FlipOut!

by Jack Gagliardi

Graphics:

The game has photo-realistic backgrounds and a good use of colour on the characters in the game. The animation could have been better on the characters but it is acceptable.
For some reason the programmers forgot that the Jag has other graphics chips besides the 68000. The screens scale in pretty choppily (is that a word?) but the tiles you Flip are animated nicely. The claymation characters that try to make your tile flipping difficult are very cute and take on the right personality. The rodeo guy who throws on a cowboy hat before trying to ride your tile (so you can't flip it) will make you howl.

Sound:

Weak music (although a friend thinks it is great). Considering there isn't much going on the screen they could have added a 24 track music score. It is carnival type music but it is clear. Anyhow, it will do.
The sound effects are sparse and consist of cheers when you are successful and "Awwww" when you lose.. The "Yehaaaww" of the rodeo guy is great (obviously I have taken to him).

Control:

One action button and the D-Pad moves the cursor around the playfield. Nuff said.

Gameplay:

Luv it!!! It is addictive and nerve rattling. You basically have to flip tiles (and other incarnations of them .... ex. pieces of Mount Rushmore, plates of food, waterspouts) and put them in a pre-set order. While doing so some of the aliens watching you try to screw you up by painting your tiles (the wrong colour!), flipping tiles you did not want to flip and swallowing your tile so it is taken out of play for a period of time.
It is one of the quality titles for the Jag and it is unique. If you like puzzle games that make you think quick, you will love this one.

Overall: 8/10

It is 20 times better than Baldies!!!!

--Jack Gagliardi (email address withheld by request)