Neo Geo

Cyber-Lip

Looking at the entire package, it's really not a bad game. In fact, had the programmers allowed players to shoot in the typical "8-firing directions," this one could've been a classic. It almost seems like a prequel to Metal Slug. All of the parts are there and the game is a great ride, especially with two players. If the player can overlook one of the most baffling design decisions in video game history, then this one should easily satisfy a Geo gamers craving.

Each stage is introduced by some anchorman-looking guy with constantly blinking eyes and awful lip synching. After losing a life, your next "life" enters on a flying sled-like vehicle. The sled gives you temporary invincibility, but it looks idiotic. Once you reach the final stage, the mysterious Cyber Lip is revealed to be a powerful computer (with metal lips). He's introduced by this ominous dialogue: "I am Cyber Lip. I am the computer you are looking for. I am not insain, I have just been evilly reprogrammed". No, those are not typos. Unfortunately, before the final showdown you may have to face several of the previous bosses AGAIN - which sucks. It's even possible to repeat entire stages in this game, and that's no good. Cyber Lip is hard, and you'll blow through continues like there's no tomorrow. Your score is reset between games at least, so you have something to shoot for. Cyber Lip is not a major title for the Neo Geo, but it's an amusing diversion for shooter fans.

Cyber-Lip wäre nicht mal auf dem NES ein tolles Spiel, denn schon dort gab es die Contra Reihe und die ist spielerisch um einiges überzeugender. Auf dem Neo Geo hat das Spiel dann erst recht keine Daseinsberechtigung, denn hier gibt es Metal Slug und das ist tausendmal besser.

But all in all, the graphics are extremely pretty, and some show a lot of potential for the future of the Neo Geo. There is some depth to the game, as well, including a way to choose your own levels. But the alien invasion story seems old, and some of the bad guys are exact carbon copies of existing Contra bosses. More weaponry and more levels would have gone a long way, and some technique would have been welcome, but as a shooting game Cyber Lip is fun for the 30 minutes it will take you to beat it. However, you will probably never play it again after that. And that says something to me.