The first screen you are presented with upon loading the game is a few screens of text setting the story for the game, this is then followed by a superb 200Mb rendered intro sequence, although this is something that is becoming more of a normal thing on the Amiga nowadays I'm sure you will still be very impressed with this one, it is probably the best yet seen on the Amiga. It is also accompanied by some excellent atmospheric music, which all in all really gets you in the mood for the game.

You take the part of a Bioshifter, the first if its kind. The game features quite a complex storyline which I won't spoil for you now. Basically, you have to fight your way through four levels, each level is split into 4/5 sections, instead of the usual blast everything that moves gameplay which is normally associated with games of this type Genetic Species has specific mission briefings at the start of each section detailing something that you have to do in that level before you can complete it. This adds a lot more to the game and means that you actually have to think instead of mindlessly blowing everything up.

Before starting the game it is greatly recommended that you read the instructions. These are on the CD in both HTML & text formats, it would seem the days of the printed instructions for Amiga games are gone, there is nothing better then being able to refer to it while you are playing. However, The fact that Genetic Species is multi-tasking means that you can pause the game and refer to the on-line manual anytime you want.

It is especially worth reading the part that deals with the configuration of the program. Because it utilises RTGmaster & AHI it requires quite a bit of set-up before you can get started. The configuration of these particular parts are done before the game starts, a requester will pop up for each and you'll be able to select the appropriate screen and audio mode, once done click on save and you won't be bothered by them again. The game also has a high degree of in-game configuration, be it from screensize to rendering quality -all can be changed to suit the speed of your machine.

While on the subject of the speed - it really has to be seen to be believed. On an 060/GFX Card the game is simply amazing, however, to see how quick the engine really is you should try the game on a low-spec 030 with AGA, only then, when you see it speed along on that machine will you appreciate how fast this 100% assembly coded engine really is. There is no doubt that this is the fastest engine seen yet on the Amiga, and while it may not be full 3D as the likes of Quake and Alien Breed 3D 2 are it isn't a lesser game because of it.

The Motley Crew

There are over 15 deadly enemies in the game, below is just a few of them. Security Soldier - The basic enemy in the game, they are lightly armoured and can only withstand a few direct hits with even the least powerful weapon. There not that well armed either with only a .44 pistol as a weapon, however, a few of them in a group can still pose quite a threat. Face Hugger - Small spider like creatures which, unfortunately for you, are always found in rather larger groups. These creatures are the ones responsible for the base takeovers. They are very fast and spit acid as its attack, best thing to do when you see one of these is to run as there is more then likely to be a lot more around the corner. Engineer - These guys keep the bases running, they have no armour whatsoever, however, they are armed with quite a dangerous Fire Axe which there not scared to use if you get too close. Commander - The commanding officer, the toughest human that you'll come across in the game. Quite often you'll have to takeover these to gain access to important rooms. Armed with very deadly grenades these are more then a worthy foe.

Zombie - Victims of the evil Genetic experiments, they drag there rotting souls along. They are very slow but are difficult to kill. They are armed with the not very powerful silenced guns and become more of an annoyance then a real threat. Stormtropper - Aggressive Commando troopers with the single job of seeking out and killing foes. They come equipped with a laser rifle, however, there armour is quite light. Wolfhead - When you see these, be scared - be very scared. Maybe the most dangerous unit in the game, either way they'll certainly do there best to make things difficult for you. As well as having very good armour they are also equipped with what is a very, very dangerous weapon, this being either a rocket launcher or a mini-gun. You'll certainly not wanting to be fighting more then one of these at a time, unfortunately later in the game you'll have to. Battle Cyborg - Another extremely dangerous foe, these guys carry around a flame-thrower with them and are most certainly not scared to use it. Adding to this there also damn fast making it very hard to get away from them once they have seen you. Mechanoid - Another dangerous foe which only makes an entrance into the game later on. Very well armoured these guys can take one hell of a beating. These guys were made for warfare only and can certainly take it to the opposition with there very dangerous flachette guns.

Upon starting the game proper once you have got used to the speed the next thing you'll notice is how good the game looks. It is fully texture mapped with some exceptional light-sourcing. The first few sections of the first level are pretty simple and there merely to allow you to get the feel of the game. Its only later that'll you'll see another of this games big features, the enemies artificial intelligence. There are a massive amount of enemies in the game ranging from Engineers & Face Huggers to Wolfheads and Battle Cyborgs (See the boxout for more info on a few of these) all with their own artificial intelligence. For example when you make a noise such as firing weapon any enemy within hearing range will calculate the quickest route to the player and make its way towards you. When it encounters you depending on the situation it will either attack or run away, more often then not it will shout out to attract friends to help attack you. If it is wounded, in some cases it may run away, probably to find help, its your decision weather to finish it off or let it run, however, you must bare in mind that if you corner it it'll have no choice then to fight back. It adds a whole new level to the game, allowing you to creep around quietly trying not to disturb the enemy so you don't have to fight them.

To aid you in your quest the game provides a neat auto-map to help find your way around the levels. This can be scaled in size to suit the screen size you are using, you can also adjust the luminance, making it lighter or darker, a very nice feature.

The game also features a wide variety of weapons. From the basic pistol which you start off to the flame thrower and the industrial drill which offer enormous levels of destruction. There nothing better then walking into a room and roasting everything in it with a few shots from the flame-thrower, not only is it one of the best weapons but it looks excellent too - this brings me onto the explosions in the game - they are massive. I have never before seen explosions like this is any game - at one point in the second level you have to blow up a reactor in a room, the explosion that is produces can be seen coming out of the door of the room and into the corridor, it looks fantastic.

You have one other very special weapon aside from the basic hand held ones, this is the ability to take over other entities in the game, this allows you to become virtually any character in the game. This isn't just a gimmick though as it is vital that you use this feature to complete certain levels. For example, you may need to take-over the body of an engineer to access a certain room and operate a piece of machinery. Obviously, taking over the other entities isn't an easy task, first of all you have to stun the character which is most commonly done via either the stun grenade launcher or the tazer weapons. Only once this is done can you commence the takeover.

Control of the character in the game can be done via keyboard, mouse, joystick, CD32 keypad or a combination of them. All keys are re-definable so you could have basic control via the mouse and the less used controls via the keyboard for example. Mouse control is probably the best method of control in the game, those of you with a three button mouse have the added benefit of being able to use the middle mouse button, a very welcome addition.

I haven't said anything about the sound in the game yet and is most certainly deserves a mention. From the music used in the intro to the speech with is used now and then in the game, it is great. There is nothing better then the sound of Genetic Species wired up to a decent stereo system. Explosions really sound like they are explosions and gunshots really do sound like gunshots instead of poncy effects which you get in other games. There is also a number of CDDA soundtracks which are played throughout the game, unfortunately, this was slightly distorted in early versions of the game due to a CD pressing mistake, however, later productions runs will be fixed.

Genetic Species really is a great game, I'll even go as far to say its the best 3D shoot-em-up for the Amiga. As for if its better then Quake, well, its a difficult one, deep down they are very different games and to pitch them together is unfair, why not just buy both of them ;). The fact that the game doesn't have any multi-player support is a slight let-down however, with the World Creator coming along soon and also multi-player support being implemented (Including Internet play) Genetic Species is only going to get better. A game I have no hesitation in recommending.

Machine:	AGA/GFX Card
Workbench:	3.0+
RAM:	8 Mb
Hard-disk Install	Required
Disks:	1 CD
Graphics:-	Simply Stunning, from the great looking textures to the explosiveness of the explosions, all reeks quality.	95%
Sound:-	Great in-game effects with some nice modules playing in the background	91%
Playability:-	Once you start playing you won't be able to stop until you have completed it. Its that good.	94%
Lastability:-	It'll take you quite a while to finish it and by the time you do you'll probably be able to create your own.	92%
OVERALL:-	Turn down the lights, hook up your stereo and prepare for one hell of a game.	94%

Where to get the Demo?

A final demo of Genetic Species has just been released. It is available from the Genetic Species webpage at:- http://www.marble- eyes.dk

Where to get Genetic Species From?

Genetic Species is available from a wide number of Amiga outlets, for more information on where you can get it from check out the suppliers list on the Vulcan webpage at:- http://www.vulcan.co.uk.

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