When it comes to Counterforce, the back of the box says it all when stating the games “staggering” features.

• Fast and furious 3D shoot’em-up style, with powerful weapons.
• Up to 12 different enemies and 5 different bosses.
• Shop to upgrade your robot’s features and build your strategy.
• Original soundtrack with high-energy beat keeps pace with the intensity of the action.

Twelve enemies?? Five bosses? This game might be too big for me to sum up in a review…

No, actually, no it isn’t. Counterforce is apparently set somewhere in a future, alternate universe. I say apparently because the story is told in two screens with two paragraphs on them. The story isn’t even worth mentioning beyond that. Jumping into the game, you’re given the option of choosing between three, count them, three different robots. Each robot plays exactly the same. I wish I was joking, but there is absolutely no difference despite each having different stats. Once you select your robot, you’re dropped onto the first level, with no lead-in. The gameplay is straightforward. The game plays as a 3d Shmup (Shoot ‘em up) similar to Zone of Enders(PS2), sans any fun. You’re able to pick up powerups, but your arsenal really doesn’t change. The level variety is extremely limited, much like the enemies (12 in all). It’s not particularly hard, it just isn’t fun.

The graphics, akin to the gameplay, aren’t fun to look at either. The game would’ve been right at home on the Dreamcast. Textures are horrid, and character models are worse. You’d think if you only had to design twelve different enemies, you could at least put some kind of effort into them.

There isn’t much else to say. Counterforce is the epitome of shovelware. Luckily, I’m positive the majority of the gaming (and non-gaming) community is completely unaware of it. Please listen to me when I say that if you buy this game you are part of the problem.

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Visuals = 10
I’m not even exaggerating. This game would’ve looked awful as a Dreamcast launch title.
Sound = 30
Completely worthless. Heavily recycled techno tracks and some really cheap sound effects.
Fun Factor = 57
Sure the game is fun for about thirty seconds, and then reality sets in.
Mechanics = 13
Really? No kind of weapon upgrades at all? No advanced manuevers? The shooting isn’t mindless, its mind-numbing.
Replay Value = 0
I’m pretty sure I will never, ever play this game again. I’m thinking even $30 (the price of the game) wouldn’t be enough for me to play this abortion once more.
Total = 110

Grade = F

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