Review of Sin and Punishment (N64)

This review was originally published in 2007, and we are updating and republishing it to mark the arrival of N64 games on Nintendo Switch Online.

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Small Japanese developer Treasure has a back catalog packed with classic titles, but one that stands out more than most is Sin & Punishment. Released in the twilight days of the N64 console, this unique rail blaster pushed hardware to breaking point with hugely detailed levels, intricate characters and enemy models, and most importantly, action that was so fast and furious it made his eyes hurt. trying to keep up with everything.

It wasn’t until the launch of the virtual console in 2007 that this hectic shooter was available to anyone in the West with a Wii; It was never released outside of Japan on Nintendo’s 64-bit machine, a crime against video games, if it ever did. there was one, because it was the perfect swan song for the console.

If you’re looking for a benchmark to get a better idea of ​​what Sin & Punishment is all about, think of Star Fox crossed with Space Harrier and you’re almost there. It’s a bit reductive and unfair to even compare Sin & Punishment to other games as it’s so original and innovative, but you get the point. This title may rely on tried and tested shooting elements, but it’s the way everything has come together that makes the game so great.

Sin and Punishment is the futuristic story of Saki, a man who seeks to protect Japan from a double threat. Due to food shortages, the Japanese government has been developing a new species of animal for public consumption. Unfortunately, everything goes to hell in a basket when the creatures mutate and start attacking ordinary people across the land of the rising sun. Join the Armored Volunteers, a “peacekeeping” force that wants mutant animals to die, but has its own devious plan at work.

While the story is a good sci-fi thriller with some cool little twists, it’s a bit confusing at times. Those who just want to guess their enemies with lasers without any padding will be happy to know that each scene can be skipped at the push of a button. Although it can be quite entertaining, you may want to refrain from skipping anything the first time.

The game is peppered with video game highlights, including chasing bosses through claustrophobic tunnel systems and taking on an entire enemy armada as you glide over a shattered piece of masonry. Sin & Punishment is also full of subtle and wordy touches; In a scenario, the point of view changes to a side view similar to Gunstar Heroes or Contra.

Sharp shooters will want to take advantage of the game’s dual options when it comes to throwing weapons. A blue ring will lock onto the target and allow players to repeat round after round of less powerful blows. This is the best option for a player if they are new to the title or have trouble with its controls. By switching to the red ring, players will have full control of the aiming cursor, but it will also deal more damage when the target is found. Being able to switch between the two shooting techniques is a great addition to a title that can get a bit overwhelming at times.

The incredible amount of action throughout the story mode is the best aspect of Sin and Punishment. It’s a nonstop barrage of bullets, lasers, missiles, and deadly assailants. And how are those obstacles handled? By blowing them up, of course! As Saki, you will run and shoot through different environments, accumulating points for destroying enemies and doing it with speed and precision. The game forces you to use different tactics to defeat enemies that advance faster and stronger.

The images for Sin and Punishment are some of the best of the Nintendo 64 era. The characters are a bit blocky, but they look sharp and fluid during gameplay and various cutscenes. Enemies and environments are very well detailed and the game does a decent job of keeping its frame rate in step with your ever-changing war landscape. Maybe not Wow you with some specific featured image, certainly not my modern standards, but the game has a polish that is lacking in many games from the early 2000s.

Like Goldeneye and Mario 64, Sin & Punishment was built around the N64 platform, allowing for pinpoint precision and full control, and you really want to use that controller to get the most out of the experience.

conclusion

Simply put, Sin & Punishment is a true classic. It’s a practically flawless shooter and lives up to the best of the N64’s output. There’s even some translation work on the menus and scenes in the virtual console and Nintendo Switch Online versions of the game. Make no mistake, it’s worth checking out if you (understandably) missed it in the past; It really is one of the best games from one of the best developers.