


Akira, by International Computer Entertainment(I.C.E.)
CD-32/ floppy versions available. 1 Player.
If you've been keeping up with the software for the CD-32 then you might find yourself in an amazed state of wonder, as I am--wondering how software companies that make such inept, awful and pathetic games can stay in business. It was bad enough that CD-32 gamers had to suffer through the early, 1st generation pile loads of bad shovelware, but at this late date in the CD-32's lifespan it's unbelievable that games can still be so bad.
	Akira:The Computer Game by I.C.E. is the game about which I am writing and it is unequivocally, inarguably awful. 
	Ironically enough, I remember reading an article mentioning this very title from a European Amiga magazine right as the CD-32 was being released. Akira, it said, was coming and it could very well be the game that sells the machine. It seemed a safe statement at the time (about two years ago), as Akira was a hot property ripe with potential--3D racing sequences, awesome fighting scenes, we thought. Incredible platformer and shooting levels, all in 32 bit, CD-ROM glory! After all, it's Akira--the most well known Japanese animated movie ever created with visceral action and fantastic animation. One would have thought that the license lended itself to state of the art, that no one could get this one wrong. Home Alone, Home Improvement, the Beverly Hillbillies--those are rough licenses, but not Akira!
	Well, THQ was supposed to bring the game to American 16 bit console gamers, but turned it down flat after seeing the product. They did the right thing. I can't recall any game in recent memory that is as bad as Akira.
	The graphics, the sound--the whole game--would seem bad even on the 8 bit Nintendo system. The game has terrible, primitive graphics and awful, unresponsive game control. It suffers from slowdown and nasty sound effects. On top of the that, the game makes you choose between the music or sound effects--you can't have both (which in this case would have been a "double whammy" anyway).
	The game itself is mish mash of vehicle racing and platformer style action, but it's doubtful that anyone could stand to play long enough to get past the absurdly difficult first level. Not since those first awful martial arts games on the CD-32 (IK+, Dangerous Streets, etc.) has a game been so ineptly designed and executed.
	Obviously, there are no CD (or other) enhancements on the CD-32 version. The game is just a port over from the simultaneously released standard Amiga floppy version. Unbelievably, Akira is in NTSC mode, which is an irony too sickening to contemplate. No matter which Amiga system you have, avoid this game at all costs. Not even a free Tee-shirt can add worth to Akira: The Computer Game. It is easily one of the worst games ever made--for any game system.
