Die Hard Trilogy

Description

Die Hard Trilogy for the SEGA Saturn, released in 1997, is a unique blend of three gameplay styles that attempt to transport players into the world of the first three films in the Die Hard franchise. This game surprises in many ways with its ambitious attempt to cover the scope and variety of the action experience, but its success is largely dependent on the ability of each individual module to engage the player.

The first part, based on the first film, is a third-person action shooter where the player controls John McClane as he makes his way through the floors of Nakatomi Plaza. While the graphics are decent for their time, it's important to note certain limitations of the SEGA Saturn hardware. The detail is basic, but the effect of environmental destruction and the intensity of the action are satisfying. The controls are reasonably precise, though the occasional collision can be frustrating.

The second part, inspired by the second film, goes into a Virtua Cop-style rail shooter mode. This segment requires reliable reactions and accurate shooting as the player moves around the airport and dispatches enemies in rapid succession. This style of play is perhaps the most entertaining of the trilogy, although the repetitive nature and occasional unfairness of enemy placement may put some players off.

The third part takes place against the backdrop of the third film and turns into a drive-and-shoot around an open city. This part perfectly captures the feeling of pursuit and chaos. Unfortunately, driving vehicles on the Sega Saturn is a challenge that may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially given the primitive controls and occasionally jerky framerate.

Overall, Die Hard Trilogy offers a diverse experience that attempts to capture the essence of action movies. For its time, it was a technically ambitious game that, despite its flaws in graphics and controls, provides a solid serving of entertainment. Serving up three different genres of gameplay styles in one package was a bold move that added immense value to the game. For fans of the Die Hard series and retro gaming enthusiasts, Die Hard Trilogy is a gem worth exploring, even if it doesn't always shine in all aspects.