Gaming Target - Game Boy: Dark Arena

Written by Derek Noad on October 20, 2001

First Impressions: As your walking down the street and screaming out "Eat Lead!" don't be surprised if a man in blue takes you away.

You would think there are enough first person shooters out there already. We've all had our fill on PC and console from Wolfenstein 3-D to Red Faction, but what you wouldn't think of is that a very impressive title is on the way for a portable console. Dark Arena will be available for the holidays on your Game Boy Advance fill the void of portable shooters.

In the distant future, you take the role of a top-notch soldier at a special training base. To hone your skills, special genetic opponents have been designed for the ultimate challenge. Unfortunately, these deadly beings were too powerful and killed everyone at the base except you. You will have to escape the carnage with your limbs still intact.

The visuals look fantastic from the screens and movies that have already been released. Your character moves smoothly through corridors carrying a huge gun as he jumps around and steps into warp portals. The framerate seems to be free of glitches and will hopefully stay that way when it hits the shelves.

Some of the promising features of Dark Arena include an auto map, which will help prevent confusion in the huge levels throughout the game. You will also have to solve puzzles and collect keys or items to pass certain obstacles. There're at least six weapons and even a sniper rifle for zooming in on long-range targets. Dark Arena also takes advantage of Game Boy Advance's linking capabilities for some multiplayer deathmatch. You can challenge your friends with Dark Arena cartridges for duel to the death.