Omega Boost
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| Omega Boost | |
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| Developer(s) | Polyphony Digital |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | 1999 (USA) |
| Genre(s) | Shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: E (Everyone) |
| Platform(s) | Sony PlayStation |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| Input | Dual Shock |
Omega Boost is a three dimensional shoot 'em up developed by Polyphony Digital (Makers of the famed Gran Turismo racing series) for the Sony PlayStation.
In the game, players take control of the Omega Boost, a giant robot or mecha in the style of famous Japanese Anime such as Mobile Suit Gundam or The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. The player is charged with travelling back in time to stop an artificial intelligence called Alpha Core from altering ENIAC, the first computer, and thus making itself more powerful in the future. The gameplay takes place on rails, meaning you must travel where the game takes you in the same style as titles like Nintendo's Star Fox or Sega's Panzer Dragoon. However, this rail-shooter element does not hamper your freedom to fly where you choose. On some stages, you have complete control of Omega Boost, specifically areas where you are in Planet ETA's atmosphere. Other stages limit you in terms of speed (falling through the timeshaft).
The "Boost" part of the mech's name comes from Omega Boost's booster pack, allowing the player to move in any direction and circle strafe enemies with a scanning and lock-on feature. Omega Boost also learns the Viper Boost maneuver once it is levelled up. Viper Boost, when engaged, will cause Omega Boost to glow blue as it tears through enemies on screen. Destroying enemies will cause the gauge to refill incrementally. However, the game can be completed without ever using Viper Boost. If Viper Boost is used, your final ranking will have "Pixy" added onto the title, proving you used the attack during your play.
The game has high production values with a few music tracks by the bands Loudmouth and Static-X. The game also features a live action introduction and mecha designs by Shoji Kawamori of Macross fame. The US, Japanese and European releases feature different theme music with the US version using "Fly" by Loudmouth, the Japanese version using "Shade" by Feeder and the European version using "Dreamer" by Cast.
Being released late in the PlayStation's life, Omega Boost is said to have some of the best graphics on the console with parts of the game running at 60 fps. The game was criticised by some reviewers for being too short (Nine levels with nine unlockable special missions) and simplistic. However, it is still considered one of the best Macross style mecha simulation games produced and is thought of by many as a sleeper hit due to its poor marketing.
[edit] Merchandise
A soundtrack was released as well as a series of action figures by Blue Box Toys featuring mecha from the game including Omega Boost, Beta Boost, and Herbarcher. In regards to the soundtrack, it is very rare to find. Many fans of the series have found it easier to rip the soundtrack from the game disc itself. However, this leads to confusion over the official titles of the tracks (mainly because they are labeled as "areas" ingame instead of the official names given by the creators).
[edit] Trivia
Similarities between Omega Boost and Sega's Panzer Dragoon series led to a rumor that former members of Team Andromeda, dissolved in 1998, had joined Polyphony Digital. This rumor is baseless.
Omega Boost is mentioned in the song My Console by Eiffel 65
