Dark Rift (Nintendo 64)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 2.5 stars OK
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 5.0 (2.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jeff Gerstmann
• Reviewed on: 07/10/1997
• Updated on: 04/28/2000
• Released on: 06/30/1997
• Originally published on GameSpot: Dark Rift (Nintendo 64) Review

With every release of a new system, there is a series of firsts that help define the system - and ultimately who will be best served by it. The Nintendo 64 has already had its first original sports game, its first shooter, its first racing game, and its first arcade translation. Dark Rift is the system's first native fighting game. And if indeed this game helps to define the Nintendo 64, it chalks up another point in the "not bad, but I wouldn't actually pay money for this game" column.

Dark Rift is the product of Kronos, the same company responsible for the abysmal PlayStation fighter Criticom. While Dark Rift isn't a sequel, the lackluster fighting contained on the cart might as well have been culled from a mythical realm called Criticom II. On the upside, Dark Rift isn't quite as bad as Criticom. But the two games are still a little too similar for Dark Rift to slide through the VGS offices unscathed.

The graphics of Dark Rift represent the game's lone strength. The characters move very quickly, and for the most part, smoothly. Also, the N64's graphical prowess is exploited in this title, resulting in some nice lighting effects. The only dull point is the characters themselves: they're very blocky, presumably to keep the frame rate up.

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