Ground Zero Texas

The Good
Ground Zero Texas has the same basic hidden camera gameplay as Night Trap and Double Switch but everything about it just feels, sounds and looks much better. It remains one of my favorite full motion video games.

The game is directed by a big name Hollywood director, has an impressive cast of B-minor actors, impressive special effects, responsive controls, above average reply value and an impressive science fiction storyline set in a Texas small town during the Day of the Dead festival.

The Bad
While the quality of the full motion video is better then other Sega CD games of this genre, the hardware limitations of the home console system still shine through.

The Bottom Line
In Ground Zero Texas you are a member of an elite, hi-tech, top secret government agency stationed in a Texas small town, during the Day of the Dead festival. You and your dedicated undercover team members are the only thing that stands in the way of a vast plot by aliens to take over earth.

Yes, the basic game play, B-minus acting and low budget are all similar to other full motion video games of the era. You switch between a series of cameras to zap space aliens, save one of your team members or a civilian from an alien and get secret codes to learn the location of the mother ship.

Yet, (unlike Double Switch) the game never gets too difficult to enjoy, the space aliens initially look like humans so who is the alien and who is the civilian is sometimes randomly determined, which provides some suspense and replay value.

Your hidden cameras can be damaged (and repaired) and if you zap your team mates or civilians too many times, its game over. Later on, you get to blow up the aliens, who look pretty cool in their body armor and everything about the game shows some impressive talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Alas, the game was only released for the Sega CD. Its one of the best full motion video games around and can provide hours of enjoyment.