Scud: The Disposable Assassin
Game by SegaSoft
Reviewed by Robby Cox
koi@magicnet.net
Save: None
Released: 1996
Works with: Sega Stunner Light Gun
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Opening Snide Remarks: I thought that this game looked pretty cool.  It is 
base on a comic book of the same name.  I had heard of the comic, but I have
never read it.  The plot of Scud goes like this.  A monster is unleashed in a
factory.  A factory worker is told to go buy a Scud.  Scuds are disposable
assassins.  Scud is hired to destroy the monster in the factory.  When Scud's
job is done, he is supposed to self-destruct.  Scud beats the monster and 
then decides that he doesn't want to die.  He then gets a doctor to put the
monster on life-support so he won't die.  The doctor tells him that it takes
money to keep the monster alive.  So Scud has to work as an assassin to keep
the monster on life support, thus keeping Scud alive.     

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Gameplay Description: Scud: The Disposable Assassin is a game that's 2 games.
This game has a side-scroller/shooter game and a light-gun game.  You can 
only play the light-gun game if you have a light-gun.  I don't, so I can only
comment on the side-scroller/shooter.  In this game, you control Scud or his
partner Drywall as you walk from side to side destroying anything that moves.
Scud or Drywall have hand to hand moves and guns.  You can use both.  BTW, 
you can play with another human as you partner.  Anyways, the bosses and some
other parts of levels are done in a Virtua Cop style.  You control a cursor 
and try to shoot the enemies.  This all adds up to a kinda cool package, but
it is still a 2-D shooter.         
Liked: Combo gameplay.
Hated: Kinda simple and boring.

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Graphics Description: Scud's graphics are 2-D sprites.  They look good, but
they're still just 2-D sprites.  When they get close to the screen, they 
pixellate pretty badly.  That is ugly.  The backgrounds are nicely detailed 
and there are some cool lighting effects.   
Liked: Detailed graphics.
Hated: Pixellated graphics.

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Sound/Music Description: Scud's music is pretty good.  It was done by real 
bands, but you've never heard of them.  The sound fx are excellent.  They
defintitely fit this game.
Liked: Cool music.
Hated: Nothing.

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Play Control/Game Design: The controls are simple and are nice and 
responsive.  The game design is good, but I feel shorted in that I can't play
the shooter game because I don't have a Stunner Light Gun.
Liked: Good controls.
Hated: That I don't have a Stunner Light Gun. 

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Improve: A polygonal sequel would be cool. 

RIYL: Contra series, Robotron 64, Apocalypse

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Final Words: Scud: The Disposable Assassin is an enjoyable romp, but it won't
hold your attention too long.  It's fun while it lasts.  Buy it if found dirt
cheap.  

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Score
Gameplay: ***
Graphics: ***
Sound/Music: ****
Play Control/Game Design: ***
Personal Opinion: ***
Total: 16 out of 25
Final Score: 64 %

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Currently Known Codes: None.

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