Customer Reviews

Small Soldiers

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Has singleplayer(average) and 2-player(good).
The game is based on the characters in the film, as opposed to being based directly on the film.
MobyGames summarizes it well: "Instead of dealing with the toy Commandos and Gorgonites from the movie, the game uses the characters in an imaginary environment as described on the back of the toy figures' packaging."

Singleplayer:
The story mode has you, as Archer, trying to save the Gorgons from The Commandos, led by Chip Hazard(who seems to die only to return again in later areas, which kind of fits the toys-come-to-life-and-fight theme more than the rest of the game's plot).
The single player's a bit average from what I played. Parts of it are almost too simple or abstract to be taken seriously, and the long load times don't really help it either. But it's not a terrible experience, I would recommend it only to those wanting a dose of nostalgia. There's segments where you play as Chip Hazard but I never got around to those, for the reasons previously stated. I think I had more patience for Tiny Tank's load times.

Multiplayer:
The multiplayer on the other hand, I found to be pretty fun. You can play either 2 player deathmatch, or capture the flag. One player is Archer, and the other is Chip Hazard, and they both get access to different weapon sets.(Chip's are arguably better)
If you're feeling lonely or out-gunned, there are some options beyond just the gun upgrades and grenades. You can get items that summon an AI controlled helper. My favorites are the robot for Chip and the farting helper Stench(created just for this game apparently) for Archer.
There are stationary turrets you can hop on and use, and ridable robots/mechs to make some chaos and otherwise harass your enemies, but they make you a sitting duck if you're not careful. The mech walker seems to be more fun, of course. It's a shame that there aren't robot walkers in every level, or a walker-only mode.

Summary:

Pros
+Fun split-screen multiplayer
+Soundtrack from acclaimed veteran video game composer
+Nostalgic
+Awesome ridable robots that shoot missiles

Cons
-Single player experience lacking, long load times
-Not as fun if you don't have someone to play multiplayer with
-Noticeably limited draw distance, thick black fog
-Awesome robots only in select levels

Overall, it's a nice game to dust off and get a few multiplayer rounds in.
I think the only other PlayStation games I played more multiplayer of were Future Cop: LAPD, Duke Nukem: Time to Kill, Army Men 3D, Bomberman, and Worms Armageddon. Small Soldiers is definitely in my list of top multiplayer PlayStation games.

I just felt like digging out the game and writing a more balanced review for it than the other dated ones.


Other Thoughts:
If you're looking for a Small Soldiers game based on the film, try Small Soldiers: Squad Commander for Windows instead, though it's more of an overhead tactical squad game(micro-management is the technical term I think)
Another title to check out is Small Soldiers: Globotech Design Lab(also for PC), which seems to be more of a 3D fighting game, but I haven't had experience with it so I can't really say much other than it seems to keep with the toys-come-to-life-and-fight theme of the film.
There's also a GameBoy Small Soldiers title. Apparently plays music on the SNES sound chip when used with the Super GameBoy(check YouTube), but other than that I know little about it other than it being somewhat decent though having clunky controls.

This game looks like a fun movie based game. I beg you please do not make the same mistake i did and purchase this game. The graphics are horrid (not to mention the awful veiws)and The sound is the worst. It may look cool from the cover, but looks can be decieving.Please DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!

My name is Jake Grass. This is the best game ever I ever played. It is just like the movie.All of the action is really neat and fun.I found a way how to get some tips on how to play better.I also found out how to be different soldiers.It is really really really really hard but fun.It is really cool how they can throw their grenades and shoot their guns.I think Allen the kid is the coolest of all of them.My favorite level is the last one where Allen is on the electricity pole and the sergeant trys to stop Allen from getting the electrity back on.It is cool how the sergeant flys up to Allen in a toy helicopter.I also like when all of the soldiers berke out of their boxs at the beging of the game .I dont likethat it takes so long to load and it is really loud.

Even know I am a HUGE fan of Small Soldiers, I knew a video game soon enought. The video game was so diffrent from the movie it's not funny. oh well.

Okay, starting off I do NOT like this game! Camera angles are just plain horrible, graphics are BAD and now, I shall share with you the other things. Go through almost ENDLESS levels with trashy looking soldiers, and robots chasing you. You have to free demonic looking things (Gorgons) and have to listen to hypnotic chants for the music. For the loading screen, you have to stare at a monster skull for about 5 minutes. And I will warn you, Do NOT, I repeat , DO NOT, buy this game or even rent it! The cover of this game may look cool, :-( Definatly not like the movie. Why are the action figures in temples? Aren't they supposed to be in this kids home? I think this game is just plain DUMB. Trust me.

This game is the worst game I have ever played. It has ok graphics and the screen is too dark sometimes. The game has very bad sound. If you want to play a really fun game that's a horror game play Silent Hill or Silent Hill 2. I AM TELLING TO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!