ISSUE #3, FEBRUARY 1996

"Greetings to the first PSM of '96 (although I'm actually writing this in December). Now that we're into the new year, I thought I'd ponder wistfully on events to come in '96...

For starters, PSM will be getting better. Yes, I know it's not bad, but now the traditionally troublesome launch period is over, we can get on with tweaking the mag and making it better.

Alongside this, we'll be spending a lot more time updating our web site (http://www.futurenet.co.uk). So far, we've had to put this on the back-burner while we get the magazine out, but when we return, bleary-eyed and hung over in the New Year, we'll be making sure PSM's home page is a hot bed of news, gossip, tips and reviews.

Of course, 1996 is going to be the year of the Playstation. There are some major titles heading to your console over the next 12 months, which should put to rest any worries you had about the competition. The Playstation and PSM have only just started!"

Steve Jarratt (Editor)

Features

Made in America

PrePlay

Alien Trilogy
Braindead 13
Chronicles of the Sword
Namco Museum Vol. 1
NBA: In the Zone
Pinball round-up (Pro Pinball: The Web, True Pinball)
Rise of the Robots 2
The Scottish Open
Wing Commander III
Zero Divide

PlayTest

Actua Soccer
"Bar a few minor niggles this is a perfect blend of top-rate graphics and slick gameplay. Technically excellent, and deliciously playable, Actua Soccer delivers the lot."
9/10 (Starplayer award)


Agile Warrior
"Structurally the game is put together pretty well, but the high difficulty level makes it frustrating and the graphics don't push the Playstation one jot."
6/10

Criticom
"A challenging combat game that only reveals its depths with time. Not really recommended for beat 'em up beginners or those with sausages for fingers."
7/10

D
"A stunning, moody, captivating tale of evil-doing. But even on three CDs it's way too short, and way too easy. We would dearly like to rate it higher..."
4/10

Defcon 5
"Gameplay counts for a lot, and this combines tasty strategy and spicy action in pleasing measures. Sprinkle with a soupcon of story and garnish with real-time tension."
8/10

Hi-Octane
"If Wipeout hadn't completely cornered the racing market, Hi-Octane might have led the field. Unfortunately, Bullfrog's offering just isn't up to speed."
6/10

Krazy Ivan
"A slick and rattling good shoot 'em up. No, it ain't original, yes, the FMV bits are damned great. You might finish it with ease but you'll play it again."
7/10 (Starplayer award)


Lone Soldier
"Great looking, addictive, and destructive, with a distinctive viewpoint, but let down by dodgy controls and little exploitation of its enormous 3D potential."
6/10

Mickey's Wild Adventure
"An endearing platform game which, though predictable and derivative, still provides some great family entertainment. A welcome addition to Playstation."
7/10

Road Rash
"A formulaic racer, immediately presented for the next generation. You will enjoy the thrills and indeed the spills, but it becomes dull sooner rather than later."
6/10

Shockwave Assault
"This game's a decent shooter and very easy to get into, but there's very little variety and the challenges, while difficult, are far from complex. It's all too basic."
5/10

Thunderhawk
"More than an arcade game and not quite a flight sim, this game dumps ultra-realism for fast and addictive gameplay. It's an adrenaline rush, pure and simple."
8/10 (Starplayer award)


Total NBA '96
"A lovingly crafted basketball sim and a joy to play. It's the slickest sports game for the machine, and as such, recommended almost without hesitation."
9/10 (Starplayer award)

Top Secret

Air Combat
Battle Arena Toshinden
NBA Jam: Tournament Edition
Parodius
Rayman
Ridge Racer
Zero Divide

On the Disc

Mortal Kombat 3 (playable demo)
Hi-Octane (playable demo)
Ridge Racer (rolling demo)
Evolva (graphics demo)

Trivia

- Spot the blatent mistake in the first paragraph of the editorial (sorry, I'm thin on trivia for this issue).
- Playstation 2 rumours already! "...one theory doing the rounds is that Playstation 2 will be an on-line gaming system."
- This was the first issue to feature a tips section. Future Publishing would later release The Official UK Playstation Tips Magazine.
- Page count: 100