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Good game...worth trying

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: June 12, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Putting aside the evangelical opinions people have stated about this game. Let's look at the pros and cons.
Pro.
Innovative style and feel, not another clone of a game.
Ease of game play (No need to invest a large chunk of time getting up to speed).
Smooth and rythmic play allows for a very immersive experience.

Con.
Over quickly. This game doesn't allow a great deal of new skill development
Repetitive game play, allows for less innovation and personalization of playing style.

Overall I would say this game is rather engaging. I would compare it to Tetris. Simple game play, repetitive rythmic feel. The best thing going for Rez is that it offers a player a chance to develop a real rapport with the game. The simplicity of movement and scenery allows a very enjoyable feel to the game. I doubt it has much appeal to gamers under 18. Get your son/daughter Spider Man instead. This game is a salute to the golden age of gaming.

"Man, what a beat!" -- Baloo the bear

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 12, 2002
Author: Amazon User

First, I'm a hardcore freak gamer (Quake 3, Unreal Tournament, Tekken 4, etc). This sort of game shouldn't appeal to me, since it's way too easy.

But... I love it. I keep playing it. A friend of mine, also a hardcore freak gamer, had tried it, but dropped it after 30 seconds since it's easy and the gameplay itself isn't really that compelling. So I forced him to play through level 1.

During segment 1, the music is a simple "beep" every 5 seconds or so. A few punk enemies came through, and he wiped them, looking unenthused. After segment 4 out of 10, he said, "Hmm. The music's picking up a bit." Then he vanished into Rez's world. He finished the level, and as he resurfaced into the real world, he let the controller drop. A look of despair washed over him. He said, "Aw man. I really enjoyed that." Then he brightened, and tried level 2.

This is not a game in the traditional sense. It is an experience; one that should not be missed.

The most creative game for the PS2

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: May 02, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Rez is the most creative game available for the PS2. The graphics in this game are TOP NOTCH. Unlike other games for the PS2, Rez doesn't even attempt to look real. That's not the point. This game puts you into a "cyber" reality reminiscent of the movies Tron and The Lawn Mower Man. This game is pretty intense, but a little bit easy to master. The techno trance music in the game suits the game perfectly. Everything in this game goes to the hypnotic rhythm of the music.

Its the most unique "blast'em" game I've ever played. The game's fast moving background images pulsate to the music, morph, melt, etc. Its very colorful and "psychedelic". This is the type of game that would have existed back in the 60's when people were legally taking "mind expanding" stimulants such as LSD (now illegal to use in the US). But the technology to make this type of game didn't exist back then. The graphics are pretty intense. Its unusual to come across a game like this in today's culture.

So how do I rate this game?

1) For graphics this game gets 10 stars. This game has the most creative graphics I've ever seen.

2) For music this game gets 5 stars. I'm not crazy about techno trance music, but the music completely compliments the game.

4) For realism, this game gets 0 stars. This game is 100% fantasy. There is absolutely no realism in this game. If you want something realistic try Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2002 for the PS2. That's a very realistic game.

5) For game play, this game gets 5 stars. The game play is somewhat similar to other "blast'em" games, but the game play experience is so intertwined with the techno trance music that the feeling you get from playing this game is completely unique. Its a fast paced psychedelic rhythmic trance experience. You feel like you are experiencing the music both visually and emotionally. The game designers deserve an award for this accomplishment.

6) For vibration effect, this game would get 5 stars but because you can't control the intensity of the vibration I gave it 3 stars. The use of the vibration feature in this game is amazing. It really pulls you deeper into the music experience this game is famous for. I play this game using the Sony PS2 controllers, and the vibration is way too intense. You can turn it off, but its important for the game experience. It would be better if you could adjust the vibration intensity from within the games options screen rather than just turn it off. You may want to consider using a controller that allows you to adjust the vibration intensity.

Are there any bad sides to this game?

1) Its a little too easy and too short.

2) I got sore wrists after playing the game for an hour with the vibration feature turned on. So be warned. I recommend playing with the vibration turned off, even though its more entertaining with it on.

3) This is only a one person game. I usually prefer two player games. Oh, well. This is still a great game.

4) The music is not presented in DTS surround sound! That's a BIG disappointment. The music is so important to the game experience of Rez that they should have made an option for DTS surround sound, not just mono or stereo! I'm shocked. Even games like SSX Tricky for the PS2 have a DTS surround sound option. Why doesn't this game? Maybe Rez 2 will will support DTS surround sound, if Rez 2 is ever made.

Is this game worth buying?

YES. Its the most unique game available for the PS2. Its quite fun. But some people will not like this game. For some people the graphics are too intense. My wife cannot play this game, the intense graphics quickly makes her eyes tired. This game is for people that like intense mind bending graphics and fast game play. Its the type of game you wan to play with the music turned up really high, using a nice home entertainment system, with a large screen and the lights turned out. What an experience! But its tiring. This is not the type of game you want to play for hours. Because of that, this game doesn't make a good rental game.

Do *NOT* believe this industry hype.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 8 / 23
Date: January 15, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I cannot articulate how horrible this game is. See, the key word here is "game." "Game" is missing from this. Sure the graphics and the sound are 3d, sure they are cool the first time you see them... but the "relative ease" that is referred to by many many reviewers who seem to be in cahoots with Sega is that it takes a total of 45 minutes to beat all the boards. There are ***5*** missions, and they make up for this lack by adding ridiculous features like "score attack" which *gasp* lets you get points. WHO CARES? What, I'm going to beat my old points? Very lame to get this as a bonus.

The music is alright trance music, but the 40th time you try to play a board to do it a little bit better it is just annoying to hear a BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM drum beat.

When you are playing it, it is very immersive. But then a whole 40 mins are past and you've completed the game and what, you're supposed to want to play it again in a different "mode"? Ridiculous.

The first warning is the booklet. "Press X to shoot" is about all it says. Oh, wait, it also describes the whopping 2 power ups (one makes you stronger, one makes you ... uh... shoot a lot).

If you notice the glowing reviews they say "its more than a shooter, its an 'experience!'" along with "its really cool to look at, it's not explainable as a game!"

Translation: the gameplay is nonexistant, and you can show off your PS2 (sorta, i thought the graphics were LAME at times) to grandma for 4 minutes, and the shots and explosions are timed so they all coincide with the music.

This makes an experience? yawn. Essentially the timed music thing is BOGUS anyway, which is why the enemies are so spread apart. If you press fire very rapidly you can hear the shots coming out in a pattern. Sometimes when you press the button you hear no shot. Oooh! Marvelous technology!

Seriously, don't believe the hype - I'm sure its all about Sega's deep pockets (which is why you hear about panzer dragoon and SC5 in the same breath, even though this game mangles what was good with both of those).

This was such a dissapointment. It's on a CD, not a DVD... couldn't they have made like 3 times more boards, enemies, items and stuffed it on a DVD?

Unless you like to play the same 4 boards over and over again so you can "master" the techniques, as said on the box, the play is mindnumbing. How about make 20 levels rather than 20 bonuses?

Bottomline - rent it, it's cool for a night. But warning, you'll feel ripped off if you rent it too.

A new step in the evolution of video games

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 24, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Well, I must say that UGa and Sega didn't disappoint me on this one, it's even better than I expected. But first, I'll start by telling you that it's not a game for everyone, I suggest renting it at first and see if the first few hours(which are sufficient to go through the basic levels) satisfy you.

The story of this game is quite simple: an A.I. which questions her existence...Since this game is at its core a shooter, and more of an "experience" than an actual game, don't expect a complex story line. But what's so incredible about it is that this very quest for existence, and the evolution of life on Earth/mankind is constantly reminded to us through the visuals, the backgrounds(first four areas take you through environments inspired by Egyptian, Indian, Mesopotamian, Chinese culture...). Okay, it won't necessarily incite you to philosophize about mankind's purpose on earth or whatever, but still it's truly a work of art.

Gameplay starts from the basics of a shooter, and you only have control of your targeting sight, which you use to destroy enemies, projectiles and grab "power-ups". But what takes Rez a step further is that every single action you take influence the music, new sounds blending together with the rhythm. Since you'll probably never play the same way twice, this creates a unique experience every time you play. The music, of course, is perfect; it fits well with each of the environments, and change accordingly to the surroundings.

The only drawback to this game is it's replay value. There are four basic areas(with respective bosses) and an additional 5th area, slightly longer, with a spectacular fight against the final boss. Most of these areas are pretty easy, but the real challenges come with the extras... After completing the different areas and completing specific requirements, you unlock new modes where you compete for high scores, or just chill out(invincibility),a new area, and special customization options for visuals, colors and sound effects. Most cheats are optionally time-released(if you're having trouble with the normal requirements), so expert and newbie players will both be satisfied. And since your gaming experience change every time, there is always more to discover with this game.

Overall, after a first experience with Rez, you'll decide if this is the kind of game you like, and that you could still enjoy playing in a few weeks or months(if you like it, then believe me, you will be playing for that long!). What I really enjoyed about Rez is that it focused on original gameplay and the overall experience, instead of next-generation graphics and a basic shooter formula. The creative freedom the developers took on this game is remarkable, it's a refreshing game which really stands out in the crowd of games for the PS2(and DC).

A classic game.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 30, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is something that has kept my non-game-playing friends coming back for more "Can I come over and play Rez?" - "Can I borrow your PS2 for the weekend, I'd like to play Rez".

You either get it or you don't. If you grew up playing shooters and arcade games, came up through the ranks of Vectrex, C64 and Amiga games you can understand the beauty of Rez. It also appeals to people who don't like playing games at all. Rez leaves the mediocre PC gamer disenfranchised and just not 'getting it'.

Put on some headphones, turn down the lights and give it a go. This is what gaming is all about.

Play this game 3 feet from the TV and turn up your speakers

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: May 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I read the reviews, bought this game last night and it's true what they're saying. Rez is an explosive virtual reality experience. Only 4 levels in this game, but play them over to see if you can score higher and unlock hidden doors. Some will like it and some won't but either way you should still buy it just to see how out-of-whack this game can get.

Another under-appreciated Sega title

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: January 23, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Being a fan of music games, especially the now-infamous Dance Dance Revolution, I jump at the chance of a completely unique game featuring techno-style music. I also have loved Sega's entries into the video game hall of fame, even though most of the titles are harshly under-appreciated. This title combines the two pseudo-genres - an under-appreciated sega unique music title.

First off, I think this game is the best argument that game creation is a form of digital art. This game flows and gleams with an artistic style most games lack. From the Tron-like visuals to the extremely catchy beats, the game keeps you riveted and open-jawed through the entire play-through.

The graphics, technically, are a bit dated, but that is mainly because it is a port of a Dreamcast version that was never brought overseas to the American version. It is a bit bland singled out, but when combined with the music ad the fluid controls and thumping of te controller to the beat, it all seems to fit perfectly.

This game is hard to explain in the gameplay area. By technicality, it is a shooter, but that in no way gives it justice. The controls are very close to Panzer Dragoon's style of moving a cursor around the screen and as you slide over targets, they are selected and then fired upon. But, the cool thing is that the blasts and explosions all become part of the music, making it sound different every time you play. This really makes the game more of an experience then a pure game.

And that leads to the negative. The game is very short. In about 3 hours, you can master the game, so all the play modes you open start becoming extremely easy, although there are many to extend replayability. The main draw of this game is that it is very addictive, and will still be very fun to pull out months from now and experience again.

Overall, this is one of my favorites from the past few months, and has been the perfect game for breaks from Final Fantasy X. Pick this game up if you enjoy unique games and good techno.

Pick it up and SEE FOR YOURSELF!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: March 09, 2006
Author: Amazon User

After reading all of the reviews here, I can tell you this: THEY'RE ALL TRUE.
After playing it myself, I can tell you without any glimpse of doubt IF YOU HATE IT, YOUR RIGHT. but believe me YOU MIGHT JUST CHANGE YOUR MIND. AND, IF YOU LOVE IT, ONCE YOU'RE HERE, THERE'S NO ESCAPE.

Not all there is to say about this game is here(or anywhere else), but that's how it shold be, it's just like every other game, find out for yourself.

EXPERIENCE synesthesia(intoxicated or sober, it's up to you), get yourself a nice set of speakers, turn off the lights and experience one the ICONS OF THE EARLY 21st CENTURY, not only for videogames but also for a social/technological turn in history that "is determining Our future right Now"...
......(actually, forget about last part, I love this game, just PLAY IT).

I just have one thing to say about this game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 14
Date: September 04, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Play this game a couple of times... and it will grow on you... play it a couple of more times, and your going to really start to get good at it.

Then Follow these instructions very carefully:

1) Take Two Hits of Acid
2) Play Rez
3) Change Your View on Life Forever

You will be enlightend. Trust me.

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