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Felony 11-79, a game released for the PlayStation in 1997, stands as a unique entry in the vehicle-based action genre. Developed by the now-defunct Japanese studio Climax Entertainment, this game offers players a thrilling experience of high-speed chases and vehicular destruction. Known as Runabout in Japan, the game managed to carve out a niche audience despite the competitive landscape of the late 90s gaming market.

Story

Set in a fictional city teeming with crime, Felony 11-79 places players in the role of a cunning getaway driver. The narrative revolves around a series of heists and the player’s attempt to evade law enforcement after each job. The game’s plot, although relatively straightforward, integrates well with its gameplay mechanics. Players are tasked with completing missions that typically involve retrieving valuable items while navigating through the city at breakneck speeds.

The storyline unfolds through a series of missions that escalate in complexity and danger. Each mission begins with a briefing, outlining the objectives and providing a glimpse into the criminal underworld that the player is part of. While the game does not offer deep character development or intricate storytelling, it compensates with its adrenaline-pumping scenarios and fast-paced action sequences.

Gameplay

Felony 11-79’s gameplay is where it truly shines. The game combines elements of racing and action, creating a hybrid experience that was relatively novel at the time of its release. Players are given the freedom to choose from a variety of vehicles, each with its own unique attributes such as speed, handling, and durability. This choice allows for different styles of play, whether players prefer the brute force of a heavy truck or the nimbleness of a sports car.

The primary objective in each mission is to complete tasks within a set time limit while causing as much destruction as possible. The game features a points system that rewards players for the amount of damage inflicted on the city. From smashing through storefronts to causing multi-car pile-ups, the game encourages a chaotic playstyle that can be both cathartic and challenging.

Felony 11-79 offers a surprisingly open-world experience for its time. Players can navigate through the city streets, alleys, and even off-road areas, searching for the most efficient routes to their objectives. The game’s physics engine, although basic by today’s standards, provides a satisfying sense of speed and impact, making every collision feel significant.

Mission Variety

The missions in Felony 11-79 range from simple getaways to more complex tasks involving multiple objectives. Some missions require precise driving skills to avoid obstacles and evade police cars, while others demand strategic planning to maximize property damage. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, inviting players to replay missions to improve their scores and discover new strategies.

Controls and Mechanics

The controls in Felony 11-79 are intuitive, allowing players to quickly adapt to the fast-paced environment. The game uses the PlayStation’s standard controller layout, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. The driving mechanics, while not as refined as modern racing games, offer a balance between arcade-style fun and realistic handling. Players must manage their speed, angle of turns, and timing to successfully navigate the chaotic cityscape.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in the late 90s, Felony 11-79 boasts impressive graphics that capture the essence of a bustling city. While the textures and models are primitive by today’s standards, they were quite advanced for the era. The game’s environments are richly detailed, featuring diverse urban settings that include commercial districts, industrial zones, and residential areas. These varied locales add depth to the gameplay, as each area presents unique challenges and opportunities for destruction.

The sound design in Felony 11-79 complements its visual elements effectively. The game features a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the intensity of the action, enhancing the thrill of high-speed chases. The sound effects are equally robust, with the roar of engines, the screech of tires, and the crunch of metal providing an immersive auditory experience. Voice-overs during mission briefings add an extra layer of narrative, though they are minimalistic and serve more as a functional guide than storytelling elements.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Felony 11-79 received mixed reviews from critics but gained a cult following among players who appreciated its unique blend of action and racing. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and the freedom it offered, allowing players to approach missions in various ways. Its emphasis on destruction and chaos was a precursor to later games in the vehicular combat genre, influencing titles like Burnout and the Grand Theft Auto series.

However, some critics pointed out the game’s lack of depth in terms of story and character development, which limited its appeal to a broader audience. The graphics, while impressive for the time, were also noted as an area that could have been improved to enhance the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, Felony 11-79 is fondly remembered by its fans for its high-octane thrills and the sheer fun of causing mayhem on virtual streets.

Conclusion

Felony 11-79 remains a noteworthy entry in the action-racing genre, remembered for its innovative approach to gameplay and its contribution to the evolution of open-world mechanics in video games. While it may not have reached the heights of mainstream success, it left an indelible mark on those who experienced its adrenaline-fueled missions and chaotic driving challenges. The game’s influence can be seen in the design of subsequent titles that sought to capture the same sense of freedom and destruction.

In retrospect, Felony 11-79 stands as a testament to the experimental spirit of 90s gaming, where developers were willing to take risks and explore new ideas. For those who played it, the game offered an unforgettable ride through a city where chaos was the order of the day. As gaming continues to evolve, Felony 11-79 remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when breaking the rules was part of the fun.