by Rainier Wong

Created on: July 23, 2008   Last Updated: July 24, 2008

Name of Game: Laser Dolphin
Producers: Dingo Games
Type: Arcade Shooting Game.
Price: $19.99
Ratings: 3/5

Who could ever imagine a dolphin could be used in an a computer game with a science fiction setting? The creators of Laser Dolphin at Dingo Games had unleashed their talents by mixing science fiction with the sea creature. In this game, you control the movement of a dolphin with your keyboard, and shoots lasers out of its laser-gun with your mouse to destroy your enemies.

Game Play: 3/5
Before I began playing, I had the opportunity to choose the types of play - 'Action', 'Stunt' or 'Race', and select a level of difficulty. I selected 'Action', and was greeted by a comic strip about a Prime Minister being kidnapped by alien beings and the dolphin was assigned to rescue him. Since, this is game with a science fiction setting, it could be more exciting if the story was in the form of animation with voice, and music instead.

While playing, I had to avoid mines that could decrease the dolphin's health which in turn reduced the time I could spent to get more enemies, and more gold dolphins that could help me progress to the next level. I hoped to see a score chart that showed me how well I was progressing. As the level progressed, the game became more challenging with more mines to avoid, and more enemies. Most of the time, the enemies were in fixed positions. I would prefer if there were more enemies swimming around.

Game Control: 3/5
Although there were hints on each level on how to move the dolphin, and to shoot at the enemies, maneuvering the sea creature could quite difficult at times with the keyboard. I had to point the mouse at the right spot, and hit the space bar to get the dolphin moving. Other than the space bar, I could use the W,A,S, and D keys to move the sea creature. Once in a while, there were obstacles preventing me from moving the dolphin immediately, a test of my patience indeed.

Graphics: 3/5.
Some of the scenes looked quite three-dimensional. However, it would be nicer if objects could become larger when I was nearing them, and smaller when I moved away from them just like in a 3D game. The screen scrolled to more sceneries when I moved the dolphin beyond the screen. It was harder to move the creature upwards especially beyond the ocean to the sky. This was indeed a good reflection of real life as dolphins could not fly.

Sound: 3/5
The sound was quite alright with its modern music background, and some sound effects. However, it would be better if sound could be added for more events.

Creativity and Innovation: 4/5
One great innovation I found in this game was the use of a dolphin as the main character with a laser-gun attached to it.

After experiencing the game, I gave this game a three out of five as an overall rating.

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