Description

"Criticom" is a 3D fighting game released for the Sega Saturn in 1996, developed by Kronos Digital Entertainment and published by Vic Tokai. The game positions itself within a universe where various warriors from different worlds and eras clash to obtain a powerful artifact known as the "Delphoricon." Players choose from one of eight unique characters, each equipped with their own distinct moves and backstory, to battle across various stages. The fighting mechanics focus on three-button controls, manipulating punch, kick, and block functionalities, which aim for a straightforward yet strategic combat system—a departure from the combo-heavy norms seen in other contemporary fighting games.

Despite its ambitious narrative and distinctive character roster, "Criticom" was greeted with mixed reviews upon its release. One of the main criticisms stemmed from its somewhat clunky controls and the perceived lack of fluidity in character movements, which were seen as detrimental when compared to its more polished peers like "Virtua Fighter" and "Tekken." Nonetheless, "Criticom" held a niche appeal due to its sci-fi themes and graphical presentation, leveraging the 3D capabilities of the Sega Saturn. The game holds a place in video game history as an example of the era’s experimentation with 3D fighting game mechanics and narratives, representing both the potential and limitations of mid-90s game development technology.