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Zeewolf is an open world 3D shoot-em-up released in November 1994 by Binary Asylum, and features strategy, skill and high octane action. This game is VERY processor intensive and many criticisms at the time focused on the low levels of playability on stock A500s and A600s, with the full trust of the game only available on 020+ machines such as the A1200 (preferably with fast ram). As such, this little corker is best played on an expanded A3000 set-up if playing under emulation.
The game begins with a smooth scrolling Zeewolf logo (similar to the one used in TVs Airwolf series), which moves as the game loads and then freezes to present the titles. There are three options on the title menu which are selectable using the ‘curser’ keys and ‘Enter’: you can play the game, change controls, or enter a password to select later missions. The first thing to note for a novice is to make sure the control system is set to Joystick to begin with. Mouse control is much more precise yet many times more difficult to master (you have been warned!). After a quick authentication screen the game begins.
As the pilot of the Zeewolf - a versatile attack and tactical helicopter - you will brave your way through a total of 32 very different and often very tricky missions. Each mission begins with a briefing to get you started (above); which can give you an overall review of what you must do to complete it. By pressing the curser keys left and right, the briefing can be broken down into more bite-sized chunks, and it becomes crucial to observe these the deeper you delve into the game.
The mission then begins as you are thrown into the game world; where you quickly have to figure out what's going on. Thankfully, the starting position on most levels is somewhere over open water - giving you vital seconds to scan the map and plot your next move. There is often a friendly Aircraft Carrier somewhere near your start point; which is the closest thing you get to a home base; and it is essential to know its whereabouts. Your aircraft can land on solid ground by pressing the 'G' key to lower the helicopters legs. You also have the opportunity to hook on to friendly units and ferry them around using the 'H' key, toggle weapons with 'Space', and enter a status screen using the keypad 'Enter' key.
Tacticians of Zeewolf often recommend cycling though your weapons (just so you know what you've got) and then heading straight to the status screen. The status screen is useful for many reasons, but the main reason is to provide you with an even greater detailed breakdown of what you need to do to complete the mission, and which enemies you are likely to encounter along the way. Again, the curser keys will be able to help you pinpoint your targets as they appear on the map. Then it's just the small matter of flying out and blowing 'em all up.
Tactical flying is the key to Zeewolf. All enemies will have a 'blind side' which you are encouraged to exploit if you want to survive any length of time. Flying over multiple foes is likely to cause a fire fight - of which you will usually come out the loser. On later levels, the enemy uses radar guided missiles to shoot you out of the sky, and six direct hits is enough to wipe a smile off your face. There are many vehicles in the game willing to take you down - some relatively harmless, some deadly - but luckily you can often out-manoeuvre them by holding the RMB to engage rotor thrust (which works no matter which control system you are using). If you land to pick up friendlies, they can also be dropped off back at the Carrier for a valuable health boost - and make sure you stop by the Carriers supply tank for extra fuel and armaments.
One of the nice characteristics is that many enemies only show up once you fly near them, resulting in some patient reconnoitring and plotting before you ultimately wade in to the action. The controls, although sometimes tricky, are good enough to get along with, and the weapons are reassuringly effective if aimed bang on target. On the downside, the weapons DO need to be aimed bang on target, and there is little point straying and praying your way out of a battle. Unlike most games featuring a chopper (such as Desert Strike) your main and most effective weapon is the chain gun - which auto-aims reasonably well but can be frustrating to handle as soon as you change your flight path.
Zeewolf is a very addictive game if played on a decent machine. The maps are quite large, so there is enough to fly around and explore. In game sounds are basic to say the least. There is no music except for the title track and a single bar of 'pity music' when it's game over. There are a few spot sound effects you will encounter as you fly - mostly pleasant but non-descript engine drones, weapons fire, with the occasional water 'plop' and refuelling noise. Having said that, the explosions in this game are quite meaty, and are reassuring to hear if something (such as a friendly tank) is causing mayhem off screen.
Graphics wise, Zeewolf is reasonable if not outstanding. The landscape is crude but effective in the same style as the much older 'Virus'. As such, there are relatively few features on the landscape except for an occasional tank shed, prison hut, and the usual scattering of trees. However, this - and many of the games speed issues - were addressed in the follow-up: Zeewolf 2 - Wild Justice.
Overall - despite the control, sound, graphics and speed issues (phew!) Zeewolf's playability manages to shine through. The missions are varied enough to keep you thinking, and the difficulty curve is just right from the start (except the last few missions - which are just mayhem). The combination of joystick/mouse and keys work to the games credit, and this is definitely a game which begs to be completed.
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Basic graphics: may be blockier than a blocky C64 game, but are functional enough to provide a half-decent flowing landscape. The enemies are slightly better drawn, but not by much.
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Sound? What sound? if you mean SFX then yes there is some: bang, crash, pop - that sort of thing.
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Despite the blocks and pops, the framework and mechanics of Zeewolf are rock solid - though it has to be said - if you have an 030 chip handy.
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| Zeewolf is very addictive and absorbing once past the minor details. Missions are varied and the landscape is always changing. Definitely worth a look. |
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