![]() The lack of content and limited attempts at personality hinder those moments, but at the end of the day Cel Damage HD is a solid update of a mostly forgotten 13-year-old game.If there’s one thing that I have to take my hat off to with the whole premise of indie gaming, then it has to be its responsibility in resurging the once defunct couch multiplayer aspect of gaming. Even though Cel Damage HD doesn't excel in any particular area, it has its fair share of fun moments. The days of Twisted Metal are long gone (even with the reboot), but vehicular combat still holds a special place in my heart. The game has charm and personality, but not enough of it.Īlthough this game's existence still leaves me scratching my head, it does feature redeeming qualities. Although the small attempts at humor are hit-and-miss, I was left wanting more. Unfortunately, the movie ends after about 30 seconds. For example, there's Sinder-his movie reveals the tale of a lowly devil who's been fired by his CEO for causing too much damage. Short movies can be unlocked for each of the characters, which adds minimal backstory. The game's intro features an announcer who welcomes players to the fictional cartoon show of Cel Damage, but there's not much beyond that. The visuals also compliment the cartoon/TV motif in the game, but Cel Damage HD fails to capitalize on it. I was astounded by how well the game looks-cel-shaded visuals still appeal to me, and the HD update only bolsters the vibrancy and detail of that art style. Now it really feels like 2001 again!Ĭel Damage HD's audiovisual presentation emphasizes both strengths and missed opportunities. As an added bonus, Cel Damage HD features local multiplayer for up to four people. Repeated play does reveal a level of simplicity that hints at the game's age, but I still enjoyed a lot of fun, close matches. The solid controls strengthen the combat aspect of the game since turning and shooting at the same time is a cinch. This layer of customization allows for even more ridiculous scenarios, such as chainsaw-only matches. Once a weapon has been used in a level, players can toggle them on or off before matches. Naturally the game features machine guns and grenades, but the more absurd selections such as shrinkrays and TNT sheep provide a more novel experience. ![]() The core mechanics do hold up well, though, due in large part to the weapon selection. It makes Cel Damage HD a game in which the desire to keep playing wanes quickly. They range from the Wild West to an evil castle, but players will be repeating the same levels ad nauseam. In addition to the three game modes, there are four different environments with a few levels in each one. Unfortunately, the three modes soon wear thin and one of Cel Damage HD's biggest flaws surfaces: lack of content. The fact that the flags have cute little feet and run away is simply icing on the cake. It contains the destruction of Smack Attack and the frantic pace of Gate Relay, making it my go-to game mode. Flag Rally-easily my favorite of the bunch-requires players to pick up a certain number of flags and return them to an area on the map, all while avoiding the bloodthirsty ire of opponents as they try to collect flags for themselves.Įach of the three game modes has its own appeal, especially Flag Rally. Gate Relay clearly takes inspiration from Mario Kart, in which players race and pick up weapons along the way to edge out the competition. Players drive around and pick up various weapons in order to wreak havoc on their opponents and be the first to accumulate 300 “smacks” (basically hits). Smack Attack is all about crushing the opponent, quite literally. Thus, Cel Damage HD hovers just above mediocrity.Ĭel Damage HD consists of three game modes: Smack Attack, Gate Relay, and Flag Rally. It also shows its age-make no mistake, this game still feels like it came out 13 years ago. In fact, Cel Damage HD's emphasis on vehicular mayhem appeals to my younger self and provides enjoyable competition with AI and/or friends. It marks Cel Damage HD as perhaps the oddest HD re-release yet, but it doesn't result in a total disaster. I imagine I'm not alone in my unfamiliarity with the original game, a forgettable release in a sea of forgettable releases. And yet here we are, with an updated version of the 2001 vehicular combat title.
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