PC CD-ROM minimum system requirements: Pentium 90mhz; 16MB RAM; 80MB hard disk space; Dual speed CD-ROM drive; SVGA. £29.99
Moonshine, whiskey, squealing pigs, chickens, pork rinds, banja music and inbred locals with a desire to see you six foot under - as well as some aliens for good measure - make up this Duke Nukem-clone set in the deep south of the USA. With 10 weapons including crowbar, various guns, dynamite, crossbow, rip-saw and a rather strange alien arm-gun, you won't be short of firepower, although, even on the easiest of settings, Redneck Rampage is a darn difficult test of skill. Using the same Build engine as Duke 3D, Redneck Rampage looks and feels fairly similar - although the setting couldn't be any more different. It is original, to say the least, and adds a whole different flavour to the gameplay. That said, the constant "I'm gonna git ya" mutterings from the locals and the whinging hillbilly soundtrack may very well test your patience. Not only will you run into Billy Ray Jeeters, Skinny Old Coots, Giant Mosquitos and dodgy sheriffs, you will also face aliens in the form of Hulk Guards and Vixens. And if that wasn't enough, you'll see copious amounts of chickens, cows, pigs, dogs etc. Redneck Rampage delivers the host of power-ups expected from a shoot-em-up - they're a little odd but add to the gameplay: rednecks, ya see, like their booze and to replenish your health you're gonna have to drink a lotta liquor. Too much, though, and you could be in trouble - go over the limit and the action keys reverse their functions to leave you staggering about the place and a sitting duck for all. Pork rinds and cow pies fill the gaps in between drinks, so watch your gut meter. Despite the refreshing look and original theme, Redneck Rampage, although competent, fails to get away from what we have seen before. It's basically Duke Nukem dressed in straw hats, clay pipes and dungarees - unfortunately, the level design isn't half as good. Graphics: 88% Gameplay: 70%