CyClones

Like so many '90s PC games, the mouse sensitivity is INSANE! It's like all the playtesters back then were on cocaine and Cuban coffee via IV.

CyClones, developed by Raven Software and later brought back to modern platforms by SNEG, is one of those early first-person shooters that feels both ahead of its time and firmly rooted in the experimental phase of the genre. Released during the mid-1990s, when developers were still figuring out what a shooter could be, it doesn’t simply imitate its contemporaries—it actively tries to push beyond them, even if the results are uneven. What you get is a game that’s as interesting to examine as it is to play, especially when viewed through the lens of how the genre evolved. The setting leans into familiar science fiction territory, placing players in a world under siege by alien forces that have begun converting humans into cybernetic hybrids. You take on the role of a heavily equipped operative sent to push back against this threat, moving through a series of missions that blend combat, exploration, and occasional objective-based tasks. The narrative itself is not particularly deep, functioning mostly as a framework to justify the action, but it does attempt to add a sense of context through briefings and cinematic touches that were relatively ambitious for the time. Where CyClones begins to stand apart is in its control system. Unlike many shooters of its era, which limited vertical aiming or relied on fixed perspectives, this game introduces a more flexible system that allows players to aim freely in multiple directions using a reticle. This design choice adds a level of precision that feels closer to modern shooters, but it also introduces complexity that can feel awkward at first. The controls demand adjustment, and while they ultimately offer more freedom, they can make the game feel less immediately intuitive compared to its contemporaries. Combat itself is steady and methodical, emphasizing positioning and awareness over pure speed. Weapons range from standard firearms to more experimental tools, and encounters often require players to manage resources carefully while navigating environments filled with hazards. Enemy variety includes both humanoid and mechanical threats, and while the combat doesn’t always feel fluid by modern standards, it has enough variation to remain engaging. There are also moments where the game experiments with mechanics beyond simple shooting, such as interacting with environmental systems or dealing with stationary defenses, which adds a layer of unpredictability. Level design plays a significant role in shaping the experience, and it’s here that the game becomes more divisive. Environments are often large and maze-like, encouraging exploration but also creating the potential for confusion. Progression is not always clearly signposted, and finding objectives can sometimes feel like trial and error rather than logical deduction. For players who enjoy slower, exploratory gameplay, this can be rewarding, but for others, it may disrupt the pacing and lead to frustration. Visually, the game reflects both its ambition and its technical limitations. It incorporates elements that were considered advanced at the time, including animated sequences and multimedia components that add a cinematic layer to the experience. However, the in-game visuals themselves are dated, with blocky environments and limited detail that make navigation occasionally challenging. Despite this, there is a certain charm in its presentation, especially for players who appreciate the early days of 3D gaming. Another defining aspect is its pacing. Compared to the fast, relentless action of many shooters from the same era, CyClones takes a more measured approach. Movement feels deliberate, encounters are spaced out, and the overall rhythm leans toward careful progression rather than constant intensity. This can make the game feel slower, but it also gives it a distinct identity, setting it apart from more action-focused titles. Ultimately, CyClones is a game that embodies the experimental spirit of early first-person shooters. It introduces ideas that would later become standard, but does so in a way that feels rough and occasionally inconsistent. It’s not a perfectly refined experience, but it’s one that demonstrates ambition and a willingness to explore new directions at a time when the genre was still taking shape. For players interested in the history of shooters or in seeing how early developers approached innovation, it offers a compelling glimpse into that formative period. For those expecting a smooth, modern experience, its quirks and limitations may prove more challenging to appreciate. Either way, it remains an intriguing example of a game that aimed higher than many of its peers, even if it didn’t fully reach its potential. Rating: 7/10

It's an old fps game, but i like it. Just buy this game,it's fun and nice to play. i still have the original CD, the control are a bit difficult, but if you keep playing are not much a problem.

Sistema di controllo pessimo, ma davvero una bella perla del passato. primi stranissimi modelli 3D fusi al 2D

the controls are ♥♥♥♥

Pretty dope OST and alright gameplay.

Альтернатива оригинального дума. Стоит того если уже поиграли во все бумер шутеры нового поколения, либо у вас ностальгическая жизнь как у меня. Только не зацикливайтесь на грусти, эта игра когда-нибудь да оживет.

Yes.