35MB hard disk space;
Windows 3.1 or Windows 95
(required for modem serial network); Dual speed
CD-ROM drive; SVGA.
£29.99
IF you like your shoot-'em-ups with a little subtlety and substance, Total Mania just might be the one for you. You take control of an elite corr of Cyborg freedom fighters and have to carry out 20 missions using high tech weapons and combat strategy.
Before each mission you are given a briefing and you and your troops are then teleported to the battle zone. Once there, strategy becomes all important.
A highly intuitive system allows you control your fighters with ease. Depending on the situation you can split the group up or fight as one. This means you can leave one of your troop at a location and issue him orders while the remaining group heads off to explore the surrounding area.
For example, you can tell the lone fighter to attack on sight or only to attack weaker enemies. If you choose the latter, when stronger enemies appear your soldier will automatically take cover and defend his position. Successfully accomplishing a mission not only leads to commendation from your superiors, it also gives you credits which can be used in the armoury or the robot repair facility for upgrades.
Although Total Mania can seem daunting at first, it is surprisingly easy to get into and if you were a fan of either Cannon Fodder or Crusader then Total Mania is certainly worth considering.
Graphics: 91%
Sound: 93%
Gameplay: 91%