you can shoot your gun in eight compass directions.Įven with a variety of levels and power-ups, the action stalls just a bit. The solid controls give you good jumping maneuverability, and you can duck, crawl, and climb handover-hand across wires. It doesn't take a specialist to handle the Judge. The only beneficial sound effect is a little jingle that lets you know you've met all your mission objectives. You get typical scratchy-sounding effects and the same plunky Game Gear music you've heard before.

While the backgrounds aren't especially bright, they're detailed and make for above-average Game Gear graphics.

The Judge moves cleanly with solid animation throughout the levels. In a series of running and jumping levels, you must destroy enemy ammo, free hostages, find the computer terminals, and of course, dispense Judge Dredd's own brand of justice on numerous nameless foes. The Game Gear version looks and plays similarly to the two 16-bit versions.

Step down Judge Ito-Judge Dredds court is now in session, and he's packing more than a gavel in this decent Game Gear title.
