MDK

The Good
This is truly an awesome game, an eclectic mix of platform and shooter games with enough wacky and creative touches to spare. Mdk takes what seems to be (and is actually) a brain-dead, cliche premise and renders it with so much style and creativity that the end result is literally a masterpiece. Making use of a remarkably good 3d engine, the game delivers some of the most imaginative and hypnotic scenarios ever to grace a computer screen, with the first good use of sniping sequences blended in seamlessly with massively entertaining shoot-outs. The dinamic soundtrack is simply amazing, truly one of the best ever. Yet all of these wouldn't count for nothing if it weren't for the excellent pace and dinamism the game has, you literally have no "fat" on this chunk of meat, every moment spent with Mdk brings lots of fun and never comes close to becoming tedious or boring, this is probably a result of the excellent mood the game gives you, sure, you'll be taken to dark and sinister alien bases...but you can always count on finding a power-up that makes a cow fall on top of the enemies!

This game is the finest example of that "Shiny-touch" that many have mistaken for failed comedic relief, when it actually serves the purpouse of intentionally mocking and toning down the "seriousness" other games pose. While many would have us believe that their game is a "serious religious experience which will completely take over your life and transform you forever" Shiny takes a more humble aproach and reminds us that this is simply something to have a good time with! (when in reality it does much more). This shouldn't be confused with some sort of nostalgic desire to regress ourselves to the days of pac-man, I truly consider videogames as a viable medium to develop creativity (and in the end, an art) and I'm positive so do the guys at Shiny, but in an age where every game labels itself as "serious stuff" and deathmatch is considered almost a paid sport, something that simply aims to entertain (but which, once again, in reality does much, much more) is truly the stuff of legends.

The Bad
Well, the only bad thing about this game is that it leaves you wanting for more, but then again, is that a bad thing?

The Bottom Line
To conclude: this is a masterpiece of epic proportions...that barely broke even sales (gee... whadda ya know? I thought quality games always managed to hit it big on the gaming industry! surprise, surprise!). As always, Quake was responsible and as a result this game is regarded as somewhat of a cult classic, lots of people will say nice things about it, but few have actually finished it (or played it, for that mather) so if you come upon it on a bargain bin don't pass it up. This is required playing if you want to seriously consider yourself as a game-buff.