Elemental Gimmick Gear Review

Green E.G.G.s and ham?

But what if they actually found something really cool? Maybe even something still alive? Vatical's first Dreamcast effort, Elemental Gimmick Gear (E.G.G.), gives a RPG take on this very situation.

Gamers take on the role of the "Sleeper," a man who was discovered asleep by an archaeological team. Scientists have conducted tests on the Sleeper and though he looks to be a young man, they have concluded that he is actually thousands of years old. An ancient machine, dubbed the Elemental Gimmick Gear, was also found along with the Sleeper. The original purpose of this machine is unknown, but that didn't stop people from taking its design and using it as a mode of transportation.

One day, the Sleeper is awakened and the game begins. As the Sleeper you must rediscover your past and unlock the secret of the ruins from whence you came.

The story of E.G.G. is actually done very well. Unfortunately, the horrid translation makes it difficult at times to figure out exactly what's going on.

One of the first things you'll notice about E.G.G. is the 2D graphics. In the Dreamcast world of astounding 3D masterpieces, E.G.G. seems kind of rotten. It has become part of the extremely short list of non-fighting 2D games. However, those who don't judge a game by its graphics will be pleased to discover a fine example of a 2D RPG.

E.G.G. is definitely not your normal role-playing experience. It's much more action oriented than any other RPG in recent memory. Instead of using a turn based combat system, E.G.G. employs an action style of combat where the main character runs around actually hitting the enemies.

Unfortunately, the type of "action" that we see in E.G.G. just doesn't cut it. Much of the game is spent using the basic 'punch' action, which ends up being pretty lame. Elemental attacks and a few other basic attacks (such as a spin attack) are also included. Too bad they are just too slow and ineffective to really bother with.

Boss fights, on the other hand, are pretty cool. Here, the game shifts into a full 3d view, giving players some great eye candy. Actually, it's the only eye candy outside of the movies sequences that you'll ever see in E.G.G.. The same attacks found in the 2D portions are included here, making the fight essentially the same as others, but a break from the 2D fighting is refreshing.

Although the actual gameplay isn't that great, E.G.G. manages to present an excellent RPG challenge. No more of those 'just hit a switch and I can move on' puzzles. The puzzle variations are well constructed and force players to really use the ol' gray matter. Some even involve the strategic positioning of frozen enemies! If you're looking for a challenge (or if you feel like getting really frustrated), E.G.G. will definitely give you what you need.

In addition to the main dungeon, E.G.G. is supplied with a few mini games set in a small amusement park a la Final Fantasy VII. While the games number only two, they provide a great diversion when your brain gets taxed to the max by the intricate puzzles. The E.G.G. race (without the spoons) is pretty cool and the Trials challenge your E.G.G. control.

Though it seems more like a title out of the old Saturn or even Genesis era, E.G.G. is actually a decent entry to the Dreamcast's short list of role-playing games. It has a great story and enough of a challenge to provide gamers with some quality entertainment. On the other hand, many will be turned off by E.G.G.'s lack of eye-catching graphics that so many Dreamcast titles flaunt.