Space Griffon VF-9

Did You Know?

• The game has typical mech game elements such as equipping items and character inventories; if Kid's life reaches zero, the game is over.
• Space Griffon VF-9 was released in a long box case and was localized in North America with both English vocals and English voice acting, but the vocals were cut before release, leaving a purely instrumental soundtrack.
• The Dreamcast version was a graphically enhanced remake featuring a heavier anime style and newly animated cutscenes, released only in Japan.

Plot

On October 17, 2148, Earth loses communications with the Moon's largest man-made structure, HAMLET, a highly classified facility owned by conglomerate A-MAX Factories. A-MAX sends its private military arm, the A-MAX Cleaners (AMC), to investigate. The AMC team pilots VF mechs and consists of Konrad Von Eibol, Oreag Arnderson, Maria Hansfield, Rauzein Shizevinov, Mark Smiley, and James 'Jim' Billington, who controls the VF-9 Griffon. Upon arrival at HAMLET, the team finds only hostile guard robots, auto-noids, and bio-organisms, including a large intelligent bio-monster. A data disk reveals that a viral outbreak ordered by A-MAX caused infected individuals to attack the uninfected, killing most residents, including lead researcher Professor Mabel, who was absorbed by an organism. The virus can reanimate the dead into zombies. While exploring mines where Lunar Tears are extracted, Jim finds a crazed Smiley. When the bio-monster attacks, Oreag sacrifices himself by detonating his VF; Smiley is caught in the blast. Jim and Konrad discover surviving researcher Francis Lakewood. Near Mabel's laboratory, Jim thaws a girl named Mary, who warns not to trust Francis. Francis intends to spread the virus to Earth in revenge on A-MAX for confining the scientists.

Reception

Readers of the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine voted the Dreamcast remake a 6.7209 out of 10, ranking at number 350. Consoles + François Garnier and Marc Menier reviewed the PlayStation original, praising the fast and fluid visuals, sound effects, and longevity compared to Kileak: The Blood, but noted the player must get used to combat management, and found the music not varied enough and the presentation disappointing. GameFans three writers commended the intriguing storyline, roleplaying-esque action, 3D graphics, ability to transform on the fly, and English translation, but noted the lack of in-game music and repetitive monochromatic environments. VideoGames magazine compared the game with Kileak and Robotica, finding visuals crisp but bland and movement average. Next Generation called it 'A nice idea. Badly done.' Video Games Jan Schweinitz gave mixed thoughts on visuals and gameplay, negatively noting the lack of music. GamePro stated that 'Respectable graphics and sounds fashion convincing sci-fi environments, and your cool mech suit fights viciously. Space Griffon's addictive, intriguing combination of mech combat and strategic exploration isn't for everyone, though.' IGN compared the PlayStation version unfavorably with Doom, criticizing its slow action. Colin Williamson reviewed the Dreamcast remake for IGN, critical of its underwhelming plot, monotonous level design, and thick fog.