Armchair Empire Home

Playstation 2 (PS2)GamecubeGameboy Advance (GBA)XboxPC GamesGame NewsGame ReviewsGame PreviewsGame FeaturesClassic GamingGaming GoodiesAnimeAE Staff

 

Platform: GameBoy Advance
Genre: Sidescrolling Action
Publisher: Hip Interactive
Developer: Hip Interactive
ESRB: T (Teen)
Released: Q4 2004

 

Support AE!  Buy Games Here:

 

 

 

 

Be notified of site updates. Sign-up for the Newsletter sent out twice weekly.

Enter E-Mail Address Below:


Subscribe | Unsubscribe

CT: Special Forces

Score: 7.5 / 10

 

Pros:

- Solid side-scrolling action

- Big graphics

- Has a familiar vibe

- Two-player challenge

 

 

Cons:

- Password saves

- Some will see it as a Metal Slug rip-off

 

 

Related Links:

Review: Earthworm Jim 2 (GBA)

Review: Jackie Chan Adventures (GBA)

Review: Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2)

"It may not be an instant classic, but it might bring back some good memories and it's good for some time-killing."

 

Sidescrolling games as a genre are pretty much dead.  Everything is 3D-this, 3D-that.  But in a throwback to the tried, tested, and true, Hip Interactive brings us CT: Special Forces.  It’s an ode to the likes of Contra and Metal Slug, with just a dash of Metal Gear Solid for good measure.

 

ct special forces          ct special forces

 

In terms of content and style, CT doesn’t differ much from Metal Slug – cartoony figures blasting the hell out of each other (no gore though).  There’s more to do in CT, including parachuting and much jumping, but most objectives boil down to shooting (or blowing up) all the terrorists.  To close most sections, you have to shoot a flag – just touching it won’t do.

 

You have access to different weapons and equipment, including a grappling hook, which can only be used at very specific places.  Managing your inventory is handled with the left should button, which is not easy to do on the fly, so you have to find a quiet moment to switch to the appropriate weapon.

 

 

Unleashing your arsenal on the terrorists is easier than you might think.  The enemy AI isn’t that smart.  If you’re shooting from a lower platform up at them, they won’t shoot down at you.  It makes some sections very easy.  I know the GBA probably isn’t capable of handling human-like AI, but they don’t even feign interest in the fact they’re being filled with holes.  It’s a complete throwback to the sidescrolling shooters of the 8-bit era, where enemies just ran at you in the hopes of catching you unawares.

 

ct special forces          ct special forces

 

Last time I whined about passcode saves was with Iridion II (GBA).  Passcodes are better than nothing, but are they needed anymore?  Can’t we just put that feature in an empty grave somewhere?  CT features passcode saves, which gives the bonus of being able to “cheat” by looking up the passcodes on the Internet.  That’s the only upside.  If you don’t have a pen and piece of paper handy, you’re screwed when the passcode comes up.

 

To extend the play time a little is the two-player challenge mode via the GBA link, which is good for long car trips; however, you need two game packs.

 

CT: Special Forces is a solid sidescrolling action game.  It may not be an instant classic, but it might bring back some good memories and it's good for some time-killing.

 

- Omni

(January 24, 2004)

 

Search for Related Topics:

 

...More GameBoy Advance Game Reviews...

 

...More Action Game Reviews...

 

 
   
 

All articles ©2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 The Armchair Empire.

All game and anime imagery is the property of their respective owners.

Privacy Statement - Disclaimer