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{{Short description|1998 3D fighting video game}}
{{Infobox video game {{Infobox video game
|title = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. | title = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.
|image = ] | image = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Coverart.png
|caption = North American Nintendo 64 cover art | caption = North American Nintendo 64 cover art
| developer = ]{{efn|] version developed by ].<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1998-04-30 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/04/30/bio-freaks-4 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>}}
|developer = ]
|publisher = ] | publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|]|PAL|]}}
| director = Dave Simon
|designer =
| producer = Michael Gollieb
|released = {{collapsible list|title=1998|'''PlayStation'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA=April 30, 1998|PAL=September 1998}}'''Nintendo 64'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA=May 31, 1998|PAL=September 1, 1998}}}}
| designer = Dave Simon
|genre = ]
| programmer = Dave Wagner
|modes = ], ]
| composer = ]{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
|platforms = ], ], ]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|May 19, 1998<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midway.com/company/pr/midway050698.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990203132750/http://www.midway.com/company/pr/midway050698.html|title=The Carnage Comes Home Early Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. to Ship Ahead of Schedule|website=midway.com|archivedate=February 3, 1999|date=May 6, 1998|accessdate=November 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GameSpot staff |date=May 12, 1998 |title=Freaks for Rent |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/freaks-for-rent/1100-2463713/ |url-status=live |website=] |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202052825/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_05/12_freaks/index.html |archivedate=February 2, 1999 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>|PAL|September 1998}}'''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|August 1998}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ], ]
| platforms = ], ], ]
}} }}


'''''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.''''' is a 3D ] video game released by ] in 1998. It was originally planned for ]. Prototypes of the game were tested at arcades, but the final arcade release was canceled (although a ] of the prototype was eventually dumped and works in ]) and the game was later released for the ], ] and ]. '''''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.''''' is a 3D ] video game released by ] in 1998. It was originally planned for ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 1997 |title=Last-Minute Update |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=95 |page=94}}</ref> Prototypes of the game were tested at arcades, but the final arcade release was canceled (although a ] of the prototype was eventually dumped and works in ]) and the game was later released for the ], ] and ].


==Characters== ==Plot==
In the near future, rapid advances in technology and ] in the United States lead to massive conflict and espionage between giant corporations known as "GI-Corps". The resulting conflict, known as the Techno-Industrial Civil Wars, tears the country apart and causes the economy to collapse, with states declaring federal independence to avoid being annexed by one of the GI-Corps. The resulting ] and ongoing takeover by the GI-Corps lead to the rise of the new region of Neo-Amerika.
*Bullzeye, State represented: California. Freak classification: Synthoid
*Delta, State represented: Michigan/Indiana. Freak classification: Synthoid
*Minatek, State represented: Missouri. Freak classification: Dozer
*Psyclown, State represented: Illinois. Freak classification: Synthoid
*Purge, State represented: Utah. Freak classification: Retro
*Sabotage, State represented: Maryland. Freak classification: Bounty Hunter
*Ssapo, State represented: New Mexico. Freak classification: Retro
*ZipperHead, Freak classification: Retro


To prevent further conflict and hopefully reunite America, the Secret Games Commission (SGC) is formed, working with the remaining members of government to organize a fighting tournament to settle disputes between GI-Corps. In the tournament, each GI-Corp would choose a champion to represent them, with the winner's GI-Corp gaining ownership of all of the loser's states, ultimately deciding which GI-Corp gets to control all of Neo-Amerika. The plan is put into place, leading to the creation of Biological Flying Robotic Enhanced Armored Killing Synthoids (Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.) serving as the champions for each participating GI-Corp. However, several of the Freaks resent being controlled by GI-Corps, and begin forming an underground resistance movement to earn their equal rights.
===Boss Characters===
*Clonus, State represented: Florida. Freak classification: Unknown
*Mutilator, State represented: Texas. Freak classification: Dozer


==The Plot== ==Gameplay==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2022}}
The game uses a fully ]al fighting ], with 8 different fighters, and 2 ] fighters.


''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.'' uses a mix of hand-to-hand and long range combat. Each character has an assortment of special attacks, both close and long range, as well as "finishing attacks". Much like the ] of the '']'' games, these moves can execute the player's opponents while some, like in '']'', will remove limbs. Damage from powerful attacks can add up, causing a limb to be destroyed as well.
===The World of Neo-Amerika===


The game takes place in 3D fighting arenas. Emphasis was placed on mobility, giving dashes a great range and in multiple directions.
In the not-too-distant future, the mighty country known as America has
fallen like all great empires throughout history. Its fifty states broken
into private territories after what was called... The Techno-Industrial Civil Wars. Computer technology, bio-engineering, cybernetics and mechanics accelerated at such an incredible rate, it forced industrial competition to the point of uncontrollable and ruthless corporate
espionage.


The face buttons are assigned to specific limbs. The ]s are used for dodging, flying, and basic long range attacks.
While the government tried to keep control of the country by a single
thread, the effect of the giant corporations' white collar wars drove the
economy into a tail spin. With Wall Street in shambles, the government
bankrupt and technological corporate giants running unorthodox takeovers,
Neo-Amerika was born. Starting with Micro-Gene, a Dallas-based microchip /
bio engineering company, New Mexico was easily annexed by the construction of
more micro-chip processing plants and cloning technology labs. Arizona was
the company's next target and by the time Micro-Gene moved in on Nevada,
things started to get ugly. Micro-Gene had been using enhanced agents to spy,
sabotage and gather information on competing companies, but other competitors
began fighting back with their own brand of genetically enhanced corporate
spies and agents.


==Reception==
These wars between giant corporations a.k.a. "GI-Corps", gave way to
{{Video game reviews
more complicated, advanced and unethical methods. The kidnapping of corporate
| N64 = true
executives and replacing them with clones capable of downloading company
| PC = true
secrets was becoming commonplace. Soon, murder and terrorist tactics became
| PS = true
tools of choice in the battle between the GI-Corps.
| na = true
| GR_N64 = 68%<ref name="GRN64">{{Cite web |title=Bio FREAKS for Nintendo 64 |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/196759-bio-freaks/index.html |website=] |publisher=CBS Interactive |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512160806/https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/196759-bio-freaks/index.html |archivedate=May 12, 2019 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GR_PS = 61%<ref name="GRPS">{{Cite web |title=Bio FREAKS for PlayStation |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196760-bio-freaks/index.html |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527011646/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196760-bio-freaks/index.html |archivedate=May 27, 2019 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| Allgame_PC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Nick |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PC) - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14110&tab=review |website=] |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115114723/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14110&tab=review |archivedate=November 15, 2014 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| Allgame_PS = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones Jr. |first=Fredrick Lewis |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS) - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11872&tab=review |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115114720/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11872&tab=review |archivedate=November 15, 2014 |accessdate=October 7, 2020}}</ref>
| EGM_PS = 4.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Shawn |last2=Davison |first2=John |last3=Hsu |first3=Dan |last4=Williams |first4=Ken "Sushi-X" |date=August 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=109 |page=135}}</ref>{{efn|Four critics of '']'' gave the PlayStation version each a score of 5.5/10, 3/10, 5/10, and 4/10.}}
| GI_N64 = 4.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McNamara |first=Andy |last2=Anderson |first2=Paul |last3=Reiner |first3=Andrew |date=July 1998 |title=Bio FREAKS - Nintendo 64 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=jul98&doc=bio |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=63 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990909001741/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=jul98&doc=bio |archivedate=September 9, 1999 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GI_PS = 3.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1998 |title=Bio FREAKS - PlayStation |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jul98&doc=biop |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |issue=63 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990914223916/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jul98&doc=biop |archivedate=September 14, 1999 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GameFan_N64 = 72%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chau |first=Anthony "Dangohead" |last2=Justice |first2=Brandon "Big Bubba" |last3=Higgins |first3=Geoff "El Nino" |date=August 1998 |title=BioFreaks (N64) |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_6_Issue_08/page/n17/mode/2up |magazine=] |publisher=Metropolis Media |volume=6 |issue=8 |page=17 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|Three critics of '']'' gave the Nintendo 64 version each a score of 70, 78, and 69.}}
| GameFan_PS = 53%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mylonas |first=Eric "ECM" |last2=Chau |first2=Anthony "Dangohead" |last3=Ngo |first3=George "Eggo" |date=June 1998 |title=Bio-Freaks (PS) |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_6_Issue_06/page/n21/mode/2up |magazine=GameFan |publisher=Metropolis Media |volume=6 |issue=6 |page=20 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|Three critics of '']'' gave the PlayStation version each a score of 56, 54, and 49.}}
| GamePro_N64 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Major Mike |date=July 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (N64) |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_108_July_1998/page/n59/mode/2up |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=118 |page=60 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|'']'' gave the Nintendo 64 version two 4/5 scores for graphics and overall fun factor, 4.5/5 for sound, and 3.5/5 for control.}}
| GamePro_PS = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=The Rookie |date=July 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS) |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_108_July_1998/page/n67/mode/2up |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG Entertainment |issue=118 |page=68 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|'']'' gave the PlayStation version all four 3.5/5 scores for graphics, sound, control, and overall fun factor.}}
| GameRev_N64 = B−<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooke |first=Mark |date=June 1998 |title=Bio FREAKS - Nintendo 64 Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32582-bio-freaks-review |url-status=live |website=] |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990128232842/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/n64/action/bio_freaks.htm |archivedate=January 28, 1999 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GameRev_PS = B−<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooke |first=Mark |date=June 4, 1998 |title=Bio Freaks Review (PS) |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/35803-bio-freaks-review-2 |url-status=live |website=GameRevolution |publisher=CraveOnline |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990508065642/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/sony/action/bio_freaks.htm |archivedate=May 8, 1999 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot_N64 = 6/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Ryan |date=June 4, 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Review (N64) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bio-freaks-review/1900-2544135/ |url-status=live |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050127162832/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/biofreaks/review.html |archivedate=January 27, 2005 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS = 5.7/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Ryan |date=May 14, 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Review (PS) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bio-freaks-review/1900-2546781/ |url-status=live |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129013756/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/biofreaks/review.html |archivedate=January 29, 2005 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| Hyper_N64 = 74%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fish |first=Eliot |date=August 1998 |title=BioFREAKS (N64) |url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-058/page/78/mode/2up |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=58 |page=79 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| Hyper_PS = 69%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cheung |first=Kevin |date=July 1998 |title=BioFREAKS (PS) |url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-057/page/72/mode/2up |magazine=Hyper |publisher=Next Media Pty Ltd |issue=57 |page=72 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| IGN_N64 = 6.4/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=May 20, 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (N64) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/05/21/bio-freaks-3 |website=] |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=October 7, 2020}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 4/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=August 13, 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PC) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/14/bio-freaks |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=October 7, 2020}}</ref>
| IGN_PS = 6.5/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |date=May 21, 1998 |title=Bio Freaks (PS) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/05/22/bio-freaks-2 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=October 7, 2020}}</ref>
| N64_N64 = 76%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Price |first=James |date=August 1998 |title=Bio Freaks (Import) |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=18 |pages=84–87}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ashton |first=James |date=October 1998 |title=Bio Freaks |url=http://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-501-60.jpg |magazine=N64 Magazine |publisher=Future Publishing |issue=20 |page=60 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| NP_N64 = 7.8/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 1998 |title=Bio Freaks |url=http://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-351-97.jpg |magazine=] |publisher=] |volume=109 |page=95 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
| OPM_PS = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1998 |title=Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. |magazine=] |publisher=Ziff Davis |volume=1 |issue=10}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 79%<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Williamson |first=Colin |date=October 1998 |title=Bio Freaks |url=https://archive.org/details/PCGamer199810/page/n219/mode/2up |url-status=live |magazine=] |publisher=] |volume=5 |issue=10 |page=209a |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000307213257/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/79.html |archivedate=March 7, 2000 |accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref>
}}


The Nintendo and PlayStation versions received mixed or average reviews according to the ] website ].<ref name=GRN64/><ref name=GRPS/>
With the advent of the GI-Corps battles, each State developed desperate
measures to secure themselves from a hostile take-over. By declaring Federal
independence from the U.S., drastic laws and borders were created between
states. Violence soon reared its ugly head and the Techno-Industrial Civil
Wars began.


{{clear}}
Something had to be done before the once great country destroyed itself
or became target to outside invasion. An agreement had to be made between the
government and the GI-Corps before America was torn apart. So a radical
concept was introduced to prevent the possible loss of millions in the
increasing wars between GI-Corp controlled states. Thus...


==Notes==
===The Secret Games Commission (SGC)===
{{notelist}}

Spearheaded by forces unknown (possibly foreign interest), a commission
was set up in league with the remaining U.S. Government to regulate the
piracy that was tearing apart the United States with the hopes of possibly
re-uniting the once proud country. The SGC and the American Government put
forth a proposal to the GI-Corps: territorial or contract disputes would be
settled in an arena. Instead of armies, one champion would represent a
GI-Corp controlled state in battle against another corporation's champion.
The winning Champion would take control of the opposing state along with
whatever other states that may have been acquired from previous battles.

===The Coming of the Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.===

The first unified law in decades was passed and the concept of
one-on-one battles settling GI-Corp disputes became a reality. As a matter of
fact, the creation of ultimate fighting machines was inevitably the next step
in the industrial world of Neo-Amerika and its civil wars.

Each GI-Corp jumped at the opportunity to create these warriors from
technology they specialized in. Cloning had become an easy task for the
science divisions of the corporate states. Enhancement by genetics and
cybernetics were available technologies as well. Born from these scientific
secrets were: Biological Flying Robotic Enhanced Armored Killing Synthoids.

Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. for short, these enhanced humans were created
specifically for the purpose of battle. Bred in laboratories as killing
machines, the Freaks were genetically endowed with peak strength and agility,
a rapid healing factor, body tissue regeneration and built-in weaponry. They
are owned by the GI-Corps and controlled through a bio-drive that also allows
them to down-load combat skills and strategies. An intricate tattoo of
circuitry gives them access to the bio-drives, which are located in each
Freak's skull. There are three stages of Freakdom:

*'''Synthoids''': Genetically enhanced clones with tissue regrowth abilities.
*'''Retros''': (as in retrofit): One flaw in the Freak creation process is that the tissue regrowth abilities will fail after a while. If a body part is destroyed and the regeneration processes has discontinued, cybernetic replacements are attached to the Freak.
*'''Dozers''': These are freaks who have not only lost so much of their human tissue but also the ability to regenerate. Their bodies are completely mechanical except for the brain.

Closed-circuit battle pits are where all the action takes place. While
more reminiscent of Roman gladiators than a football game, the states'
populace savors the conflicts with crazed fervor. While the whole world
watches the fights in frantic anticipation, there are those who do not enjoy
the rigorous battles faced far too often: the Bio Freaks themselves.

===The Freak Underground or GI-Corp Resistance===

Not having any government of corporate sanctioned rights, being under
constant control of a GI-Corp, doomed to a destiny of violence and ultimate
loss of humanity, some Freaks have gone rogue and formed an underground
resistance. Their goal, to escape the control of their "owners" and obtain
their equal rights.

While the Secret Game Commission's ultimate goal is to re-unify America,
the possibility of a GI-Corp Resistance interferes in some of their most
important progress. If an underground movement becomes successful and all
Freaks go rogue, then a swift relapse to the days of the Civil Wars is
possible and the hopes of peace could be crushed.

== Overview ==
The game uses a fully polygonal fighting engine, with 8 different fighters, and 2 ] fighters. It sets itself apart from the majority of fighting games by not locking the players down to a 2D plane of combat, allowing the players to move in full ] including flying into the air for short periods. This allows you to move to higher levels in the arenas, of which there are 10, though only 9 are selectable in Vs. modes. Some of the arenas also have traps which can damage the characters or even kill them immediately.

''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.'' uses a mix of hand-to-hand and long range combat. Each character has an assortment of special attacks, both close and long range, as well as "finishing attacks". Much like the Fatalities of the '']'' games, these moves can execute the player's opponents while some, like in '']'', will remove limbs. Also damage from powerful attacks can add up causing a limb to be destroyed as well.

Limb loss can be shut off, however, just as the blood can. The player can even configure it to allow limbs to regrow after a while or stay missing for the rest of the battle. Limbs lost during the first round return, either way, at the start of the second.

== Gameplay ==
The fully 3D nature of the game yields a different style of gameplay from the traditional fighting game. Players are able to not only move forward, backward, sidestep, and jump, but they can also fly away to a safe distance or speed dash towards the enemy for close combat.

Players can keep the enemy in close range for a more traditional melee experience, go long range, and volley and dodge shots from each other, or play cat and mouse as one player continually moves across the room while the other chases after them.

Unlike most fighting games, the face buttons are assigned to specific limbs instead of level of strength; the shoulder buttons are used for dodging, flying, and basic long range attacks.

The game offers several modes:
Arcade Mode allows players to fight in a series of one-on-one battles against A.I. operated characters, culminating in two bosses;
VS Mode allows two players to fight one another;
Practice Mode allows players to practice each fighter's moves;
Team Battle allows the player to fight in teams of up to five characters each, against either A.I. or another player;
Survival Mode rotates A.I. controlled characters against the player until the player character's health is exhausted.

==Reception==
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. received mixed reviews upon release. The PlayStation version currently has a rating of 61% on Gamerankings while the Nintendo 64 version has a rating of 70%.


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Empty section|date=February 2013}}


==External links== ==External links==
*{{KLOV game|id=7119}} * {{KLOV game|id=7119}}
* {{moby game|id=/bio-freaks}}
* at ]


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Latest revision as of 18:25, 26 May 2024

1998 3D fighting video game 1998 video game
Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.
North American Nintendo 64 cover art
Developer(s)Midway Studios San Diego
Publisher(s)
Director(s)Dave Simon
Producer(s)Michael Gollieb
Designer(s)Dave Simon
Programmer(s)Dave Wagner
Composer(s)Aubrey Hodges
Platform(s)PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Windows
Release
  • NA: May 19, 1998
  • PAL: September 1998
Windows
  • NA: August 1998
Genre(s)Fighting
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is a 3D fighting video game released by Midway in 1998. It was originally planned for arcades. Prototypes of the game were tested at arcades, but the final arcade release was canceled (although a ROM image of the prototype was eventually dumped and works in MAME) and the game was later released for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Microsoft Windows.

Plot

In the near future, rapid advances in technology and bio-engineering in the United States lead to massive conflict and espionage between giant corporations known as "GI-Corps". The resulting conflict, known as the Techno-Industrial Civil Wars, tears the country apart and causes the economy to collapse, with states declaring federal independence to avoid being annexed by one of the GI-Corps. The resulting government bankruptcy and ongoing takeover by the GI-Corps lead to the rise of the new region of Neo-Amerika.

To prevent further conflict and hopefully reunite America, the Secret Games Commission (SGC) is formed, working with the remaining members of government to organize a fighting tournament to settle disputes between GI-Corps. In the tournament, each GI-Corp would choose a champion to represent them, with the winner's GI-Corp gaining ownership of all of the loser's states, ultimately deciding which GI-Corp gets to control all of Neo-Amerika. The plan is put into place, leading to the creation of Biological Flying Robotic Enhanced Armored Killing Synthoids (Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.) serving as the champions for each participating GI-Corp. However, several of the Freaks resent being controlled by GI-Corps, and begin forming an underground resistance movement to earn their equal rights.

Gameplay

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The game uses a fully polygonal fighting engine, with 8 different fighters, and 2 boss fighters.

Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. uses a mix of hand-to-hand and long range combat. Each character has an assortment of special attacks, both close and long range, as well as "finishing attacks". Much like the Fatalities of the Mortal Kombat games, these moves can execute the player's opponents while some, like in Time Killers, will remove limbs. Damage from powerful attacks can add up, causing a limb to be destroyed as well.

The game takes place in 3D fighting arenas. Emphasis was placed on mobility, giving dashes a great range and in multiple directions.

The face buttons are assigned to specific limbs. The shoulder buttons are used for dodging, flying, and basic long range attacks.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
N64PCPS
GameRankings68%N/A61%
Review scores
PublicationScore
N64PCPS
AllGameN/A
Electronic Gaming MonthlyN/AN/A4.5/10
Game Informer4.5/10N/A3.5/10
GameFan72%N/A53%
GameProN/A
GameRevolutionB−N/AB−
GameSpot6/10N/A5.7/10
Hyper74%N/A69%
IGN6.4/104/106.5/10
N64 Magazine76%N/AN/A
Nintendo Power7.8/10N/AN/A
Official U.S. PlayStation MagazineN/AN/A
PC Gamer (US)N/A79%N/A

The Nintendo and PlayStation versions received mixed or average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.

Notes

  1. Nintendo 64 version developed by Saffire.
  2. Four critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation version each a score of 5.5/10, 3/10, 5/10, and 4/10.
  3. Three critics of GameFan gave the Nintendo 64 version each a score of 70, 78, and 69.
  4. Three critics of GameFan gave the PlayStation version each a score of 56, 54, and 49.
  5. GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version two 4/5 scores for graphics and overall fun factor, 4.5/5 for sound, and 3.5/5 for control.
  6. GamePro gave the PlayStation version all four 3.5/5 scores for graphics, sound, control, and overall fun factor.

References

  1. "The Carnage Comes Home Early Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. to Ship Ahead of Schedule". midway.com. May 6, 1998. Archived from the original on February 3, 1999. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  2. GameSpot staff (May 12, 1998). "Freaks for Rent [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 2, 1999. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  3. I. G. N. Staff (1998-04-30). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S." IGN. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  4. "Last-Minute Update". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 95. Ziff Davis. June 1997. p. 94.
  5. ^ "Bio FREAKS for Nintendo 64". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  6. ^ "Bio FREAKS for PlayStation". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  7. Smith, Nick. "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  8. Jones Jr., Fredrick Lewis. "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  9. Smith, Shawn; Davison, John; Hsu, Dan; Williams, Ken "Sushi-X" (August 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 109. Ziff Davis. p. 135.
  10. McNamara, Andy; Anderson, Paul; Reiner, Andrew (July 1998). "Bio FREAKS - Nintendo 64". Game Informer. No. 63. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on September 9, 1999. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  11. "Bio FREAKS - PlayStation". Game Informer. No. 63. FuncoLand. July 1998. Archived from the original on September 14, 1999. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  12. Chau, Anthony "Dangohead"; Justice, Brandon "Big Bubba"; Higgins, Geoff "El Nino" (August 1998). "BioFreaks [sic] (N64)". GameFan. Vol. 6, no. 8. Metropolis Media. p. 17. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  13. Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Chau, Anthony "Dangohead"; Ngo, George "Eggo" (June 1998). "Bio-Freaks [sic] (PS)". GameFan. Vol. 6, no. 6. Metropolis Media. p. 20. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  14. Major Mike (July 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (N64)". GamePro. No. 118. IDG Entertainment. p. 60. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  15. The Rookie (July 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PS)". GamePro. No. 118. IDG Entertainment. p. 68. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  16. Cooke, Mark (June 1998). "Bio FREAKS - Nintendo 64 Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on January 28, 1999. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  17. Cooke, Mark (June 4, 1998). "Bio Freaks [sic] Review (PS)". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on May 8, 1999. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  18. MacDonald, Ryan (June 4, 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Review (N64)". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 27, 2005. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  19. MacDonald, Ryan (May 14, 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Review (PS) [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 29, 2005. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  20. Fish, Eliot (August 1998). "BioFREAKS [sic] (N64)". Hyper. No. 58. Next Media Pty Ltd. p. 79. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  21. Cheung, Kevin (July 1998). "BioFREAKS [sic] (PS)". Hyper. No. 57. Next Media Pty Ltd. p. 72. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  22. Casamassina, Matt (May 20, 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (N64)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  23. Harris, Craig (August 13, 1998). "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  24. Perry, Douglass C. (May 21, 1998). "Bio Freaks [sic] (PS)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  25. Price, James (August 1998). "Bio Freaks (Import)". N64 Magazine. No. 18. Future Publishing. pp. 84–87.
  26. Ashton, James (October 1998). "Bio Freaks [sic]". N64 Magazine. No. 20. Future Publishing. p. 60. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  27. "Bio Freaks [sic]". Nintendo Power. Vol. 109. Nintendo of America. June 1998. p. 95. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  28. "Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. Vol. 1, no. 10. Ziff Davis. July 1998.
  29. Williamson, Colin (October 1998). "Bio Freaks [sic]". PC Gamer. Vol. 5, no. 10. Imagine Media. p. 209a. Archived from the original on March 7, 2000. Retrieved January 23, 2021.

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