Savage Skies - Xbox

Also known as: Ozzy's Black Skies

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Savage Skies (Xbox)
Also for: PS2
Viewed: 3D Third person, into the screen Genre:
Shoot 'Em Up
Media: DVD Arcade origin:No
Developer: iROCK Games Soft. Co.: iROCK Games
Publishers: Big Ben (GB)
Released: 18 Apr 2003 (GB)
Ratings: 11+
Accessories: Xbox Memory Unit

Summary

Sounding a little like an obscure combat flight sim, BigBen's Savage Skies, produced by little known developer iRock, is more akin to Panzer Dragoon than it is Strike Fighters Project One for example. These skies are filled with mythical beasts such as dragons and Wyverns, not mechanical monsters of the 21st century.

But the premise is fundamentally the same: choose a side, or in this case, one of three distinct factions, and defeat any who oppose you. Players can assume control of the Virtwyn, Chrysalis or Pariah and each 'campaign', as it were, plays host to several unique missions. There are 27 playable stages in all and while combat is generally airborne, you'll also have to take out a number of grounded beasts such as unicorns and demons.

Each of the mythical creatures within the game has unique combat moves, weaponry and performance characteristics. In this respect, it's a game reminiscent of a fantasy RPG. There's even a complex storyline told over a series of cut-scenes that helps to drive the game forward a little easier.

Multi-player mode also features heavily in Savage Skies, with split-screen gameplay accommodating two players in a fantasy skirmish from hell. It's all good fun.

Savage Skies is a great looking game. The fantasy locations allow for some wonderful and creative landscapes and each environment is as vibrant and colourful as the next. There are also some admirable time-of-day, weather and environmental effects that help make this fictional game world just that little bit more believable. An enjoyable game, both as a single and multi-player experience.