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{{Short description|1998 3D fighting video game}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.
{{Infobox video game
|image = ]
| title = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.
|developer = ]
| image = Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. Coverart.png
|publisher = ]
| caption = North American Nintendo 64 cover art
|designer =
| 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>}}
|engine =
| publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|]|PAL|]}}
|released = ], ]
| director = Dave Simon
|genre = ]
| producer = Michael Gollieb
|modes = ], ]
| designer = Dave Simon
|ratings = ]: Mature (M)
| programmer = Dave Wagner
|platforms = ], ], ]
| composer = ]{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
|media =
| 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}}
|requirements =
| genre = ]
|input =
| modes = ], ]
| platforms = ], ], ]
}} }}


'''''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.''''' is a 3D ] released by ] in ]. It saw a limited release in ] and 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 ].


== Taglines == ==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.
* ''Bio F.r.e.a.k.s: The ultimate fusion of man and machine''


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.
* (In a promotion featuring Zipperhead): ''His left arm will leave you in an ambulance. His right arm will leave you in a dust pan''.


==Gameplay==
== Storyline and Setting ==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2022}}
''(Note: As told directly from the Time Killers Handbook)''
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 game takes place in 3D fighting arenas. Emphasis was placed on mobility, giving dashes a great range and in multiple directions.
'''The World of Neo-Amerika'''


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


==Reception==
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.
{{Video game reviews

| N64 = true
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.
| PC = true

| PS = true
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,
| na = true
sabotage and gather information on competing companies, but other competitors began fighting back with their own brand of genetically enhanced corporate spies and agents.
| 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>
These wars between giant corporations a.k.a. "GI-Corps", gave way to more complicated, advanced and unethical methods. The kidnapping of corporate executives and replacing them with clones capable of downloading company secrets was becoming commonplace. Soon, murder and terrorist tactics became tools of choice in the battle between the GI-Corps.
| 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>
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.
| 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>
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...
| 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.}}
'''The Secret Games Commission (SGC)'''
| 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.}}
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.
| 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>
'''The Coming of the Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.'''
| 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>
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:
| 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>
'''Biological Flying Robotic Enhanced Armored Killing Synthoids.'''
| 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>
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:
| 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>
'''Synthoids:''' Genetically enhanced clones with tissue regrowth abilities.
| 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>
'''Retros: (as in retro-fit):''' 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.
| 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>
'''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 save for the brain.
| 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>
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.

== Information ==
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 your opponents while some, like in '']'' will remove limbs.

Not all of these moves prove instant defeat however, as some will remove limbs instead of the head. 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. You 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 also to fly away to a safe distance or speed dash in for close combat.

The players could stay close range for a more traditional experience, go long range and volley and dodge shots from each other, or play cat and mouse as one person continually moves across the room and the other speed dashes after them.

The game also has the buttons dedicated to a specific limb instead of level of strength. This makes it a more intuitive control with the four face buttons grafted to the limbs and the shoulder buttons used for dodging, flying, and your basic long range attack.

''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.'' offers several gameplay modes. The standard Arcade Mode which allows you to battle in a series of one-on-one battles against the other A.I. operated characters of the game, including the two bosses. The also standard Vs Mode where you can battle one-one-one against another person. There is also a Practice Mode so you can learn the controls of the game.

The other two game modes are Team Battle allowing you to play against the computer or another person in anything from two-on-two to five-on-five battles and Survival Mode which can't actually be won as you fight each character again and again getting as many wins as you can before being defeated yourself.

== Characters ==
]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]


The Nintendo and PlayStation versions received mixed or average reviews according to the ] website ].<ref name=GRN64/><ref name=GRPS/>
== Non-Playable Characters==


{{clear}}
]


==Notes==
]
{{notelist}}


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


==External links==
*''Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.'' and its instruction manual
* {{KLOV game|id=7119}}
* {{moby game|id=/bio-freaks}}


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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

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

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

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