CyClones
DOS - 1994
Description of CyClones
Raven-Games.com posted such a great review of this underdog, packed with interesting background and insider information, that I'd like to quote in its entirety here: "CyClones was begun in February of 1994, marking the beginning of a new period for Raven [Software]. Coming off of a good relationship with Electronic Arts, which produced both Black Crypt and ShadowCaster, Raven split into two groups.
One which worked with id's brand new Doom engine to create "Mage", a fantasy action game, which would eventually evolve into the game Heretic. The other team started on a project that was to use the engine from ShadowCaster to create a futuristic shooter for Strategic Simulations (SSI), called CyClones.
The name CyClones referred to Cybernetic Clones, the minions of aliens who had ravaged and devastated the earth. The player was cast as the cybernetic warrior Havoc who, in the course of his battle against the aliens, discovers that he himself is one of these monstrosities, reprogrammed by his masters to do their bidding. The game was in first person 3D, as was most other Raven games, so reusing the ShadowCaster engine and its tools was a natural choice. But within a short time, the team found that they wanted to do more with the game and engine than they had done before. A new, 100% in-house engine was created that could handle moving platforms, catwalks, sloped areas, and transparent textures. The engine, by Carl Stika, was nicknamed STEAM.
CyClones had a unique mouse control system, where movement could be handled independently of aiming, and any area could be targeted on screen. The gun was controlled by a crosshair, which was also used for picking up objects and manipulating world objects like doors and switches. While this setup for keyboard-and-mouse control was unusual for a shooter, its method of using the mouse to scan left and right, up and down predated the now-vogue concept of mouse-looking in an action game. It brought many to find this to be an extremely intuitive and preferential method of control, and stand by it to this day.
CyClones' production cycle was at the height of multimedia madness. Sometime during the development of the game it was decided that for a competitive edge, CyClones would become "a multimedia extravaganza". A small budget was granted for full-motion video sequences to be created for the game, to be presented between missions as briefings. However, while the production company that was hired certainly did the best that was possible within such small constraints, the video that was placed in the final game was noted by one reviewer to be so horribly bad that "it makes Clutch Cargo look like Masterpiece Theatre". It was generally agreed that the lesser-distributed floppy disk version without the live video proved superior to the "multimedia enhanced" edition.
Raven still jealously guards the original videotape containing the full 30-minute version of the video production, stating that the 8 minutes that were used in the final game were "amazingly, far better than the stuff that wasn't used". Perhaps folks should be thankful that the full contents of this tape were not unleashed.
However, this minor quirk in the overall game did not make for poor reactions from the press. While the game was not a blockbuster title, reviewers found it to be a competent and engaging shooter. CyClones was released in November of 1994, a game created from the ground up in nine months, technology and all. This is a feat almost unheard of in the game development world. The inclusion of the unique controls and brandishing Raven's traditionally great art made for a good solid production, and an enjoyable game."
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
Cleric 2023-02-14 -6 points
You obviously has ZERO taste in games Kyle.
Cyclones is just a budget game from Raven. More like a tech demo to show of 3D platforms. Maps are mostly horrible mazes, they squandered the chance to make a good game.
Whats your other favourites, Alone in the Dark 5? Thief 4?
Kyle 2020-07-31 2 points
Forgot about this. Awesome! I think its better than Doom! Way Better!
Does anyone know if they made something for it like say C!zone? The way they did for games like Doom, Heretic and Fury3?
Marianoffire 2020-04-15 0 point
98/5000
I didn't know about the existence of this game. The gameplay it's very fresh and feels new. It's excellent, a hidden gem for sure.
antimodes 2020-01-20 0 point
Uuuuuh: good old memories...
I confirm it works under dosbox.
For who download the iso file, i suggest to mount it under windows using a third part software, mount 2 drive letter under dosbox: one is for the cd-fake (like G) the other is for an empty folder (like C), then start the setup to install the game
KC 2020-01-05 -1 point
I have downloaded the DOS ISO version of this game, and DosBox states it is not a DOS game, so I can not play it. I have not tried the other version listed here, but will do so. I wonder why the game is listed as a DOS game when it is not.
DKZero 2018-06-14 0 point
How can i config the sound if i try to play at windows XP and the setup doesnt have auto select in the sound section
KC 2018-04-24 0 point
Tried to load this game using Boxer, Boxer says it is not a DOS game. I can't get it to load.
josh j 2017-04-14 0 point
ah the good old days ssi game and a 486 with tube monitor
works fine still looks ok havent played since i was a kid.
compare to system shock not doom more of a cyborg simulation than a shooter.
indstr 2014-02-11 0 point DOS version
Never heard of this, the screenshots the graphics look as good as Doom. I might have to check it out
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Buy CyClones
CyClones is available for a small price on the following website, and is no longer abandonware. GOG.com provides the best release and does not include DRM, please buy from them! You can read our online store guide.
Game Extras and Resources
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7 MB (DOS)Similar games
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